Tip-off
Local divas gather to celebrate holiday season, Loyal Garner

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

The Local Divas — with Loyal Garner getting out of her sickbed to sing — will present their Christmas concert, "Local Divas' Holiday," at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Hawai'i Ballroom of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

Money from each ticket for "Local Divas' Holiday" will go to Loyal Garner's medical fund. Advertiser library photo • June 27, 2001

Garner, who is battling cancer, has been back in The Queen's Medical Center to tend to a blood clot in her leg. Her spirit, and her mission to get well enough to return to the stage, has been a source of delight and amazement to her singing partners.

The yuletide tradition, with the four singers doing solo and group turns, will be subtitled "This One's for You, Loyal," Kai said.

"The Sheraton Waikiki has agreed to give $5 from each ticket to Loyal's medical fund," Kai said.

"So she should (get) a chunk of change from the show."

Garner recently was honored by her show biz peers in a seven-hour marathon tribute concert Oct. 7 at Windward Mall. Nearly 75 acts, from dancers to singers, from soloists to groups, took the stage, helping raise about $35,000 for the Loyal Garner Medical Fund.

Garner persevered through the concert, collecting hugs and kisses from fans and performers alike, from her reclining chair perch.

Comedian Mel Cabang will be the opening act and has been advised to do a family show, said Kai, referring to Cabang's penchant for off-color humor.

Tickets: $50 for platinum seating, $40 for gold seating, $28 for silver seating; are on sale at the Sheraton dining desk and some Ticket Plus outlets. They will also be available at Tower Video Ke'eaumoku Street, Tower Records Kahala Mall and Pearl Kai. Charge by phone: 922-4422.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly said when ticket sales would begin.