SHOW BIZ
Actress takes liking to Waikiki boutique
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
STAR WATCH: Actress Kelly Preston, who is Mrs. John Travolta, stopped by Gail Uyeno's boutique, coComoon, at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel. Preston bought a bunch of stuff designed by Ginger Leong, including her hot piliAloha bag with trademark raffia rosette, seen on HBO's "Sex and the City." Preston's mom, Linda Carlson, had turned her on to the bags and duds, visiting the shop and making a few purchases. So when Preston came to visit (her mom lives here), she went to the boutique with her aunt, Stephanie Reynolds, and left with such finds as custom denim for herself and daughter, Ellableu. ...
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PERSONALITY PARADE: John Kolivas, who performs with the Honolulu Jazz Quintet, will be musical director and arranger for "You Somebody," the Lee Cataluna comedy featuring music by Keola Beamer, set for a July 19 bow at Diamond Head Theatre. Kolivas, longtime bassist for Beamer, worked at Diamond Head Theatre in the Honolulu Community Theatre era, circa 1979, performing with musical conductor Donald Yap, who will provide musical preparations for "You Somebody." By the way, Kolivas and the jazz group will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at Kapono's at Aloha Tower Marketplace, as part of the KIPO Radio Jazz Night series ...
Big Island Candies of Hilo is offering an original Valentine's deal — vocals by Uluwehi Guerrero, Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner. Buy the Valentine's package ($100, includes a serenade, a photo with Guerrero and a two-tiered chocolate mousse cake, available in Hilo only) — and the Maui singer delivers the goodies. Call (800) 935-5510 ...
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WEEKEND WRAP: Tony Conjugacion was superb as featured performer and backup singer/musician in Friday's "Hapa Haole Hou" cavalcade at the Hawai'i Theatre. He has truly come of age, demonstrating a chameleon musical posture, singing everything from falsetto to backyard chalangalang, and — for most of the evening — taking a back seat to performers such as singer Karen Keawehawai'i, dancer Beverly Noa, and the wonderful Alama Sisters, Leilani and Puanani, whose solo hula were impeccable. And their halau provided charm in classic style, in traditional garb such as ti leaf skirt — much to the delight of the crowd ...
Manoa Valley Theatre's salute to Tom Moffatt, marking his 50th anniversary in Hawai'i show biz, was a rousing success, with live music by the likes of David Pack (from Ambrosia) to Yvonne Elliman (from "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack). Those who couldn't attend sent recorded messages: Paul Anka sang part of his accolades (to the tune of "Diana") to Uncle Tom, Wayne Newton reminisced about the old days, and Jimmy Buffett jokingly asked, "So where's the check?" Lou Robin, who manages Johnny Cash, happened to be in town, so he took in the bash. One person who would've enjoyed the buzz would have been the late Liz Hudson, a former aide to Moffatt. Barbara Hallberg now has the do-all, know-all role. Both women have been vital in Moffatt's life but were not properly mentioned. Don Ho, in baseball cap, dark glasses and shorts, offered an impromptu toast to Moffatt and asked the audience to sing "Tiny Bubbles," then cut the crowd short with a hasty "I hate that song" exit ...
And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada's Show Biz runs Wednesdays and Fridays. Reach him by e-mail at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
