Jazz up New Year's Eve
Hawaii Public Radio, KIPO 89.3 FM, presents a treat for jazz lovers on New Year's Eve. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. New Year's Day, the station will air the 10th annual Cognac Hennessy New Year's Eve Coast to Coast jazz celebration.The broadcast opens in New York with the Jimmy Heath Big Band and Ernie Andrews and his Trio. Next, from New Orleans, is Donald Harrison and his "Nouveau Swing" Quartet, then from Oakland, Calif., T.S. Monk's band and special guests Dianne Reeves, Bobby Watson, Howard Johnson and Nnenna Freelon, wrap up the jazz fest.
Brubeck and sons play
Dave Brubeck performs Jan. 16 and 17 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, and he's bringing his family with him.The legendary jazz pianist will be joined by his sons Daniel and Christopher Brubeck in "Take 5 -- The Very Best of Dave Brubeck. The program will feature original compositions and well-known jazz standards, conducted by Russell Gloyd and performed with the Honolulu Symphony.
The concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights, and tickets are priced at $15, $22, $27.50, $35 and $47.50. Tickets are available at Connection outlets, and by calling the Honolulu Symphony office at 538-8863.
In addition, up to 100 tickets will be on sale for $5 cash at the Blaisdell ticket office until 6:30 the day of the concert only. Call the number above for availability.
Brubeck, at 76, is still a leader in contemporary jazz. He has also gained recognition as a composer of orchestral works, oratorios, cantatas, ballets and chamber music, in a career that has spanned six decades and a long list of honors, including the 1996 Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Brubeck reached popularity in the late 1940s. By 1951, he had formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond, launching a form known as "cool jazz."
Calling upon the cello, piano, bass, drums, percussion and trombone, Brubeck and his sons bring to Honolulu their own blend of classical beauty and jazz freedom.
Palace tour by candlelight
The Friends of 'Iolani Palace will host two nights of evening tours at the palace tomorrow and Saturday to commemorate the birthday of Queen Kapi'olani.The palace and grounds will be decorated with lanterns as they were for monarchy period festivities. Visitors will also be able to tour the Grand Hall, the Blue Room, the State Dining Room and Throne Room by the glow of monarchy period lighting.
Fifteen-minute tours of the palace's first floor will begin at 6 p.m. and continue every 10 minutes. Tours will be free and no reservations are required, although tickets are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first serve basis beginning 5:30 p.m. each evening. No one under 5 years old will be admitted.
For information, call 522-0832.
It's makahiki time
Hawaiian games and entertainment will highlight the 17th annual Moloka'i Makahiki taking place Jan. 31 at Kaunakakai Park and the Mitchell Pauole Center in Moloka'i.Festivities begin at 7 a.m. with a "time of peace" ceremony conducted by Kumu Hula John Kaimikaua of the Halau Hula O Kukunaokala. Hawaiian sports competitions will follow the ceremonies and continue until noon. Adults can sign up for the competitions at the event.
Musical groups and hula halau will perform at the center from noon to 4 p.m. and there will be food and craft booths open.
Admission is free. Call the Moloka'i Visitors Association toll-free at 1-800-553-0404.
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