Posted at 11:20 a.m., Friday, July 6, 2001

Island stars come out for McVay services

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Beamer Brothers, Keola and Kapono, perform together for the first time in decades at today's services for their former manager, Kimo McVay, at the Outrigger Canoe Club. The Beamers sang their hit, "Honolulu City Lights." Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

With more laughter than tears, the friends of promoter Kimo McVay honored the life of a showman on the shores of Waikiki.

His passing last week from cancer had brought tears, but this morning at services at the Outrigger Canoe Club, memories of McVay put smiles on the faces of more than 200 people.

His death even did what no one had accomplished for 20 years — the reunion of Keola and Kapono Beamer, brothers McVay promoted in the 1970s and loved like sons. The Beamers, who approached the microphone from opposite sides of the audience, sang "Honolulu City Lights," their trademark song.

It was one of McVay's last wishes that the Beamers come together one more time. "Kimo always told us if we ever got together again he would promote it," said Keola Beamer. "Kimo, we're sorry we showed up late. Those were wonderful years."

Their softly sung lyrics moved the audience.

McVay was remembered as a promoter who was dedicated to his clients and a master of hyperbole who had an eye for rising talent.

"He was a showman supreme," said promoter Tom Moffatt. "A showman likes to have a full house. Well Kimo, you have a full house. Well done."

Singer Don Ho, who was once managed by McVay, called him the perfect boss. "He would disappear behind me and stay out of my face," he said.

"Thank you, Kimo," Ho said. "We'll see you somewhere along the line."

And with that they carried McVay's ashes to a canoe so they could be spread on the turquoise waters of Waikiki.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said comedian Andy Bumatai, "Kimo McVay has left the building."