'Pops' guests strike different chords

• 2003-'04 Hawaiian Airlines Pops schedule

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

The Hawaiian Airlines Pops Series has had great word-of-mouth in its previous five seasons about its guest artists, and that's made it easy for Honolulu Symphony pops conductor Matt Catingub to sign up performers.

"Hey, I work all over the country, and what we have to offer here is hard to match," said Catingub.

Guest artists "get the Halekulani Hotel, Hawai'i and a library of (musical) charts they probably don't have."

Thus, in announcing the 2003-'04 slate, Catingub said that at least two acts — James Ingram and Toto — were booked because of positive buzz from their pals who have performed in the series.

"Dave Koz has been here and he's worked with James Ingram," said Catingub. "He told him what a great time and reception he had. He helped spread the good word about the pops. We're going to do a bunch of charts for Ingram in his first strictly symphony job."

Toto, the act with roots in the 1970s and '80s, also got a high recommendation from one of its peers: Michael McDonald (of the Doobie Brothers).

"Toto has never done a symphony show, so it's a big coup for us," said Catingub. "They simply wanted to explore new territory and Michael helped get the word out."

Ingram kicks off the series in October, Toto winds up the shows in May. In between, there are jazz-themed and Beatles-themed encounters, with visiting and resident artists, as well as a Christmas tradition twin-billing two seasonal favorites with the orchestra: The Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo Pilimehana.

"We've had success with both acts," said Catingub. "So it's a co-billing. I'm sure, too, that we'll try to get both acts to do something together. It will be a nice holiday reunion."

Catingub said he gets numerous requests, particularly from local entertainers, for a pops slot. Sometimes, he said, patience is a virtue — he landed Cecilio and Kapono in the fall, timed to the duo's 40th anniversary. And, no, "reunion" is not part of the billing — yet.

With his roots in the jazz tradition, Catingub said he's exercising self-control to sing himself in only one concert during the new season, a November gig dubbed "Maestro Matt's 'Jazz Meets the Pops,'" which pairs guitarist-singer John Pizzarelli, a personal favorite in the musician's Hawai'i debut, and Jimmy Borges, a favorite localite who has fashioned a following with his catalogue of Frank Sinatra classics performed to Ol' Blue Eyes' arrangements.

"Once a season, I sing, and it will be this one," said Catingub.

2003-'04 Hawaiian Airlines Pops schedule

The 2003-'04 Hawaiian Airlines Pops season schedule, conducted by pops maestro Matt Catingub:

•	Hawaiian Airlines Pops Concerts 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Blaisdell Concert Hall Season subscriptions: $140 to $406 for seven concerts; present subscribers may retain their existing seats by renewing before April 30.ÊSingle seats will be available later. Reservations: 792-2000, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 524-0815, ext. 245, after 5 p.m.

Cecilio & Kapono, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 — Another reunion, this time marking the duo's milestone 30th anniversary. Expect their classics: "Sunflower," "About You," "Gotta Get Away," "Lifetime Party," "Sailin'" and "Good Night and Good Morning."

"Maestro Matt's 'Jazz Meets the Pops," with John Pizzarelli and Jimmy Borges, Nov. 21 and 22 — Pizzarelli is a notable in jazz guitar and vocals; Borges is a local favorite with a glowing reputation of performing music of Ol' Blue Eyes, crooning to original Frank Sinatra charts; Catingub sings in this one.

"Christmas Pops With The Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo Pilimehana," Dec. 12 and 13 — A holiday tradition, pairing two popular acts, performing for the first time together (though separately) on the symphony bill. Robert and Roland Cazimero, and Angela Morales, Lehua Kalama and Nalani Choy add hula to the yuletide splendor.

"Tribute to the Beatles, with Glenn Medeiros," Jan. 16 and 17 — A magical mystery musical tour of favorites by the fab four, featuring Glenn Medeiros and a roster of other guest stars to be named. Will the Honolulu Pops become Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band?

"Contemporary Jazz with David Benoit and Michael Paulo," April 9 and 10 — Benoit, a three-times Grammy nominee, continues his enchanting work on keyboards that make him a favorite on jazz CDs, television, and film-scoring; local boy Paulo is the man with the golden saxophone, with, what else, sax appeal.

Toto, May 7 and 8 — The pop sensations from the 1970s and '80s bring their bagful of hit songs ("Hold the Line," "Africa," "Rosanna") to Honolulu audiences in their symphonic pops debut.