Concert puts cross-cultural mix on display

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	KBS Open Concert Featuring Christopher Cross, the Makaha Sons and 14 Korean entertainers, including Park Jin-young. 6:30 tonight Waikiki Shell Sold out

For several thousand people who scored free tickets, for millions in South Korea watching on TV and, undoubtedly, for an untold number of Waikiki Shell neighbors, this concert presents an unlikely blend of musical styles. Where else would you hear in a single setting the chant-like cadence of Korean traditional music, the close Hawaiian harmonies of the Makaha Sons and a Korean tenor belting out "Proud Mary"? All this, and Christopher Cross, too.

"Open Concert" is a popular offering of the Korean Broadcasting System, the South Korean public broadcasting service, and one that KBS frequently takes on the road; this segment will be seen Jan. 26. The centennial committee here thought it would be ideal to have the show broadcast from Hawai'i during this celebration, but the cost barrier seemed insurmountable, said committee spokeswoman Janice Koh.

"Then KBS made the decision to honor the centennial event by funding the whole thing — $1.1 million," Koh said. "It's a very fitting culmination of several years of events that celebrate the achievement of Korean immigrants."

PARK		LEE

Lionel Richie first was eyed as the headliner, but promoters didn't want to sabotage ticket sales for his recent paid concert, Koh said. The centennial committee eyed the roster of pop artists who recently performed with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and decided to approach Cross, known for such hits as "Sailing" and "Ride Like the Wind."

"Christopher Cross loves Hawai'i, and his music is familiar to Koreans," she said.

Even more familiar to Koreans is heartthrob Park Jin-young, a teen pop star. The guest list tonight also includes traditional "living treasure" Ahn Sook-sun to provide ethnic grounding, as well as newer artists such as Lee Jung-hyun.

The KBS Orchestra, which has performed "Open Concert" shows in venues ranging from its own theater in Seoul to concert halls in Vienna, Austria, and many cities in between, also will be accompanying tenor Cho Young-nam. He can handle the classical pieces just fine, as well as certain rock classics.

"He's famous for 'Proud Mary,' Koh explained. "He loves doing English songs."

Polynesian Cultural Center musicians and dancers will fill out the world-beat pantheon, which to Koreans will play like an exotic treat.

And this brings us to what will undoubtedly be the biggest star of the show, and the biggest promotion for Hawai'i: the stellar weather.

"It's cold in Korea right now," Koh said. "They'll all just love it."

Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.

TOMORROW: Learn how to prepare delicious bibim bap in Taste.