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Wood Craft Ben Wood |
Martin Denny will
open Hawaii Jazz
Festival July 30Abe Weinstein, founder of the Hawaii International Jazz Festival, visited 93-year-old pianist Martin Denny at his home recently. For their enjoyment, Marty got on his piano and played some of his compositions. Abe took Augie Colon's widow, Phyllis Colon, and Dana Fujikake on the visit. Augie was Marty's percussionist. Marty told Abe he wanted to perform in the jazz festival. Abe is happy to have Marty and has booked him as the opening act. The two-night festival at the Hawaii Theatre opens July 30. This year's theme is "Swingtime in Hawaii," with big band sounds of the World War II years ... Abe and his jazzy friends will display their musical art at Ramsay Museum on Art Walk Night Friday. The music starts at 5 and runs to 9 p.m.
Want a house that celebs own? If you have a spare $2.775 million you can pick up the Niu beachfront home owned by John Travolta and Kelly Preston. The fee-simple property has three bedrooms, three baths, a hot tub, pool and lava-rock waterfall. Pat Choi has it listed ...
Anita Hall shows her speed at Indy 500
Singer Anita Hall, originally from Indianapolis, is revved up after covering the Indianapolis 500 for "Ohana Road," a KITV show that's all about cars. Her dad, Lewis Hall, was a photographer at car races and took little Anita to them. At this year's Indy 500, grown-up Anita said she made her way though the pits and Gasoline Alley with a digital camera in one hand and a video camera in the other. The highlight was a ride round the famous track in an Indy Pace Car. Anita's film clips will be in the TV shows that start July 24. Andy Bumatai is also doing a segment. That should be a kick ..."The Joy of Food and Wine," a tasting of 200 vintages from around the world, will be held July 17 in Hilton's Tapa Ballroom. Food for the Rehab Hospital benefit will come from Hilton's Bali, Golden Dragon and Village Steak & Seafood restaurants. Breads and 30 different cheeses will also be offered. Laurie Tom is chair. Tickets are $90 in advance and $100 at the door. They are available at Fujioka's at Market City or at REHAB Foundation; call 566-3451 ... Kathy Muneno is winding up as Ms. Fitness for June at Clark Hatch Gym ... I'll be on vacation having fun the rest of the week. Whoopee! ...
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Ben Wood, who sold the Star-Bulletin in the streets of downtown Honolulu during World War II, writes of people, places and things every Wednesday and Saturday. E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com