Wednesdays are wild again at the zoo

• Entertainment at the 'Wildest Show in Town'

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Melia Simpkins, 5, her mother, Vanessa Simpkins, of Waikele, and their friend from Japan, Chester Nakamura, were among several hundred people treated to a Kapena concert at the Honolulu Zoo on Wednesday, the first in a series of summertime shows there. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser 'AT&T's Wildest Show in Town' A summertime series, hosted by Roy Sakuma, with entertainment, food and family fun Doors open at 4:35 p.m.; shows 6-7 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 27 Honolulu Zoo $1 admission at the door 531-0101

It's a summertime family favorite, bar none. It's a treat for animal lovers who also enjoy the grassy outdoors. For many, it's a Hump Day must-do, a way to break up the work week. Kind of like having a Friday when it's only Wednesday, which makes Thursday feel like a Monday, except Saturday and Sunday come around much faster. Make sense?

"We had a beautiful first-week crowd," said Roy Sakuma, who annually mounts the event and lines up the performing talent. "Kapena was a great opening act, and we attracted about 1,000. If that's an indication of what's to come, we'll have a great summer. On some weeks, we expect 4,000 people."

And they come from all areas, said Sakuma, from Kane'ohe to Kapolei, from Wahiawa to Hawai'i Kai.

"And as I walk around, I meet a great mix of folks. A lot of families, some tourists, everyone having a great time," said Sakuma.

A crib sheet, if you're planning a future visit:

• Go early. Parking may be at a premium. There's the zoo lot, the Waikiki Shell lot, and up and along Kalakaua and Kapahulu avenues.
• Kaukau matters: The zoo allows bring-your-own goodies, but food vendors also will be on hand. Picnic grub — yes, even Spam musubi — takes on a gourmet flavor when a party atmosphere prevails.
• Tuning up: Yes, there's music — everything from jazz to Hawaiian to Latin to big band — every Wednesday. (See schedule on this page.)
• No booze: Alcohol is prohibited.
• Bring: Mats to sit on, beach chairs without legs. Perhaps a light jacket or windbreaker, just in case it gets a skosh chilly.
• Talk to the animals: Areas of the zoo are open till 6 p.m. for visits. Animals tend to be more active during the night than day, so it's worth a quick look.
• Tour option: If you go early, sign up for the weekly drawing — between 20 and 30 people are picked for a behind-the-scenes peek, from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.
• Win an 'ukulele: On selected weeks, a Wildest Show-goer will win a free 'ukulele (see schedule).

Entertainment at the 'Wildest Show in Town'

• June 18: Herb Ohta Jr. ('ukulele soloist, featuring music from his new CD, " 'Ukulele Romance"); GString 'Ukulele drawing
• June 25: Frank DeLima (comedy), with pre-show entertainment "Peace by Piece," by ZAPP Dancers from Eugene, Ore.
• July 2: Marine Forces Pacific Band
• July 9: Kilinahe (Hawaiian music)
• July 16: Jake Shimabukuro ('ukulele soloist); Kamaka 'Ukulele drawing
• July 23: Ernie Cruz Jr. (contemporary Hawaiian vocalist, 'ukulele stylist); KoAloha 'Ukulele drawing
• July 30: Ledward Ka'apana (slack-key soloist)
• Aug. 6: Jimmy Borges and his Jazzy Friends (jazz)
• Aug. 13: Raiatea Helm (traditional Hawaiian music); Lanikai 'Ukulele drawing
• Aug. 20: Audy Kimura (singer, guitarist)
• Aug. 27: Noel Okimoto's Latin Jazz Band (jazz and Latin)