Show Biz
Pointer Sisters rescue party at DFS Galleria

SMOOTH SAILING: That "Bring Back Boat Days" gala Friday night at the DFS Galleria, a benefit for the Washington Place Foundation, included a number of surprises. That the Pointer Sisters ("I’m So Excited," "Fire") actually showed up to headline was kind of a surprise, because they had replaced Dionne Warwick at the last minute (her mom took ill); Warwick, in turn, had replaced Neil Sedaka (who had laryngitis and a heart problem). The uncertainty down to the wire kept Sharon Weiner, DFS Galleria vice president, on edge.

Happily, Martin Nievera, local fave, managed to relax and warm the audience, coaxing first lady Vicky Cayetano into reprising their "When I Fall in Love" duet from an earlier concert; then he nudged Gov. Ben Cayetano into dancing, bringing applause. Nievera, in sizzling voice and always with a quick mind and eye, hauled Cha Thompson to the stage to dance the hula to his "Be My Lady" signature - "their" song, in that he always sings it directly to her (which generally provokes tears). She managed to dance and smile and hold back the tears . . .

SIGHT ’EMS: Tony Bennett enjoyed a few days of R&R at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, taking a night to dine at the Anuenue Room . . .

The Food Network’s "Iron Chef" whiz Hiroyuki Sakai normally is seen in frantic culinary battle against other champion chefs on the cooking show, but in Hawai‘i, he’s been on a much more relaxing pace. Toured Sea Life Park and took an underwater cruise on the Atlantis submarine off Waikiki . . .

Vern J. Troyer, Mini-Me in "Austin Powers 2," rocked to the music of Rail at Wave Waikiki on a recent Friday, then returned for more action on Lo-Blo Sunday with DJ Byron the Fur . . .

At the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Centennial Celebration, Jeffrey Apaka created a virtual trio when he sang "Waipio (Beyond the Rainbow)" - thanks to the magic of recording - with his late father, Alfred Apaka, and grandfather, Alfred Apaka Sr. Overcome with emotion as he finished his duty beneath the historic banyan tree, Apaka fought back tears for a truly chicken-skin moment for the 500 attendees. Joe Recca, from the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel’s "Creation" show, emceed, outlining the role of music in the history of the Moana, with Nina Keali‘iwahamana and Bill Ka‘iwa doing duets and trios (joined by Recca). Recca coaxed Ka‘iwa to do his signature "Boy From Laupahoehoe." And when 50 Hula Halau Olana dancers paid tribute to Johnny Almeida, kumu hula Olana Ai did an unscheduled solo. Among the notables in the audience: Tom Moffatt and Danny Couch . . .

RANDOM NOTES: "Spirit of the Dance - the New Millennium" creator David King is no fool; he left freezing London to be with the cast of his Irish show during its Honolulu and Maui engagements. He was part of the opening night hoopla last night at the Hawai‘i Theatre and aprÚs-show party at Murphy’s . . .

Jake Shimabukuro and his Colon buddies were guests on the Perry & Price Hanohano Room show Saturday. Shimabukuro, who wrote that musical tribute to the "Ehime Maru" victims, was intrigued by the koto players from Fukushima prefecture in town for the Honolulu Festival, particularly when the instrument was described as a surfboard size ‘ukulele. And unbeknownst to Colon lead singer Guy Cruz, his brother John Cruz also was a guest, promoting his All Star Hawai‘i appearance that day . . .

And that’s Show Biz . . .

Wayne Harada writes Show Biz on Wednesdays and Fridays; reach him at 525-8067, e-mail at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax at 525-8055.

[back to top]