Ring in the New Year with our top picks

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

The Doobie Brothers ("What A Fool Believes," "Listen to the Music") will reunite for the New Year's Eve Gala at the Blaisdell Arena. But is the promise of their brassy sound and soulful lyrics enough to endure a long list of other entertainers sharing the marquee? Cowan and Associates

You could rock in the New Year with pop names. You could catch a wave of Hawaiiana. You could simply listen. Or dance.

But get going; the Eve will arrive sooner than you think.

Think pop

Kenny Loggins makes his first-ever New Year's Eve outing, at 10:45 p.m. at the Coral Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village.

• Why go?: His is a dependable, durable act, linked to certified chart-busters ("Footloose," "Whenever I Call You Friend," "I'm Alright," "Danny's Song," "Heart to Heart," "With This Song"); his movie hits have broadened his audience base. To entice local audiences, Loretta Ables Sayre and the Steve Jones Band, plus Hapa, are part of the opening retinue.

• Details: Doors open at 9 p.m.; Loggins hits the stage at 10:45; $85 general, $110 silver seating, $160 gold seating, $195 platinum seating; party favors, half-bottle of sparkling wine, one standard drink, tax and tip included. 947-7877.

• Outlook: Some retro songs, some current, all likeable and danceable. Be footloose and fancy-free — and indulge.

Think big

Pop-rock singer Kenny Loggins offers his first-ever New Year's Eve show at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Advertiser library photo

• Why go?: The reunion of Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers; big voice, big sound (brass with sass) and a kegload of hits ("What a Fool Believes," "Listen to the Music," "China Grove," "Black Water," "Real Love").

• Details: Tickets are $45, $65, $85, $100, $125. (877) 750-4400.

An array of stars illuminates the marquee — Gloria Gaynor, Isaac Hayes, Candi Staton, James Ingram, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Deniece Williams, Deborah Cox, James Ingram and Chaka Khan. More may have been added after press time.

• Outlook: This cluttered musical stew has far too many ingredients. If you savor only two or three acts, would you care to endure the others? Worse, it seems like the show will go on far too long after midnight.

Think local

"Ho'omaka Hou 2003" at the Sheraton Waikiki's Hawaii Ballroom assembles some of the Islands' best, including The Makaha Sons and Kapena.

• Why go?: Even if you've heard them earlier this season, The Makaha Sons never disappoint; besides, they'll have Sistah Robi Kahakalau in tow. Plus, the bill includes Brother Noland, Kapena, Kanilau with Halau Na Mamo O Ka'ala, and emcee Billy V. Much to nibble, much to applaud.

• Details: $225 adults, including buffet dinner and wine; $135 children; kama'aina rates: $175 adults, $125 children; cocktails only: $95 adults, $55 children; kama'aina: $65 adults; prices include tax and tip. 931-8383.

• Outlook: A kani ka pila, local-style, with the best of 'em.

Think pink

Gabe Baltazar's golden saxophone, Danny Couch's golden vocal tones share the bill at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Monarch Room.

• Why go?: Baltazar fronts a six-piece jazz and swing band at dinnertime, from 7:30 p.m.; Couch sings with the Bobby King Band, for more dancing or listening.

• Details: Dinner-show package is $255 adults, $135 children (kama'aina rates, $225 adults, $125 children), including five-course meal, a glass of wine, a split of champagne and party favors; cocktails only, $95 adults, $60 children ($75 kama'aina adults), including a bottle of champagne per couple and party favors. 931-8383.

• Outlook: If you've never celebrated in the Monarch Room, this is a great opportunity. You'll be pink with enchantment ... with that view of Diamond Head.

Think fun

Several options here, so pardon the multiple tips:

• Society of Seven Las Vegas, 7:45 p.m., Outrigger Main Showroom; 21 and older; $135 dinner package includes buffet, split of champagne, party favors and dancing, with seating at 7:45 p.m.; $99 cocktail package includes split of champagne, party favors and dancing, with seating at 9 p.m. You get to see a fab show and dance in the new year. 923-7469.

• Jan Brenner and the All Stars, 7:15 p.m.-12:15 a.m., Sheraton Moana Surfrider, Banyan Veranda; $40 includes party favors and entertainment. The Moana is the first lady of Waikiki hotels; Brenner sizzles. 931-8383.

• Frank DeLima & Na Kolohe and Faithfully Yours, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Palace Showroom, Ohana Reef Towers; $99 dinner package includes buffet, split of champagne and party favors, with seating at 7:30 p.m.; $79 cocktail package includes split of champagne and party favors, with seating at 8:30 p.m. The craziest way to count down to the new year. 923-7469.

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