Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
Wood Craft
WORLD-CLASS hotelman Robert H. "Bob" Burns, 70, is ecstatic about becoming a father for the first time. Burns' wife, the former Janice Lam, whom Bob lovingly calls "Lam Chop," gave birth to Robert Henry Burns III Sunday in New York. "I couldn't believe we were able to accomplish that," Bob said by phone Friday. "I can't believe it." Bob, who has many isle friends, put the Kahala Hilton on the map and went on to form Regent International Hotels, which he later sold. He is developing a luxury hotel property in Italy ... Hotelier Burns,
70, is a father
Laurie's surprise
LAURIE CALLIES arrived at Compadres Thursday for her surprise party before most of the guests arrived but she was surprised by the early birds. Laurie was in the dark until she saw her pals at the bar, being well taken care of by master mixologist John Rotondo. Laurie's husband, UH law professor David Callies, set the whole thing up. Laurie's late cousin wasslack-key guitar legend Sonny Chillingworth. Guest musicians Bobby Moderow and Kahi Kaonohi played and sang many slack-key songs. Laurie and Kathy Ostrem danced hula. But Laurie's mom, Phyllis Chillingworth Garrett, received the biggest hand for her hula. Phyllis' older sister, Maris Gray, joked about Phyllis' arthritis during the dance. "It'll show up tomorrow," Phyllis shrugged ...
ONWARD: A group of golfers including Brett Quigley, Tim Herron and Brad Faxon dined at Ciao Mein Wednesday ... Elton John played tennis at Waialae Country Club during his stay. My spy says he is a good tennis player and was gracious about signing autographs ... California Pizza Kitchen donated 100 pizzas to the Salvation Army for needy isle families during the holidays. CPK staffers came in on their own time to cook the pizzas. Bravo! ... Racing driver Jeff Gordon and his wife, Brooke, dined at Padovani's New Year's Eve ... Hawaii Theatre presents 2 Pianos 4 Hands Tuesday through Sunday ...
HAWAII Opera Theatre supporter and board member Margaret Armstrong tossed a luncheon last week for the guest singers, who are rehearsing here for the new season. Beef tenderloin, opakapaka and breast of quail were among the dishes on the lavish menu. Let's not have any "fat lady sings" jokes, please. The performers didn't have to worry about the calories as Honolulu Club G.M. David Shell has generously arranged for the stars to work out at the club. The opera season opens Jan. 28 at the Concert Hall with Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" ...
Hana hou for Krall a must
DIG THIS, Mike Tiknis and Matt Catingub: A Honolulu Pops return gig for jazz thrush Diana Krall and her hot trio is a must! The sooner the better. And for all you jazz fans, such as Hana's Carl "Linky" Lindquist and Kailua's Frank Steinmiller, who missed Diana at the Concert Hall last weekend, be sure to get there next time, even if you have to Krall. Forgive the pun. Diana, who sings and plays piano with utmost feeling, pumps out my kinda jazz. She swings, she wails, she cries and sighs. And she hurts singing the blues. She said she loves Sinatra -- who doesn't? She sang a bunch of tunes from his songbook, including: "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," "Let's Fall in Love" and "Pick Yourself Up." Then there was "Flim Flam Sauce," from the incomparable Nat King Cole Trio. Bossa nova, boogie-woogie -- there was so much good stuff. I could rave on and on. Hana hou! ...
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