Wood Craft Ben Wood

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The Society of Seven earns standing ovations for 2 shows

THE SOCIETY OF SEVEN, which first performed here in 1965 as the Fabulous Echoes, never grows old, as the group showed in its concerts last weekend at Blaisdell Concert Hall. The well-costumed show band's versatility -- singing, dancing, comedy, skits, musicianship -- was on full display and earned a standing ovation both Friday and Saturday nights. Vocal soloists Lani Misalucha and guest singer Jasmine Trias were excellent. Besides her Celine Dion impersonation, pops and Broadway tunes, Lani went operatic with "Nessun Dorma" from "Turandot" and brought the house down. Jasmine, Hawaii's "American Idol" star, has certainly grown up. Like Lani, she was decked out in fabulous form-fitting gowns as she performed "Idol" and Broadway numbers. After the shows, SOS leader Tony Ruivivar and Bert Sagum, the only two remaining members of the Echoes, and other SOSers Marc Escueta, Wayne Wakai, Hoku Low, Roy Guerzo and Vince Mendoza, greeted guests in the Concert Hall lobby after both concerts ...

DICK TOMEY, former UH head football coach and now San Jose's coach, and his wife, author Nanci Kincaid, were at Friday night's SOS concert with Dave and Nery Heenan. Dick asked about singer Marlene Sai. I told him she will play "Bloody Mary" in the Hawaii Opera Theatre's production of "South Pacific," opening July 27 at the Concert Hall. Others interested in the hit Broadway musical should call 596-7858 for more info and tickets ...

'OVER THE RAINBOW' IS BOOKED FOR IZ'S NEXT CD

THE "WONDERFUL WORLD" album with Israel Kamakawiwoole singing, backed by a full orchestra, is a fine body of work by Jon De Mello and his team at Mountain Apple. But I was disappointed that IZ's "Over the Rainbow"/"What a Wonderful World" medley that that put him on the worldwide map was not included on the album. Apple's Leah Bernstein and Jon, in a group for lunch at Mariposa Sunday, said "Rainbow" will be on IZ's next album with an orchestra ...

DONNA BARNETT and Elaine Tsui, former Gucci Waikiki managers, have moved into key positions with Louis Vuitton at Ala Moana. Donna is store director and Elaine is ready-to-wear chief ...