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Mancini adds unique
style to symphony

Monica Mancini joins the Honolulu Symphony Pops this week, bringing her unique style and flawless voice to a celebration of the music of her father, Henry Mancini.

Honolulu pops With guest artist Monica Mancini: In concert: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall Tickets: $40 to $90 Call: 792-200 or order by phone, (877) 750-4400 Online orders: honolulusymphony.com or ticketmaster.com

It's hard to categorize Monica's music -- she's a little bit jazz, a little bit traditional pop, with an amazing ability to bring an intensely personal connection to every song. She invites you into a world of mystique with her silky vocals.

Don't be fooled by her last name. While Monica pays tribute to her father's legacy, her talent as a musician and vocalist is solid. She will sing music from Henry Mancini's "Moon River" and "Charade," but will also feature songs from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "The Wizard of Oz."

You will not believe your eyes -- or ears -- when you hear what we have in store for the first half of the show: a glimpse into the forbidden world of Don Tiki! Dancing girls and "exotica" music on the same stage as the Honolulu Symphony? Honolulu band Don Tiki is the keeper of the flame of the evocative "exotica" genre of jungle jazz pioneered by the legendary Martin Denny.

I've been pretty busy this month, attending a screening of George Clooney's new movie, "Good Night and Good Luck." I was lucky enough to be invited by George to play the role of a bandleader -- my big Hollywood debut!

I also arranged the music for the soundtrack, and it will be featured in the Pops show Nov. 25 and 26, a concert that also features jazz trumpeter Chris Botti. Botti has performed with some of today's hottest musical acts -- Sting, Joni Mitchell and Honolulu's favorite, Burt Bacharach. He's one of the hottest jazz acts around and a perfect companion for your Thanksgiving weekend.

Speaking of the holidays, get tickets now for the Brothers Cazimero holiday show Dec. 9 and 10. These shows sell out every year because everyone wants to kick-start the season with the traditional Hawaiian Christmas music presented by the quintessential Hawaiian duo.

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