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Islanders put Martin Denny
in their shows late in his life

Martin Denny had his place in the sun in his final years, thanks to Don Tiki's Lloyd Kandell and Kit Ebersbach, La Pietra's Shari Lynn and the isle jazz festival's Abe Weinstein, who gave the pianist a spot of honor in their various productions. Marty died Wednesday, just short of his 94th birthday. He had a tremendous run, gaining national recognition beginning in the 1950s with his exotic sounds at Don the Beachcomber's Dagger Bar in Waikiki and Henry Kaiser's Hawaiian Village. It was at Don's that he met his late wife June, who was a bartender, making exotic drinks. She died in 2001. In his golden years, Marty would include a song he wrote for June in his gigs, "I Love You Forever and Ever," along with "Quiet Village" and "Firecrackers" ...

Decor, entertainment lift Heart Ball at Hilton

Hilton Hawaiian Village's Coral Ballroom was beautifully decorated for the Heart Ball last Saturday night. Besides good food, guests were treated to a full plate of entertainment. Singers included Mary Gutzi, Cathy Foy and Guy Merola. Rodney Cazimero was solid, singing with the PBS big band with Cathy. Pianists Don Conover, Corin Overland and Alethea Train displayed their skills. The event was emceed by Dan Cooke and chaired by Mark Wong and Vicki Bain. Hilton Hawaii chief Peter Schall and HHV G.M. Noel Trainer can be proud of the way the Hilton staff pulled everything together for the big night. Hilton/Doubletree Western Region Senior V.P. Ernest Wooden was in town and saw it all. Peter is planning retirement but said he and wife Charlotte are not leaving the isles ...

Byron Yasui will join two top guitarists who have concerts this month at the Academy of Arts Theatre. Jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini has the stage March 19 with Byron on bass. Classical guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima is booked March 26. Byron will duet with him on guitar and also take ukulele solos. The concerts start at 7:30 p.m. ...

Congratulations are in order for Morton's David Martin and Bill Nickerson. David has been promoted to regional manager, overseeing Morton's management teams in Honolulu, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vancouver, Portland and Seattle. Bill has been upped from manager to general manager and maitre d' of the Morton's Ala Moana, replacing David ...

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