SHOW BIZ
Who was hot — and who was not — in 2003 Hawai'i
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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No envelope-opening, no ceremony, no statuette — just reflection. Herewith, the Waynies:
Star of the Year: Bruddah Iz, in a repeat of last year. Gone, but not forgotten. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow" remains pertinent and alive, and will be resurrected once again in the filmed-in-Hawai'i Adam Sandler comedy "50 First Dates," premiering in February.
Male Vocalist of the Year: Jordan Segundo, Hawai'i's "American Idol." He was eliminated but not decimated — he's as popular as ever today, with a debut CD due in 2004.
Female Vocalist of the Year: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom. Named a Waikiki Treasure (she thinks you need to be elderly or dead to be one, however), she made a glorious return with a live CD with reunited musical partner Willie K.
Instrumentalist of the Year: Jake Shimabukuro. He keeps on plucking; the visitor industry has tapped him to promote Japanese visits here.
Most Promising Artist: Imua Garza, 'ukulele soloist and a member of the Opihi Pickers. Could be our next Jake.
Most Famous 'Ukulele That Had to Pay: Eddie Kamae's. Had to get a ticket to board a flight home from San Francisco. (Problem since resolved.)
Another Famous 'Ukulele That Almost Got Away: Kahauanu Lake's. Stolen but returned. An ugly story turned happy.
Most Famous Uke-Strummer: Possibly the Rock. Bought a Kamaka uke.
Missing in Action: The Society of Seven (original version, led by Tony Ruivivar). Moved to Las Vegas, where the group lost its showroom — but continues to look for a new venue.
Reunion of the Year: Willie K and Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom — musically, not romantically. They toured the West Coast, did a live CD, will release a DVD in 2004.
"Titanic"-Strategy-Is-Wrong Winner: The Honolulu Symphony. In the hit movie, women and children were first to evacuate while the musicians stayed and played; no sinking ship, but at Jim Nabors' Christmas concert, the orchestra was first to flee while the performers and patrons stayed.
Best Reason to Celebrate Christmas: Jim Nabors' aforementioned visual and vocal feast at the Hawai'i Theatre.
Your-Slip-Is-Showing Award: Joe Moore, author of "Dirty Laundry." His play about journalistic (broadcast version) integrity was tainted with far too many similarities to an earlier telemovie, from dialogue to plot specifics, that led spectators to wonder about Hawai'i's most trusted news anchor.
A New York Moment in the Islands: When Craig Schulman ("Les Miserables") and Cris Groenendaal ("The Phantom of the Opera") joined forces for a Manoa Valley Theatre benefit. They could be returning in "The Three Phantoms" (with Kevin Gray) next year.
Arrivals and Departures: Dan Cooke made a return to local radio; Andy Bumatai became active in stand-up comedy at various venues (now at the Palace Showroom); Martin Denny returned to the concert stage, appearing briefly at the Hawai'i Theatre; Mai Tai Sing left her long association with the Hyatt Regency, ending her hostessing duties at Ciao Mein; Johnny Fernandez left the ranks of the Society of Seven Las Vegas.
Disappearing Acts: With a scarcity of touring shows, Ronald Andrew of Toronto has not been able to produce a Broadway musical at Blaisdell all year.
Here Come the Paparazzi: The J-Lo/Ben Affleck wedding on Kaua'i — that never happened.
Best Place for Hawaiian (and Other Kine) Music: Chai's Island Bistro. Chai Chaowasaree devotes as much time to entertainment as he does to food.
Best Reason to Go to Makaha: The Makaha Sons at the Makaha Resort.
Worst Reason to Go to Makaha: Traversing Farrington Highway.
Best Use of Guitars Not Played: Makana, showcasing hanging guitars, in his Hawai'i Theatre concert.
Most Likeable Person Most People Love to Hate: Simon Cowell, "American Idol" judge. He was frank but charming during "American Idol" tapings here.
Best CD of the Year: Keali'i Reichel's "Ke'alaokamaile." Considering a manufacturing faux pas, which delayed its release, the Maui native was able to enjoy brisk holiday sales — and should reap rewards through 2004.
Most Fun at a Local Play: Lee Cataluna's "Folks You Meet in Longs," at Kumu Kahua. A lot of folks made "Longs" a part of their day.
Best Reason to Revisit Waikiki: The launching of the Cheesecake Factory at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
And that's Show Biz. ...
Wayne Harada prepared this year-ending column before going on vacation; Show Biz will resume Jan. 13.
