Around Town
Kia CD-launch party a festivals benefit

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Blaine Kia's "He Makana O Na Lei Nani" CD, launched recently, will be feted in a CD release party from 6 to 9 tonight at Don Ho's Island Grill, Aloha Tower Marketplace. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Aloha Festivals, which inspired the CD.

Kia will perform music from the recording, with the women of Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie and the men of Kahulaliwai dancing.

Information: 528-0807.

Na 'Oiwi will jam at Liberty House

Na 'Oiwi, the island group featuring Mike Kaawa, Dennis Kamakahi, David Kamakahi and John Yamasato, will perform from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Ala Moana Liberty House store.

The performance, on the third floor, will be followed by an autograph session, from 1:30 to 2 p.m.

The appearance is part of the store's Sunday Jam concert series.

Admission is free.

Information: 941-2345.

'Cinderella' hoopla is DHT fund-raiser

Diamond Head Theatre will stage a pre-opening gala for "Cinderella," the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical which will be reprised starting July 6 at theater. The fund-raiser will be from 6:30 p.m. on July 5.

Pupu prepared by chef Sam Choy will be served, complemented by wines of the Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates and Jackson Family Wines, donated by Better Brands and selected by Richard Field of R. Field Wine Co.

The musical will run July 6 through 22, with only the king and queen roles, reprised by Laurence Paxton and Stefanie Smart, already set. Auditions are yet to be held for the other parts, including the title role.

Gala tickets: $75 and $100, with all seats reserved. Curtain time will be 8 p.m. A silent auction also will be held during the pre-curtain cocktail hour. Information: 734-0274.