Hawaii
IN a Funk: It's been 17 years since Kailua High grad John Funk and wife Stevi left for California, but they can't get Hawaii out of their thoughts. The other night the Funks took oldest son Michael, who was born in Hawaii, to see Led Kaapana and Cyril Pahinui at the fabled McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica. John Funk had grown up a big fan of Cyril's "pops," Gabby Pahinui, but never got a chance to see him play in person, so this was a treat for the entire family. It was a night of beautiful music and great storytelling, and at intermission the Funks stepped outside for some fresh air and there was Cyril, having a smoke. They struck up a conversation and learned that both went to Kailua, with Gabby's son a freshman when Funk was a senior. "That night," reports Funk, it was as if we could step outside the room and feel the gentle trade winds and hear the waves pounding on the shore. Suffice it to say, the Aloha Spirit was very much in the air in Santa Monica ... Funky island music
takes aloha to Santa MonicaMUSIC is very much in the air in Waikiki also, despite a downturn of tourism. Starting this week, Puamana will be performing Fridays at the Halekulani's House Without a Key. After the death of the legendary "Auntie" Irmgard Aluli, the remaining members decided to continue as a trio ... The Islanders continue at the House Without a Key Sundays through Thursdays and two former Miss Hawaiis complement the music with graceful hulas. Kanoe Miller dances nightly except Sundays when Debbie Nakanelua takes over ... And performing at an Aloha Friday Pau Hana show tomorrow at the Moana's Banyan Courtyard will be Na Leo Pilimehana, Brother Noland and Teresa Bright ...And while it's not in Waikiki, ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro will perform at Chai's Island Bistro Nov. 21-24 over the Thanksgiving holiday ...
Taco Belles
FOR 25 years, Linda & Yolanda Martinez have worked with their family in the Mexican food business, first with the defunct La Paloma, then at Jose's in Kaimuki and for the past two years with Jose's Restaurante Mexicana Y Cantina at Restaurant Row. They'll be celebrating Year No. 2 tomorrow and Saturday. Besides serving up the best of Mama's recipes and Dad's Margaritas, the Martinez girls will feature Latin music by Duo De Serenata ...HE was 83 when he died this week, but Roy Kelly was, from the age of 3 years, known as the "mascot" of the Great Bambino, Babe Ruth. The slugger had taken a liking to the youngster when he saw him playing catch with his dad and fairly "adopted" him, letting him sit on the Yankee bench and hang out with the team, even on road trips. The New York Times obit of Kelly mentioned among his survivors, "a son, Michael of Hawaii." Anyone know this fellow? ...
Snowman in Hawaii
WHEN Slava's Snowshow was presented last at the Hawaii Theatre, I mentioned it was one of the funniest shows I'd ever seen in a theater, second only to "Fool Moon," also a mime show. I know, we're all supposed to hate mimes, but when they are as original and outrageous as Slava, you have to be endeared to them. Don't miss the clown's "Snowshow" Dec. 19-29 at the same theater. I know I'll be back ...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
The Week That Was recalls items from Dave's 30 years of columns.Contact Dave by e-mail: ddonnelly@starbulletin.com