Wood Craft
Some 25 years ago when David Copperfield was a young man performing at the Pagoda, I covered his show and later he asked me how he could improve his act. The eager, enthusiastic Copperfield and I had a nice talk. When he returned here a few years ago as a huge star worth millions, I reminded him of that chat. "All that advice I gave you paid off," I said. "Where's my cut?" The magic man looked as if he wanted to make me disappear. He didn't make me vanish, but Copperfield is making people and other things disappear and reappear in his fantastic show that winds up tomorrow at the Concert Hall. Copperfield is an accomplished showman. His illusions and tricks are incredible. He closes tomorrow ... Copperfield caught Mel Cabang's late-nighter at Don Ho's Island Grill Thursday. Don attended ... Copperfield doesn’t
buy writer’s illusion
Brede-Silva wedding
Police officer Michael Brede Jr. married U'ilani Silva last Saturday at St. Anthony's Church in Kailua. Former Spats manager Nancy Regidor, Brede's mom, flew in from Memphis with her mom, Frances Askew, and other relatives. Michael's dad, Michael Sr., and late grandfather, Lawrence, were HPD officers. The bride is from Molokai ... Eighty descendants of Oliver and Jennie Brilhante reunited last weekend at the home of Steve Dunn, a grandson of the late Brilhantes. Oliver was a respected piano tuner. He and Jennie had four boys and two girls, all of whom graduated from Roosevelt High from 1940 through 1950. The boys -- Oliver Jr., Stanley, Rudy and LeRoy -- were RHS athletes. The family has a "sing fest" at reunions ...Two Women's polo teams fought it out at Waimanalo Sunday with the Divas -- Alice Lombardo, Alexi MacKenzie, Jovanna Giannasio and Heidi Thomas -- edging the Wicked Wahines, 4-3, to win the Wahine Challenge. Dory Weymouth, Becca Dailey, Michelle Brousseau and Tiare Paty played for the Wahines. Jovanna won the Most Valuable Player award. Michelle was named Most Improved Player and Tiare won the Groom Award. Honolulu Polo Club President Allen Hoe and D.J. Colbert presented awards. Announcer was Bob Hogan. Hawaiian Cool played music at the post-match party. Tomorrow, three teams battle for the MacGregor Cup, 3 p.m. ...
Fighting diabetes
The American Diabetes Association will benefit from "Breakfast at the Palace" -- the Royal Hawaiian Pink Palace, that is -- Sept. 9 at 8 a.m. in the Monarch Room. Chef Daniel Delbrel is creating a gourmet menu and Ferragamo's fall/winter collection will be modeled. Pianist Ginny Tiu entertains. Tickets are $100; call 947-5979 ... The Aloha Festivals Royal Ball Sept. 8 at the Hilton Tapa Ballroom will offer a silent auction that will include art, musical entertainment and other donated items. Call 589-1771 for tickets ...The Academy of Arts Showcase fund-raiser Sunday set a record, netting almost $60,000 from art sales at the food and wine event. Chairs Joyce Tomonari and Stephanie Hee and their team hit a home run ... Academy Director George Ellis is retiring at the end of next year. Applicants for genial George's job should contact board chair Sam Cooke ...
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