Posted on: Friday, May 10, 2002

New comedians, veterans to share laughs

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Da Braddahs comedy duo — James Roache, left, and Tony Silva — will perform at "Lolo No Ka Oi" on June 28.

Roll out the laugh barrel: Six island comedians showcased in four acts will team up to stage "Lolo No Ka Oi," at 7:30 p.m. on June 28 at the Hawaii Ballroom of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

The concert will be an unusual one. Hawai'i comics seldom engage in collaborative shows these days, more often opening up for other stand-ups or for musical headliners. At the height of comedy-club mania in the '80s, it was more common to see a mixed bill of local and Mainland laughmeisters.

The June 28 collaboration crosses demographics and generations, with veterans teaming up with reigning and up-and-coming stand-ups.

In short: There will be no shortage of gags and guffaws, ranging from current comedy to nostalgia dating to the 1970s.

The lineup:

• Da Braddahs, the duo of James Roache and Tony Silva, who appear on "Da Braddahs and Friends" on Oceanic Cable 16. They describe their comedy style as "Buckaloose," and they've already released four videos statewide.

• Augie T, one-half of the Lanai and Augie T duo from radio (formerly of KIKI 93.9 FM, now of KDNN 98.5 FM) and television ("Jan Ken Po," on KHON).

• Mel Cabang, whose gambling conviction and jail time sidetracked his comedy career, but who has been on the comeback trail ever since magician David Copperfield tapped him for a command performance last year. The prison experiences have become fodder for the raunchy stand-up, who is being discovered by a new generation of fans in gigs at the Emporium Lounge.

• Booga Booga, the ground-breaking comedy trio that once featured the late Rap Reiplinger with the surviving duo, James Grand Benton and Edward Ka'ahea. The latter two are reviving the act with a volley of new characterizations and sketches. Benton and Ka'ahea are currently mapping out a show curiously but hilariously called "Booga Booga: The Viagra Years," material from which will premiere in "Lolo No Ka Oi."

"Audiences will get a good perspective on what's going on in comedy in Hawai'i today," said Benton, one of the elder voices. "This concert will showcase several different generations (of comedians)."

Lanai Tabura, radio partner of Augie Tulba, will be host of the event. The show is being produced by Hawai'i Stars Productions Inc., Impact Events, and Events by Sheraton.

Tickets: $35, $25, $18, on sale at all Ticket Plus locations and at the Sheraton dining desk. Reservations: 526-4400 or online at www.ticketplushawaii.com.