SHOW BIZ
Celebs donate to East-West fund-raiser
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
FUN-RAISER: Since Willie Nelson, a part-time Maui resident, couldn't make the East-West Center's "An International Affair" fund-raiser March 5, he donated and autographed one of his trusty guitars. You can bid for it, along with other celeb items such as Clint Eastwood's golf cap and a signed script for Michael Douglas' "Wonder Boys" movie, along with other Asian and Pacific collectibles, at the event, which toasts the culture and cuisines of India. Lyn Anzai and Joan Bickson, members of the center board of governors, are event co-chairwomen, with seats starting at $100 per person, including dinner. Call 944-7196 ...
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SIGHT 'EMS: Kirk Hammett, Metallica guitarist, dined at Keo's in Waikiki with friends ...
It's not unusual to see George Benson enjoying the weekend jazz at Lahaina's Pacific 'O restaurant. It's not even unusual for him to sit in and play a couple of numbers. But according to restaurant manager Greg Butterfield, Benson rarely if ever sings. Last Friday night was one of those rarities: Benson brought down the house — with diners rising to their feet — when he closed out the last set of the evening by singing "Green Dolphin Street" ...
The 25th annual Heart Ball Feb. 16, held at the Sheraton Waikiki, featured Tino & the Rhythm Klub, whose musical journey reviewed those 25 years. Guest performers included DisGuyz, Cathy Foy and Randy Smith (who is known for his Frank Sinatra songbook) ...
Smith, by the way, again is in the "Mardi Gras Follies," which unfold tomorrow and Friday at the Royal Hawaiian's Monarch Room ...
Small world: When Annie Flower, Los Angeles-based publicist who formerly represented the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii, invited visiting friend Lisa Josephsohn to lunch at Il Cielo (a client) in Beverly Hills, ex-Honolulan Jeanne Datz happened by. Datz, now head of public relations for Hilton Hotels, joined them; then Pam Blackfield, another localite, was also invited to the table; Blackfield has a party-planning business with Billy Butchkavitz, whose credits include the recent HBO hoopla during Janet Jackson's concert here.
The Hawai'i connection didn't stop there: Il Cielo's owner is Pasquale Vericella, brother of Tony Vericella, who is honcho of the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau ...
Speaking of eateries: Wolfgang Puck's Express already is doing brisk business at the Ward Entertainment Complex; signature dishes include the chicken salad and four-cheese pizza ...
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SHORTS OF SORTS: Sorry to report the recent death in Manila of Freddie Samson, a lawyer and former Honolulan, who had friends here. He was the older brother of Kit Samson, the Ala Moana Hotel entertainer. "Life is so unpredictable," said Kit, who talked to his brother about visiting their ailing mother in San Francisco. "I sent him an airline ticket to visit her ... and it arrived the day he died" ...
Augie Rey's stint at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Mai Tai Bar has been extended; beginning this Friday, his gig, "The Royal Sunset Dance Party with Augie Rey," will be staged from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, with tables moved to create a dance floor. Among those stopping by: Al Waterson, Alfredo Romero and Billy Makaawaawa from Touch of Gold ...
And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada's Show Biz runs Wednesdays and Fridays; reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
