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Local idol trio ready
for Simon
... And then there were 32 -- including three from right here in the islands.
Even though "American Idol" will begin to go through its remaining contestants starting next Tuesday, the three local singers from the Honolulu auditions -- Jonah Moananu, Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco -- won't get their moment in the sun until at least the Feb. 17 episode.
Of the three, Moananu has gotten the most face time, and despite Simon Cowell's criticism of his performance Wednesday night, fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson must've liked him, because he advanced to the next round, much to Moananu's surprise and delight.
Trias and Velasco are still relatively unknown to the national TV audience -- both young women were not featured on Wednesday. But starting next Tuesday, it's the audience's turn to vote for their favorite Idol contenders -- and no doubt Hawaii phones will be ringing for all three in helping them advance to the finals.
The top two vote-getters from each show will be announced the following Wednesday.
McKayle documentary returns to PBS Hawaii
PBS Hawai'i will rebroadcast the Hawaii-made documentary "Donald McKayle: HeartBeats of a DanceMaker," at 8 p.m. tomorrow in celebration of Black History Month.The African-American choreographer and performer "had a profound affect on the dance world, but very few outside the field are aware of his contributions and accomplishments," said Gregg Lizenbery of Dance Pioneers, which created the documentary in cooperation with the station. "Of the many choreographers I've had the opportunity to work with, McKayle has consistently had a clear artistic vision and always treats the people with whom he works with respect, honesty, and integrity. I'm pleased that this is being shown again during Black History Month."
The one-hour documentary, narrated by "Touched by an Angel" star Della Reese, is a tribute to McKayle, who began his career at age 18 in 1948, when performing artists were often refused work because of their race. Actor/singer Harry Belafonte shares candid reflections about McKayle's determination to stand on the frontline of changing racial prejudice.
The documentary also includes archival TV excerpts of dance classics from the 1950s and '60s and McKayle's work performed by the Limon Dance Company of New York and the San Jose/Cleveland Ballet.
McKayle's choreography and direction for Broadway musical theater has earned five Tony Award nominations. His film and TV credits include "The Jazz Singer," "The Great White Hope," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," and "The Cosby Show."
The documentary premiered at last fall's Hawai'i International Film Festival and was selected for national distribution to public TV stations across the country.
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