SHOW BIZ
Bruddah Iz takes 2002's top Waynie Award
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
THE WAYNIES: Another year nearly done, another season of achievements — great ones and dubious ones — means that it's time for the Waynie Awards:
Star of the Year: Bruddah Iz. In death, his music still lives — Israel Kamakawiwo'ole this year became the first Hawai'i artist to earn gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for his "Facing Future" CD. This means his disc has sold more than 500,000. And two of his earlier TV concerts — "Island Music, Island Hearts" and "Hot Hawaiian Nights" — returned as DVDs, the first time a local act had a double dose of musical pleasure. ...
Male Vocalist of the Year: Makana. His "Koi Au" CD, coupled with a Hawai'i Theatre concert, proved that his artistry could spill onto a theatrical space and signal his growth as a performer. ...
Female Vocalist of the Year: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom. Though without a new CD, Gilliom became a workhorse on the concert stage, surrounding herself with the "aunties" she often emulates: Genoa Keawe, Kealoha Kalama, Leina'ala Haili. A Hawai'i Theatre performance was followed by travels abroad together. ...
Instrumentalist of the Year: Jake Shimabukuro. The solo 'ukulele artist has become a pied piper of sorts, attracting young and old alike to the instrument. His club gigs and guest slots on larger shows have made him a drawing card, too, and his latest CD, with Japan support, could make him an international fave. Deservedly, too, since his talent and his personality are genuine. ...
Most Promising Artist: Raiatea Helm. To the list of Moloka'i marvels such as Kanemitsu Bakery bread, Melveen Leed, and Darrell Labrado, add young Helm, 17, daughter of Zachary Helm and niece of the late George Helm. Her "Far Away Heaven" debut CD ought to become a classic. ...
Best Movie About Hawai'i Not Made in Hawai'i: Disney's "Lilo & Stitch," with its Kaua'i influences and 'ohana story line.
Best Actor Avoiding Interviews While Making a Movie in Hawai'i: Bruce Willis. Whatever the movie will finally be called, it was good to have it spend several months here, but it would have been sweller if Willis would have been more accessible. As for his World Café rock-out, let's just say it's a good thing he has a day job.
Best Bounce from a Movie Crew: "The Big Bounce," filming on the North Shore. It's a happy crew, from top (producer Steven Bing) to the acting ranks (Owen Wilson, Morgan Freeman, Charlie Sheen, Sara Foster, etc.) to the local crews. Happiness begets a family feeling. ...
Obits We Hated to Write or Read About: The end of the Waikiki movie theaters, particularly the Waikiki 3; the demise of the Kodak (nee Pleasant Hawaiian) Hula Show at Kapi'olani Park ...
Your Slip Is Showing: That "Lolo No Ka Oi" DVD, preserving the comedy concert that paid tribute to the late James Grant Benton, fell short of its goal. ...
The Twofer Award: Rick Blangiardi returned "home" to manage two local TV stations, KHON-2 (Fox) and KGMB-9 (CBS), the first time a duopoly prevailed in this marketplace among the four top-ranked stations. Lynne Mueller left the KGMB ranks. ...
Time Is Money (lost): KHNL-8 (NBC) finally bit the bullet and agreed to join the other three network affiliates in going "clock time," industry jargon for delivering the 10 p.m. news at the cited time, not 10 minutes later because of bloated advertising in prime time. ...
Girl Power: Liz Chun became the first woman sports anchor at KGMB-9. ...
Disappearing Acts: A handful of familiar TV anchors vanished from sight: Dan Cooke (KITV-4), Dave Vinton (KGMB) among the most notable. ...
Weather or Not: KHON, the last to add a full-tilt weather anchor (Trini Kaopuiki), this year became the first to dismantle the slot. ...
Somebody Cares: Hey, Lee Cataluna and Keola Beamer: thanks for putting "You Somebody" on the map. And a nod to Diamond Head Theatre for the playing space and time. ...
And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada's Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. He prepared his year-ending column before going on vacation. His regular column will resume Jan. 9.
