On the Scene
John Berger



The Makaha Sons' 30th

A MAGIC MOMENT:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
A guest performance by Genoa Keawe was one of the highlights as the Makaha Sons -- John Koko, left, Jerome Koko and Louis "Moon" Kauakahi -- celebrated the group's 30th anniversary with "Take A Walk in The Country 4" in the Blaisdell Arena on Saturday. Sunday was Father's Day, and Keawe got a big laugh when she dedicated a song "To all the mothers, (because) the fathers made you mothers. I know -- I had 12 (children)!" Keawe closed with "'Alika" and got a standing ovation as she left the stage. The Sons' two-hour set was an excellent finale to one of the year's best Hawaiian music events. CLICK FOR LARGE

COUNT DOWN TO SHOW TIME:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
The men of Na Kama -- Brian Mersberg, left, Danny Naipo and Eric Lee -- were joined by their hula dancer, Lauren Kanoelani Chang, as they got ready to take the stage.

SHAR'S IN CHARGE:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
"Walk" promoter Sharlene Oshiro had it all under control.

UKULELE MAGIC:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Daniel Ho and Herb Ohta Jr. were superb as the lead-off act.

YES, HE'S WORKING:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
The sound quality was perfect thanks to John Schneck of Custom Audio.

TWO GREAT GUESTS:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kumu hula Chinky Mahoe, left, and Hoku Zuttermeister enhanced the show performing as guests of other acts. Zuttermeister was brought out to do two songs with Ho'okena. Mahoe and several members of his halau were featured with the Makaha Sons.

"UNBELIEVABLE!":

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hawaiian 105 KINE was represented by its top emcees Braddah Wade and Randy "Unbelievable!" Hudnall. No show is complete until Hudnall describes something as "Unbelievable!"

A GREAT GUEST:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Nani Dudoit danced hula for the Brothers Cazimero -- Robert, left, and Roland -- before performing with Ho'okena.

CONGRATULATIONS!:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Shalysse Gramberg, 2006 Makaha Sons Scholarship recipient, talked with the Sons -- John Koko, left, Jerome Koko, and Louis "Moon" Kauakahi -- moments before they opened the second half of the show.

AND HE DANCES:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Manu Boyd, left, the leader of Ho'okena, talked backstage with Ho'okena bassist Chris Kamaka after dancing a spirited version of "Teve Teve" for the Brothers Cazimero.

FIJI'S BACK IN TOWN:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Fiji, right, talked with Tony Solis of Hawaiian 105 KINE. Fiji was excellent singing "Isole" and "E Nei" with the Makaha Sons

JUST IN TIME!:

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JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hawaiian music veterans Bobby Hall and Mark Yim had an earlier commitment but arrived in time to join the Sons for "Hawai'i Aloha."



John Berger has covered the local entertainment scene since 1972. Contact him at jberger@starbulletin.com.



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