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On the Scene John Berger |
"Happy 500th, Alan!": Ola Souza emceed, and Maunalua took a break from a paid gig to provide the music, as Alan Yamamoto, wearing a feather boa, was surprised with a "Happy 500th Birthday" party at the Outrigger Waikiki on Friday. (We're told it was actually his 50th.) Jay Larrin played a pre-party recital on the grand piano in the hotel lobby.
Swingin' with Melveen: Melveen Leed was fabulous as the guest headliner for Jazz Wednesday at the Honolulu Club. John Kolivas (bass) and Adam Baron (drums) comprised the rhythm section; DeShannon Higa (trumpet) and Hal Mita (electric keys) completed the lineup. Leed and the guys rocked through a series of jazz standards. Her witty quips and one-liners added comedy as well.
"Happy Birthday, Governor!": Guy Merola, left, Mary Gutzi, second from left, and Mark Wong wished Gov. Linda Lingle a happy birthday after they performed at her birthday party/fund-raiser at the Sheraton Waikiki on Thursday. Merola's talent as a Po'okela Award-winning singer-actor is well known, and Gutzi has a list of national stage credits, but who knew that Wong was such an accomplished pianist?
Honoring Ke'elikolani: Hawaiian narrator Ku'uipo Kumukahi and cultural consultant Puakea Nogelmeier were among guests of honor Thursday at a reception that followed the public screening of "Biography Hawai'i: Ruth Ke'elikolani" at the UH-Manoa Art Auditorium. The show airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. on PBS Hawaii.
Shar and the Sons: Sharlene Oshiro joined Makaha Sons John Koko, left, Louis "Moon" Kauakahi and Jerome Koko in hosting a VIP dinner party at Sam Choy's Breakfast Lunch &Crab on Friday. Manu Boyd and Glen Smith of Ho'okena, Phil Arnone and Kahi Kaonohi and "Uncle Bobby" Moderow Jr. of Maunalua were among the VIP guests. The Sons headline "Take a Walk in the Country" at the Waikiki Shell Saturday.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
John Berger has covered the local
entertainment scene since 1972. Contact
him at jberger@starbulletin.com.
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