SHOW BIZ
Promoter Moffatt returning to the airwaves

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

ON THE RADIO: Tom Moffatt, a pioneer in island radio, returns to the air with a show from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, starting this week on KGMZ-FM (aka Oldies 107.9).

Moffatt will concentrate on the era of his specialty: the flashback sounds of the 1950s, '60s and '70s. In his heyday, he was one of the original "Poi Boys" of rock radio, hosting "Uncle Tom's Cabin" when K-POI ruled the airwaves.

"It's a pleasure to welcome Uncle Tom back to the airwaves," said John Matthews, station manager. Moffatt earlier did the morning drive show on Oldies 107.9. The Saturday-only stint will allow him to tend to his concert promotions.

He's still immersed in negotiating shows and concepts, trying, for instance, to twin bill Frankie Avalon and Connie Francis in a not-yet-confirmed nostalgia show. Over the years, he's done 'em all, from Elvis Presley to Frank Sinatra, from Elton John to the Rolling Stones, from The Beach Boys to Tony Bennett.

Moffatt, who also promoted the Shanghai Circus shows this month, was impressed with the artistry of the Chinese acrobats, as well as audience response; he hopes to bring them back next year. ...

ITEMIZATIONS: Jordan Segundo, Hawai'i's "American Idol" finalist, will be guest artist at the March semifinals of Don Ho's Island Grill talent search, from 7 to 10 p.m. tomorrow at Aloha Tower Marketplace club. He'll sing while judges tally the votes. Al Waterson, of course, is host, where usual karaoke flows tonight. Waterson also does a Friday show at Nick's Fishmarket, where performance hours have changed to 9:30 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. For this gig, his musicians include keyboardist Jeannette Trevias, drummer Rene Paulo Jr. and bassist Eddie B. ...

Barry Flanagan, who appeared recently on the Perry & Price show, encountered three Spirit of the Dance company members as they left the stage. "You've never heard of me, but I've heard of you," he told them, then offered each a copy of his latest CD, "Instrumental Peace." He shared "Danny Boy" with the radio audience. ...

Kenny Endo, who was one of the big drums — and draws — of the recent International Taiko Festival at Blaisdell Concert Hall, will be part of the "Now & Zen" fund-raiser for the Hawai'i Theatre May 2 at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental. ...

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 525-8067.