SHOW BIZ
'Jan Ken Po' show seeks 'ohana contestants

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"We are looking for animated and, of course, smart 'ohana," said Augie. Translation: they want folks who are lively and interesting (not dull and shy), and with enough smarts to whip out trivia answers. 'Ohana means uncles and aunties, cousins, and the like — not necessarily only those who live under the same roof. ...

The first taping is Jan. 3, from Ala Moana's Centerstage, with airdate shortly thereafter. ...

Early next year, Augie's local-style comedy will hit the Midwest comedy circuit — presumably with pidgin and other Island seasonings. "I never change my act; they (have to) accept me for who I am," said Augie. ...

RESTAURANT NOTES: D.K. and Lori Kodama — owners of Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar, and Vino restaurant — welcomed Chev Kodama, born Dec. 4. He weighed 8 lbs., 5.8 ounces and measured 20 3/4 inches long — and the immediate question is will he try sushi or pasta first? ...

Actor Richard Chamberlain dined at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Restaurant Row. ...

Wyclef Jean, former leader of the Fugees, hung out at Tiki's Grill & Bar the other night. You can hear his "Take Me as I Am" tune in the romantic comedy "Love Actually."...

Matt Levi was at Sergio's at the Hilton Hawaiian Village — minus his karate moves. Levi, a former TV news type, is a volunteer karate teacher for the Teen Center at Kuhio Park Terrace as part of the PACT program. ...

Go Jimmy Go marks seven years of music-making with a bash Dec. 27 from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.at the Hard Rock Cafe. Ooklah the Moc, DJ's Big Barr and Nomad will be guest performers. Tickets: $10. ...

'UKULELE TALK: Jake Shimabukuro, the fastest fingers on uke, brings his funk, repertoire and charisma to New York for a concert at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Knitting Factory. A workshop follows the next day. ...

Remember the recent plight of Eddie and Myrna Kamae, who were told they needed to buy an extra ticket for his 'ukulele when boarding a Hawaiian Airlines flight from San Francisco? According to Myrna, the couple was bombarded by "thousands" of responses — e-mail, in person, phone calls — as well as quick results, after his plight was revealed in this space. 'Ukulele players Gordon Mark and Joy Harjo sent info on letters Eddie could get to justify hand-carrying his favored instrument. And Hawaiian Air's Keoni Wagner and Debbie Nakanelua-Richards refunded the ticket fee once they realized that the problem was not Hawaiian in San Francisco, but airport security there. Because Eddie's uke is a rarity (made of curly koa), it's among his dear treasures. But with the proper credentials, he shouldn't have to buy a seat for his soulmate in the future. ...

SHORTS OF SORTS: Leina'ala Kalama Heine won't be performing with the Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo Pilimehana, when the Honolulu Symphony Christmas pops concerts unfold Friday through Sunday. She's in rehab now and hopes to be home by Christmas. This, after complications following a hernia operation last month. ...

Ama Aarona has departed the ranks of Ho'okena, so Manu Boyd, Horace Dudoit, Glen Smith and Chris Kamaka are carrying on as a foursome. Five, if you include hula soloist Nani Dudoit. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.