SHOW BIZ
Sun sets on another Hawai'i concert tradition
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
SHOW BITS: With the fallout between the Makaha Sons and one-time manager Kata Maduli, the "Makaha Bash," traditionally a Memorial weekend biggie at the Waikiki Shell, is history. Band member Jerome Koko, who manages business affairs and bookings for the Sons, said the trio is skipping this year's "Bash" and hopes to reorganize and launch a similar show next year. Under a different name, of course. ...
That's one of three long-standing concert traditions down the tubes. In its place, sort of, is "The Road Runner Tiny Celebration," pegged to Tiny Tadani's second CD concert, scheduled for 6-9 p.m. June 8 at the Shell. Early indications are that Tadani will put out a CD annually and that this concert would be the "Bash" successor, with the aforementioned Maduli and his wife, Janet, producing. ...
Another oldie, I-94's "Brown Bags to Stardom," also is pau, replaced by "Star Quest," still featuring high school talent in competition. The first one, mounted by Tai Okamura, is this Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center. ...
And last Saturday's "Kalakoa Jam," at Andrews Amphitheater, was an attempt to replace the defunct "Kanikapila" series mounted for years by Peter Moon. Only time will tell if the public warms up to it and the tradition lives. ...
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HERE 'N' THERE: Kit Samson, recovering from bypass surgery, is postponing plans to reopen tonight at the Mahina Lounge of the Ala Moana Hotel until May 8. Reason: His mom, Cecelonia Samson, died Friday in San Francisco after a long illness, and her funeral is today. Samson's wife, Nellie, is off to S.F. for the rites; his doctor nixed the trip for him because it's too early after surgery. Samson's had a hard-luck year, losing his brother in January. "I've been playing at so many funerals lately, but I can't even play for her," he said. "I guess it's God's will." ...
Dennis Kamakahi, known for his palaka (when he's with the Sons of Hawai'i) or leather (when he's with Na 'Oiwi), bought a suit to wear to the Moe Keale services Monday at Kawaiaha'o Church — and he never wears suits! Meanwhile, when Kamakahi appeared for three hours during Hawai'i Public Radio's fund-raiser, he impressed station G.M. Michael Titterton, who would love it if the singer-composer (credits include "Pua Hone" and "Wahine Ilikea") would do a show. Kamakahi teamed up with Keith & Carmen Haugen to do a tribute to Keale on radio. ...
Robert Cazimero does his solo piano thing at a Mother's Day brunch at Chai's Island Bistro, doing sets at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. May 12. Of course, his Lei Day concert with brother, Roland, marks its 25th anniversary tonight at the Waikiki Shell. Diehard fans who have yet to buy tickets may want to take up a Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort promotion that offers two grass seats, two picnic dinners and an overnight stay for two at $149, good only for Lei Day. ...
Eddie Sherman, the MidWeek columnist, and wife, Patty, won a Las Vegas trip for two at a Golden Nugget Casino Night function recently staged by the Nugget at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. "We didn't expect it — but the timing was awesome," said Patty, who manages El Portal at Ala Moana Center. "It was our fifth wedding anniversary." ...
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NAMES 'N' FACES: Keola Beamer, who is composing music for Lee Cataluna's "You Somebody" musical premiering July 19 at Diamond Head Theatre, called artist Peggy Chun and declared, "Eh, you somebody," alluding to the theme of Cataluna's comedy, which is about a family whose main goal in life is to find its bold-faced name in this column. ...
Cheryl Koide, 1997 Cherry Blossom Queen, has a CD out entitled "Awaken the Dawn," released last week on Universal Music's Polydor label for the Japanese market. Her stage name is Cheryl Kumie and she lives in Nashville, Tenn., where she works as an optical/optometric technician. ...
And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada's Show Biz appears Wednesdays and Fridays; e-mail wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
