SATURDAY SCOOPS
Hawai'i-born singer on talent show 'Nashville Star'

Advertiser Staff and News Services

"Nashville Star," a USA Network show that puts a country-western spin on "American Idol" in its quest to find budding talent, will include a Hawai'i contestant in its premiere two-hour episode at 9 p.m. tonight.

Tasha Kai'ulani Valentine, a Honolulu-born singer, is among 12 finalists chosen from a field of 8,000 entries from across the nation.

"It couldn't have happened at a better time," said Valentine, who turned 22 this week. "I'd just finished a three-month gig on South Padre Island in Texas, for which I was never paid, and was wondering what I was going to do next when I got word (last) Christmas Eve that I had been chosen of the 12 finalists."

Valentine has deep island roots. She says she "paid her dues" with valuable singing advice from Bert Sagum, of the Society of Seven, who once lived across the street from her.

"Through the years when I needed advice on my career, he was always the first one I called," she says.

Her Hawaiian name — which means "highest point in heaven" — was bestowed by Nana Veary, Emma Veary's mother.

Valentine has been living in Albuquerque, N.M., with her mother, Vicki Carr. Her father, Kirk Pu'uohau-Pummil, is a graphic artist and photographer in the Islands.

For several years, Valentine has impersonated Patsy Cline, the country singer, in a "Legendary Superstars" act, but has been eager to launch her own identity and sound, which she describes as "country blues. I'm outside the norm. I'm definitely not typical country."

The USA show will air at 9 p.m. Saturdays through May 3. It originates from Nashville.

The reality show will feature the 12 candidates, who will live together in a fully-wired home. Cameras will record their mundane activities, leading up to a showdown, where one wannabe is eliminated each week.

The survivor will be awarded a Sony Music Nashville recording contract.

Throughout the tapings, country singer Clint Black will mentor the contestants. Black also will produce the winner's album.

Lessons take mystery out of growing roses

In the seminars "How to Grow Beautiful Roses," from 1 to 2 p.m. today and tomorrow, you'll learn the basics of planting, pruning and more.

If you're really into it, there's a one-day comprehensive session 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 22 at Kapi'olani Community College's 'Ohi'a 118 auditorium, with guest speakers and more detailed information. This one will cost you, though: Registration is $25, and optional manuals are $12 ($17 with binder). Also available will be the rose society's "Guide to Growing Roses" ($10), which should put to rest the nagging question, "Can you really grow roses in warm-weather Hawai'i?" Yes, you can!

For more information, call 545-5653 or check out www.roseshawaii.org, which also has tips on rose care, lovely photos, recommended roses, a forum and more.

2nd 'Spy Kids' film adds 3rd generation to family adventures

The second film in the "Spy Kids" series, subtitled "The Island of Lost Dreams," is available on DVD.

Carmen and Juni Cortez (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) are veterans of the spy kids agency they joined at the end of the first movie. And they're coming up against all kinds of bureaucratic frustrations, with other kid spies getting plum assignments. At the same time, they have plenty of adventures. They have to save the daughter of the U.S. president from an amusement park ride that literally juggles its passengers high in the air.

Still, family is the key to "Spy Kids." The siblings fight, but bond. Their spy parents (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) help them, and so do their spy grandparents (Ricardo Montalban and Holland Taylor).

By the way, "Spy Kids 3," coming out July 25, finds Carmen, Juni and their grandpa trapped in a video game.

Mardi Gras still on at Gussie L'Amour's

Hours are 9 p.m.-4 a.m. It's for revelers 21 and older, of course; $25 at the door ($5 discount for students and military). 371-9080.

'Ukulele, slack-key stars shine in Hilo

Here's a musical highlight on the Big Island: The 'Ukulele and Slack-key Masters Concert, featuring Jake Shimabukuro, Led Ka'apana, Gordon Mark and Ozzie Kotani, continues at 7:30 tonight at the Palace Theatre in Hilo.

Tickets are $15. (808) 934-7010, (808) 934-7777.

Eastern Europe being celebrated at Punahou festival

The community is invited to come and learn about the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia and Slovenia at today's Eastern European Festival at Punahou School's Wo International Center.

The family-friendly festival will include demonstrations and food, music, dance, puppetry, crafts, storytelling and games. Folks with roots in Eastern Europe will share their stories and traditions.

The school is at Punahou Street and Wilder Avenue in Makiki. Festival hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and it's free.

Swedish hot cakes perfect addition to lazy weekend breakfast

This recipe comes from the Little River Inn, just south of Mendocino along the Northern California coast. The pancakes can be served with maple syrup or a strawberry compote in the center.

Ole's Swedish Hot Cakes

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 3 eggs, separated

1. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the milk, half-and-half and zest. The mixture will be very liquid; don't worry.

3. Whisk in the egg yolks (this will thicken the batter slightly). In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form and stir them gently into the batter. (You don't need to fold them; the batter is not that delicate.) This will thicken it to about the consistency of a good homemade eggnog. Whisk in the melted butter. (The recipe can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated, tightly covered, overnight.)

4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until drops of water skitter across the surface. Slowly pour one-half cup of the batter in the center, forming as much of a circle as you can (using a ladle or measuring cup with a lip makes this easier).

5. Cook until the bottom of the pancake has lightly browned and the top begins to look slightly dry, about 3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook until it feels somewhat firm when pressed lightly in the center, 2 more minutes.

6. Remove from the pan and keep warm in the oven. Serve 2 pancakes per person.

Total time: 20 minutes.

Servings: 4.

Each serving: 575 calories; 708 mg. sodium; 318 mg. cholesterol; 44 grams fat; 26 grams saturated fat; 32 grams carbohydrates; 14 grams protein; 0.95 gram fiber.