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Reichel joins Pops
for finale

It is hard to imagine a more hauntingly beautiful voice than that of Keali'i Reichel. Fresh from his first Grammy nomination, Reichel returns to the Blaisdell concert stage this weekend for the Honolulu Symphony Pops' season finale.

Honolulu Pops Season finale, with Keali'i Reichel: In concert: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall Tickets: $27 to $72 Call: 792-2000 or Ticketmaster at (877) 750-4400; or online at www.ticketmaster.com

Reichel, who has taken Hawaiian music to the world stage, will perform such favorites as "Kawaipunahele," and songs from his latest release, "Ke'alaokamaile" ("The Scent of Maile"), which was a nominee in the first Hawaiian music category at the 2005 Grammy Awards.

Showcasing Hawaiian music is a huge part of the pops program, and if you liked what you saw this season, just wait until next. We are heading in a new direction, with ground-breaking multimedia productions and a lineup of award-winning artists. There will truly be a little something for everyone next year.

The 2005-06 Pops season will open with "The Righteous Brothers: A Celebration By Bill Medley," a trip down memory lane with such favorites as, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin," and "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration." Jazz standouts such as vocalist Monica Mancini and trumpeter Chris Botti will thrill with classic renditions and new twists on popular music.

On the local front, "Tribute to IZ" will provide many chicken-skin moments, with songs by Bruddah Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, complemented by never-before-heard recordings of the gentle giant. A local holiday tradition in the making, "Christmas with the Brothers Cazimero," will set a warm mood for the holidays.

But the highlight of the new season will be the Hawaii debut of Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Elvis Costello. One of the most prolific songwriters of our time, Costello will share some of his classics, such as "Allison" and "She," and will treat us to a rare performance of his symphonic orchestrations.

In town recently with his talented wife, Diana Krall, Costello was inspired by a private performance by ukulele prodigy Jake Shimabukuro, and has experimented with the local instrument. Maybe we'll get to see the famous British rocker strumming a uke!

Rounding out the season will be Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, also a recent Grammy nominee.

Honolulu is lucky to have a gifted, world-class orchestra. I have conducted orchestras across the country, and in few cities have I found such top, local-grown talent. I am continually amazed by the orchestra's ability to adapt to new styles of music and to convey that music so beautifully to audiences.

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