Wood Craft
Arthur Lyman called and asked me to thank people for him through this column for the support they have given him in his battle against throat cancer and to give a big mahalo to all involved and to all who attended the benefit for him at the Elks Club. He said Martin Denny called him to say there was an Arthur Lyman credit in the movie "Ocean's Eleven." Arthur is heard playing "Caravan" on the vibes. That gave me another reason to see the picture. "But I didn't get any royalties," Arthur said ... I liked "Ocean's Eleven," a slick remake of the Sinatra film about a gang robbing Las Vegas casinos. It offers solid acting by the cast that included Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Andy Garcia, Matt Damon, Carl Reiner, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac and superstar Julia Roberts, who was listed in the credits as: "Introducing Julia Roberts as Tess Ocean." Ho ho ho ... Arthur Lyman thanks
everyone for support
Divas shine for Loyal
The Local Divas, with a hilarious assist from a fresh and rested Mel Cabang, put their act into overdrive for their "This One's for You, Loyal" show before an appreciative, packed Sheraton-Waikiki ballroom crowd Wednesday. It was a big production. Stars Melveen Leed, Nohelani Cypriano and Carole Kai were supported by singer Kevin I, solo hula dancer Kaula Naluai, the Tau Dance Company, Sonny Ching's halau and the powerful City of Refuge Church Choir. It was one of the top shows of the year. Loyal, the fourth Diva, died Nov. 15, but her presence was felt through videos and her recordings. Cabang was a riot. A skit with his cousin Melveen as a cab driver was so funny. Loyal would have loved it all ...
Sandy turns 70
State Farm insurance whiz Sandy Gomes was dripping with sweat after dancing with several partners to the music of Centre Stage -- Eddie Lactaden, Bong Usman, Owen Tamanaha and Sandy Kinoshita -- to mark his 70th birthday Thursday at Oahu Country Club. Sandy, a former club president, took over the entire dining room for the party. "Sandy and I are so grateful for our family and friends," said Gwen, Sandy's wife. "I'm so glad we can keep doing this -- sharing. I'm so happy." Sandy and Gwen's six children, including state Rep. Joe Gomes, attended. Son Lee Gomes of the Wall Street Journal flew in from San Francisco. Lee got his start at the Star-Bulletin. The 175 guests included Hui O Hackers members and many of Sandy's Roosevelt Class of '49 pals. Ken Dias and Barbara Miyasato, who both have had both knees replaced, made a point to dance with each other. They were smooth ...Herb Kealoha Mesick was bowled over by a surprise 80th-birthday lunch for him recently at Padovani's. Herb was a pianist in Broadway show orchestras for 32 years. He conducted for Margaret Whiting for 11 years. Actress Bea ("Maude") Arthur called to say she would have come here for the party, but she is on the road in a show. But singers Jimmy Borges, Don Fernandez and pianist Betty Loo Taylor performed for Herb after lunch. The party was set up by Hob Osterlund and was attended by many of Herb's former co-workers at Queen's Hospital. Former Manoa Gallery owner Holly Rooke flew in from Canada for the event ... I'll be on vacation until Jan. 2. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ...
Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets
of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of
people, places and things every Saturday.
E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com