SHOW BIZ
Conjugacions to revel in separate Dec. 31 galas
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
YEAR-ENDER: How often do brothers compete in New Year's Eve shows? Can't be too often, but the Conjugacion duo, Tony and Noland, will be in separate ring-in-the-new spectacles Dec. 31. Tony and his Halau Na Wainohia join Ku'uipo Kumukahi, the Bobby King Band and Danny Couch in "Lei Na Hoku (Lei of Stars)" at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Monarch Room, while Noland performs in "Ho'omaka Hou (The New Beginning)," with the Makaha Sons (Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, John Koko, Jerome Koko), Robi Kahakalau, Kapena and Kanilau, in the Sheraton Waikiki's gala at the Hawaii Ballroom. Brickwood Galuteria hosts the Monarch Room endeavor; Bill Van Osdol and Randy Hudnall co-host the Hawaii Ballroom blast. ...
Reservations are being taken for both shows: Royal's is $255 for adults, $135 for children (kama'aina rates are $225, $125), for dinner package, $95 and $60 without meal; call 923-7311 ... Sheraton's is $225 for adults, $135 for children, or $85 and $55 without meal; call 922-4422. ...
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ITEMIZATIONS: Don Ho recently performed at Waikiki Wally's in Lower Manhattan. The New York Times, reviewing the watering hole with a Waikiki motif, reported that Ho was "dressed to kill," whatever that means. ...
D.K. Kodama, the sushi and seafood master of Sansei, is wrapping up recipes for his first cookbook, as yet untitled, for release in time for the Christmas 2003 season. Yep, these things take time, and the book will be written by Bonnie Friedman, publicist for Kodama's chain of Sansei restaurants in Honolulu, Kapalua and Kihei. ...
Kihei, too, is home of the newest Roy's in Hawai'i, but haven't had a chance to sample Roy Yamaguchi's cuisine there (at the Pi'ilani Shopping Center). Heck, if the meatloaf's on the menu, it's gotta be a winner. However, finally made a visit to Mañana Garage in Wailuku, and it's a fab dining experience — chef Tom Lelli's Nuevo Latino cuisine (with some Mexican and Cuban flavors including a popular 'ahi ceviche and heavenly shredded beef called ropa vieja tostada), an industrial decor (sheet-metal siding, garage door, gas-pump handle on the front doors), and margaritas to die for. ...
Maui, by the way, still has the biggest Halloween happening, when Front Street becomes a Mardi Gras-type celebration. The akamai revelers start or end their partying at 505 Front St. in Lahaina, at two restaurants, Pacific 'O and I'o, not just because of the food but because of the stunning Halloween costumes of the servers. The buzz is that Shiloh Hoisington, last year's Peter Pan, is where the smart money's going at I'o; across the way, Pacific 'O GM Greg Butterfield — a killer Phyllis Diller last year — is raring to repeat. ...
Scratch Ledward Ka'apana from Sunday's star-studded Dick Jensen fund-raiser at the 'Ainahau Ballroom of the Sheraton Princess Ka'iulani; he'll be appearing at Symphony Space in New York City with Owana Salazar. ...
The Hawai'i Jazz Quartet, led by John Kolivas, performs from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Brew Moon. Then on Nov. 4, HJQ headlines KIPO's Jazz Night at Kapono's, from 7 to 10 p.m., with Michael Ruff on keyboards and vocals (subbing for Dan Del Negro). ...
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NAMES 'N' PLACES: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom will be among the performers at the grand opening from 7 to 10 p.m. tomorrow of Tiki Grill & Bar at the renovated Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Hawaiian groups such as The Lilikoi Boys, Kuhio Beach Gang with Steve Mai'i and yet-to-be-named Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners are also expected to perform. Tickets are $20, including food prepared by chef-partner Fred DeAngelo. The launching is a benefit for Waikiki Community Center. ...
And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada's Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach him at 525-8067.
