Morrison not in loop
about luau concert
Oops!
Van Morrison has been the much-promoted featured performer for this December's Honolulu Marathon Luau/Concert, but someone forgot to tell the Irish singer-songwriter.
Honolulu Marathon officials learned yesterday that record producer and promoter Ken Vangel, who told them he represented Morrison, did not have the authority to make any arrangements on the entertainer's behalf.
Morrison, who was to receive about $75,000 for the Dec. 12 Waikiki Shell performance, was "never made aware" that he was scheduled to appear in Hawaii and that tickets were already being sold, said Jim Barahal, Honolulu Marathon president.
The marathon made a "small deposit" which Barahal declined to specify.
About 500 tickets have been sold, he said.
Honolulu Marathon officials have suspended all ticket sales for the luau/concert until a replacement headliner can be obtained.
"We apologize to Honolulu Marathon runners and supporters, and we would like to extend our sincere apologies to Mr. Morrison, who until today had absolutely no knowledge of this misrepresentation," Barahal said.
Ticket holders seeking an immediate or early registration fee refund can do so by calling the Honolulu Marathon office at 734-7200; mail the office at 3435 Waialae Ave., Suite 208, Honolulu 96816; or e-mail the office at www.honolulumarathon.org.
A walk-up refund also can be obtained by going to Niketown in Waikiki by 6 p.m. Sunday.
Honolulu Marathon officials had a conference call yesterday to New York with Vangel, Morrison's current booking agent Ron Delsener and the entertainer's United Kingdom manager, but nothing was resolved, Barahal said.
"Vangel didn't 'fess up or shed much light on this situation," he said. "In fact, he didn't say much."
Another conference call is scheduled for today.
"We'll try to make some sense out of this," Barahal said.
Barahal said he met Vangel through a business source.
Honolulu Marathon