Posted on: Friday, May 4, 2001

Music Scene
Punahou singers win Brown Bags top prize

Advertiser Staff

A vocal group from Punahou School going by the, shall we say intriguing, moniker of Sterling and the Sexy Dancing Ladies captured first place honors at 1-94's Brown Bags To Stardom 2001 Finals, held at the Waikiki Shell last Saturday.

The group, which includes Lauren Tanaka, Julia Matsunaga, Briana Ackerman, Marina Lieban, Lia Smith, Marisa Taman and leader Sterling Sulieman, won over judges of the annual high school vocal competition with its rendition of "Pop Ya Collar." The group took home a trip to Los Angeles to record a demo, and a one-year scholarship to Hawai'i Pacific University.

'Aiea High School's Ho In Da Wall, featuring students Joseph Honma, Lorin Gima, Chris Gima, Landon Tom and Taylor Watanabe, secured second place honors with the song "Punk/Ska Band."

Third place went to Mililani High School's All Natural — Toby Fujihara, Rocky Papda, Stan Supapo, Oliver Tubon, Chris Cruz, Isaac Amado and BJ Crisotomo — and its "Reggae Medley."

The Brown Bags finals competition featured solo singers and vocal groups from 55 public and private high schools statewide.