Star-Bulletin
The old Queen's Surf on Waikiki Beach.
Remember
Queen’s Surf?
The Waikiki supper club
By John Berger
is reborn at Field's
Special to the Star-BulletinMike Field is a man with a mission: Bring supper club entertainment back to Waikiki.
"Waikiki hasn't had a supper club since Queen's Surf," he said as he surveyed the sparse but energetic group that was sampling the fare at Field's Dining & Dancing Tuesday.
A oldies revue had auditioned with little energy and minimal response earlier in the evening. The energy level quadrupled when the scheduled act took over. Jane McCabe -- remembered by those of a certain age as "Baby Doll" from Baby Doll & the Surfettes -- is a formidable guitarist with commanding presence as a rock-and-blues vocalist. Bassist Mara Sagapolu took the lead spot on "Walking After Midnight" in an attractive contrast to McCabe's powerhouse singing on songs like "I Can't Stop Loving You."
Star-Bulletin
New guy Marshall Kaniho (keyboards) added a male voice and great fingers to the band. Merri Lake McGarry (of Lemuria and Hawaiian Style Band fame) was called up from the audience to sit in on an R&B mini-set that she concluded with "Akaka Falls."Field wants says this type of musical mix is what he wants. Early publicity notwithstanding, he isn't presenting a '50s club or oldies karaoke or big band in miniature. He's looking forward to presenting Shirley Walker (of Shirley Walker & the Torpedoes), and taking the stage himself with Cathy Foy and Noly Paa on Saturdays.
Who is this guy? One of the musical Field brothers (brother Kenny is also a veteran musician, brother Richard retired from music to become R. Field Wine Co.). Mike Field is also a veteran of the local bar business who earned his stripes at the old Blue Goose (now Liquid Surf) in Puck's Alley in the '70s. His new club has an equally colorful history.
Star-Bulletin
George Kail and the Comacho Brothers (Joe and Jorge) wrote a bright chapter in local nightclub history when the opened it as the Pink Cadillac in the '80s. The room has changed names and owners several times since then, sinking lower with each change.The black polka-dot pattern created by ancient blobs of chewing gum on the public sidewalk outside recalls those darker times, but Field has done wonders with the interior. It is now bright and clean. The furnishings are functional but attractive. A small galaxy of mirrored globes provides old-time ambiance over the spacious dance floor.
Field faces several daunting obstacles -- the stagnant economy, a problematic location, changing demographics. Many Waikiki residents passionately disliked the various Wave Waikiki-wannabe rock clubs that had occupied the space. Will they now turn out to support his dining and dancing venture?
Field's
Dining & DancingAddress: 478 Ena Road.
