Twilight at the zoo sets stage for music

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Illustration by Jon Orque The Honolulu Advertiser 'AT&T's Wildest Show in Town' Doors open 4:35 p.m. Wednesdays, June 5-Aug. 28 Family concerts 6-7 p.m. (see schedule below) Honolulu Zoo $1 donation suggested at the door 531-0101, 971-7171

"It's also the best time to see the animals, who are very different at night," he said.

The series, combining music as diverse as the animals in the zoo, will feature a few new wrinkles this year:

• • A decided emphasis on 'ukulele, and 'ukulele strummers. From Kapena's Kelly Boy DeLima, performing in the kickoff concert Wednesday, to an array of strummers such as Jake Shimabukuro, Auntie Genoa Keawe, Herb Ohta Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, Lyle Ritz and Byron Yasui, the uke is king this summer. Thus, the tone may resemble the 'Ukulele Festival that Sakuma also chairs, but that's another story. To add to the 'ukulele element, there will be four uke giveaways during the summer run.
• An expanded food component, with vendors offering everything from ribs to pizza to malassadas, means that those attending won't have to worry about buying plate lunches and hauling them to the concerts. Picnic suppers will be allowed, but vendors will offer a changing menu of salads, entrees, snacks and desserts, with part of the proceeds going to the zoo, Sakuma said.
• Additional keiki activities before each concert include a Zoo Trivia Contest and Keiki Koloring Kontest.
• While it's possible to wander and visit the zoo on your own, there will be a 30-minute guided tour for winners in a pre-concert drawing.

The complete 'Wildest Show' schedule:

• June 5 — Kapena, contemporary Hawaiian, Jawaiian
• June 12 — Lyle Ritz and Byron Yasui, 'ukulele jazz
• June 19 — Jake Shimabukuro, 'ukulele; Kamaka 'ukulele drawing
• June 26 — Auntie Genoa Keawe & Her Hawaiians, Hawaiian
• July 3 — Pacific Fleet Band Wind Ensemble, directed by Lt. Dale Yager, orchestral
• July 10 — Kilinahe, traditional Hawaiian music; with Miss Aloha Hula Malia Peterson; Valley Made 'ukulele drawing
• July 17 — Makaha Sons, contemporary and traditional Hawaiian; Ko Aloha 'ukulele drawing
• July 24 — Keoki Kahumoku and Herb Ohta Jr., 'ukulele; with the Langley 'Ukulele Ensemble; GString 'ukulele drawing
• July 31 — Rubber Soul, Beatles music
• Aug. 7 — Jimmy Borges & His All-Star Band, jazz and big-band sounds
• Aug. 14 — A Touch of Gold, oldies but goodies
• Aug. 21 — Audy Kimura, romantic vocals, guitar
• Aug. 28 — Latin Jazz Night, a Latin jazz band organized by Noel Okimoto