Island stars hope to raise money, spirits at Shell
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Staff Writer
Onstage and backstage, tonight's "Aloha From Hawai'i" benefit concert at the Waikiki Shell was designed as a gift of song and a show of spirit for those who perished in the World Trade Center catastrophe Sept. 11.
2 to 10 p.m. today, Waikiki Shell $100 VIP pool seats, $50 lower terrace, $30 upper terrace, $15 general admission lawn seats Information: 566-0644, 591-2211, 526-4400
It's also a risky endeavor, since it was hastily assembled during a week of dour news in Hawai'i's tumbling economy, and it carries a steep ticket price.
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"Aloha From Hawai'i"
"The entertainers have been real supportive — with no ego problems," said Duane Oyama of Mass Appeal Enterprises, who has been assembling a roster of talent. "Everyone's donating their time and talent."
Order of appearance, he said, is not a yardstick on ranking or popularity.
"We're doing in six days what normally takes six weeks," said William B. Meyer III, an attorney who organized the event. "I was watching TV (and witnessing the carnage from the terrorism) and called Willie K and said, 'What do you think of doing a benefit?' He said to count him in, and that was the genesis."
While there are some costs, particularly third-party fees for an Internet broadcast (pixelworld.net/aloha will carry the show live), Meyer said entertainers aren't the only ones showing their aloha; the city has made some concessions on the facility rental, and food is also being donated. By involving Unity House, one of the sponsors, some of the backstage union charges are also being waived.
There will be no live radio or TV coverage. "We need the people's support to buy tickets to raise the funds," said Oyama.
Participating artists are free to set their own repertoire, said Meyer. "While intended to benefit the widows and children of the firefighters and policemen of New York City, the concert also is for the Hawai'i people ... to come together, hopefully to raise their spirits through music." He hoped that a patriotic mood would prevail.
A highlight is expected to be DisGuyz's tribute tune, "One Nation in Song," which was composed and recorded the night of the Sept. 11 tragedy. The band is attempting to release a CD single that will benefit charities.
Oyama, who books many young acts in regular concerts at the Shell and Aloha Tower Marketplace venues, said that the roster shaped up this way yesterday, but was subject to change, since more performers were being added:
• 2 to 4 p.m. — Kapono Beamer, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Auntie Genoa Keawe, Touch of Gold.
• 4 to 6 p.m. — Willie K, Ka'ala Boys, Three Plus, Ho'onua, Henry Kapono, 'Alea.
• 6 to 8 p.m. — DisGuyz, B.E.T., Marty Dread, Typical Hawaiians, Norm & the All-Star Band, Col—n with John Cruz.
• 8 to 10 p.m. — Vahi, Kalapana, AZ, Ten Feet, Kanalo, Natural Vibrations.
As many as 10 more acts may be added, said Oyama. Radio disc jockeys will serve as the announcers.
The city's usual rules governing Shell concerts — no alcohol, coolers no larger than 18 inches, low beach chairs without legs — will prevail, said Meyer, and heightened security means some bag checks and cooler searches at the gate.
A keepsake "Aloha From Hawai'i" T-shirt will be sold as part of the fund-raising effort.
