Symphony supporter
gets the diva treatment

Carolyn Berry is a tremendous asset to the Honolulu Symphony as a financial supporter and as chairwoman of the Symphony Board.

To show their appreciation, members of the orchestra and all involved with the symphony threw Carolyn a 70th birthday party for about 225 of her family and friends at the Halekulani Hotel Sept. 12.

Carolyn said she wanted the affair, which included cocktails, dinner and some of the best entertainment available in Hono-lulu, to be a fund-raiser for the symphony. Everyone paid $150 each to attend -- even Jimmy Borges, who performed, bought tickets for himself and his wife, Vicki, with a small portion of his golf winnings.

Rarely have I seen such an outpouring of love and affection at an event. All of the singers, musicians, soloists, conductors and speakers spoke of Carolyn in warm, glowing terms.

Guests knew it was going to be a musical treat when they pulled up to the hotel's porte-cochere and were greeted by music from a group of symphony musicians. Ginny Tiu played piano in the courtyard during the cocktail hour, and then the crowd moved up to the banquet hall where the Manoa Strings were performing.

Rod McPhee, an excellent emcee, welcomed guests before dinner and had them laughing with his Yogi Berra quotes. Some of you might be too young to remember New York Yankees' baseball great Berra whose convoluted quotes were of Hall of Fame quality.

Carolyn knew there was going to be music at her party but did not know what was coming or who would be performing.

It was a musical feast. Symphony Musical Director Sam Wong, Pops Conductor Matt Catingub and Assistant Conductor Joan Landry led the orchestra as singers dedicated songs to Carolyn.

Among the highlights were:

>> Jim Nabors' powerful rendition of "Sometimes When We Touch," after he expressed love for Carolyn.

>> Anita Hall singing, "I Am Who I Am Because of You," with lyrics by Carolyn's daughter Becky McMarlin and music by Catingub and his wife, Vicky. It was so emotional. Anita also sang "Stardust" and Matt sang "Since I Fell for You."

>> Borges dedicating his own lyrics to "I Have Dreamed" to Carolyn and calling her "the essence of goodness."

>> Harold "Scooter" Withrow singing a patriotic "God Bless the USA" that had the crowd standing and cheering. Scooter is Carolyn's brother.

>> Wong leading the orchestra to "Marriage of Figaro" and classics featuring violin soloists Darel Stark and Iggy Jang.

>> Pa'ahana -- Doug Tolentino, Pakala Fernandes, Kaipo Kukahiko and Paul Lucas --playing and singing Hawaiian numbers. Paul said, "Caroline weaves her charms around Hawaii Nei," then the group sang "Maile Lei." Cathy Foy-Mahi danced hula to "Maui Girl."

>> Guy Merola, Daniel Ho and Cathy each taking vocal solos.

The birthday tribute was chaired by Jan George. Volunteers included: Donna Bebber, Stephen Bloom, Vicki Borges, Robyn Hare, Jennifer Lovejoy, Jim Mancuso, Becky McMarlin, Sharon McPhee, Julia Moran, Lori Thomas, Nick Sayada, Angela Smith, Joan Wallace and Trudy Schandler Wong.

Bravo!