Island crooner making a career of it
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Advertiser library photo • Dec. 13, 2001
Randy Smith, the ex-Marine who adores Frank Sinatra music, has hung up his diving gear and is jumping into show biz full time with a one-night special he hopes will evolve into a bona-fide crooning career down the line.
Rather than impersonating Frank Sinatra, Randy Smith interprets the love songs that made Sinatra into a legendary entertainer for so long.
Smith, who performed to pre-recorded tracks for more than year at the Esprit nightclub at the Sheraton Waikiki, will star in "In Concert — An Evening With the Music of Sinatra," at 8 p.m. July 11 at the fabled Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
"This is the first time in my life that I'm free from other business obligations to concentrate on my singing career," said Smith, who recently sold his Hawai'i Kai business, the Aloha Dive Shop, to devote time to music.
"I'm just a bum now," Smith joked, challenging the don't-quit-your-day-job rationale among struggling performers. "I'm going to be 54 in December. So this grandfather's going to give it a try. I know my window of opportunity may be limited, but this is my big opportunity."
His Waikiki re-entry will be with an 11-piece orchestra, conducted by Frank Diehl, who has arranged a number of Ol' Blues Eye's classics, and there will be guest appearances by Latina singer Cynthia Romero, who fronts Son Caribe, and comedian Rip Taylor, he of the confetti-tossing quick hits.
8 p.m. July 11 Monarch Room, Royal Hawaiian Hotel $36 (reserved) and $26 (open); includes one drink, tax, tip, free parking with validation 931-8383 Also featuring: An orchestra conducted by Frank Diehl, comedian Rip Taylor, Latina singer Cynthia Romero
Smith is not a Sinatra impersonator; rather, he interprets the love songs that have made the Chairman of the Board a show-biz legend for several decades.
'In Concert — An Evening With the Music of Sinatra' Featuring Randy Smith
"I've been rehearsing new material and look forward to returning to Waikiki," said Smith. "Most of the material will be new. There will be an overture, two of three medleys."
Smith hopes to generate a buzz that will keep him employed in a local club, but his handlers are contemplating a launch in selected Mainland markets, too, where the Sinatra mystique has found a niche audience.
Jack Cione and Yemun Chung, who have collaborated on a number of local shows, are co-producing the Smith relaunch. "I feel there's an audience out there ... for this 50-year-old white-haired singer," said Cione. Smith projects a dapper demeanor in his chic black tux and his sidekick, which was a Sinatra trademark: a bottle of Jack Daniels.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
