On The Scene

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Mufi Hannemann, left, talked backstage with Neil Sedaka and Tom Moffatt after Sedaka's concert Friday at the Hawaii Theatre. Sedaka's 85-minute solo concert was one of the year's best in Honolulu and featured a good cross-section of his biggest pop hits. The crowd sang along loudly to "I Must Be Dreaming," applauded his efforts in attempting to ad lib the lyrics of one of his newly written Christmas songs, and gave him a standing ovation after he played a classical melody. Hannemann made his debut as a recording artist recently with the release of "I Fell in Love with Honolulu." Moffatt's long-awaited book, "The Showman of the Pacific: 50 Years of Radio & Rock Stars," hits local book stores this week.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Angus Mitchell, left, and Peter Maharaj congratulated island jewelry designer Chenoa Rox at the debut showing of her new design line, "The Dream Collection," Dec. 13 at Club 35.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Philana Bouvier, fourth from left, teamed up with Chenoa Rox Jewelry Designs to throw a "1st Annual Christmas Celebration" Dec 13 at Bar 35. Aima Aluli McManus, left, checked out the jewelry. Bar 35 manager Elektra Walraven, second from left, made sure Nicole Henry and Katie Bodnyk enjoyed the party.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Henry Kapono, left, caught up with Brian Mersebergh of Na Kama on Dec. 10 at the Star-Bulletin/MidWeek Christmas party. They're both busy these days. Kapono is closing his nightclub, Kapono's, with a big show on New Year's Eve. Na Kama is working on a new album.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
R&B veteran Bobby Thursby is the latest Hawaii resident with a gold record. A vintage hit by Thursby's group, the Velvets, was included on Rhino Records' "Doo Wop Box" anthology. The box sold more than 500,000 copies, and the label sent Thursby a framed plaque this month to commemorate his career milestone. Thursby will probably feature songs from his new album, "Grease in My Gravy," Dec. 28 and 30 at Kapono's.