SHOW BIZ
Flanagan leads way as Hapa hops back onstage
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
PERSONALITIES: Hapa days are here again. With Keli'i Kaneali'i releasing rights for the use of the Hapa group name, former partner Barry Flanagan has proceeded to reorganize Hapa, this time with Nathan Aweau as his musical equal. The duo has been appearing unofficially here and there, with more gigs expected in the months ahead, and a new Hapa CD is planned for release by Christmas. Aweau has recorded as a soloist and has been a bassist with the Don Ho Show at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. ...
Was that an Evan Marriott ("Joe Millionaire") sighting at the W Lounge a few nights back, trying to score a date or two. Or three? It's unconfirmed. ...
Kimee Balmilero (Kim-E to her pals here), one of the stars of The Learning Channel's "Hi-5" kiddie show, is in New York prepping for a return to the cast of "Mamma Mia" at the Winter Garden Theatre. But not before checking out her pals in "Flower Drum Song" and "Hairspray." She was home during the holidays and plans to return in April, when Broadway troupers Cliffton Hall and Deedee Lynn Magno tie the knot here. The couple were part of Welly Yang's "Hello Broadway" musical last year. ...
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FOOD FILE: Hawai'i's Iron Chef Roy Yamaguchi was one of the featured chefs at a post-Grammy party, attended by 4,000 at the Sheraton Towers in New York. Yamaguchi joined notable New York chefs such as Anthony Boudain (Les Halles), Rocco DeSpirito (Union Pacific), Michael Lomonico (Noche), and David Bouley (Bouley). Of course, Yamaguchi has a Roy's in the Financial District. His next stop? The Accenture World Championship of Golf at La Costa Resort & Spa, where he will cook for top golfers. ...
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar's D.K. Kodama made his Shrimp Tempura Handroll for the Food Network at last month's "Taste of the NFL" in San Diego. His sous chef for the taping was Erika Harold of Illinois, aka Miss America 2003. ...
Levi Stanley, former football legend at the University of Hawai'i, joined Desert Island Restaurants president John Herman for dinner last weekend at Ruth's Chris Steak House. John's the No. 2 man to former Honolulan Randy Schoch, the company's CEO, so his visit was understandably short — he was to meet Schoch in Salt Lake City for the launch of Thaifoon restaurant. ...
Paul Ah Cook, formerly with Sam Choy's Restaurants and Let's Eat Catering, will replace Al Hosoi as g.m. of Ruth's Chris. Hosoi has left to pursue other interests; Ah Cook is training on the Mainland but assumes his new job April 1 — no joke! — at the Restaurant Row eatery, where Eddie Sherman celebrated a birthday last Saturday. ...
Michael Cooper, coach of the L.A. Sparks (WNBA) and formerly of the NBA World Champion L.A. Lakers, dined at Tanaka of Tokyo West Teppanyaki Restaurant last week. He signed autographs for patrons, according to restaurant manager Richard Wong. ...
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ITEMIZATIONS: Don Conover is thrilled to be back at the original Chuck's Steak House, where he now plays from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays in one of the few legit piano bars in town (in the Edgewater Hotel). ...
Tickets to the Brothers Cazimero's Lei Day concert, May 1 at the Waikiki Shell, go on sale March 15. Reserved seats are $25, lawn seats are $15. ...
Interest has been high for Liz Lerman's "Still Crossing" dance, according to Tim Slaughter of the sponsoring University of Hawai'i Outreach College Community Program. Local dancers such as Harriet Glass and Karen Masaki have surfaced, signing up with nonprofessionals ranging from a husband-and-wife team, a Sinclair Library librarian and her 80-year-old mother and others. Rehearsals start March 3 at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College, gearing up for performances March 8 and 9. Call 956-8246. ...
And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada's Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays; reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
