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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, March 27, 2003

SHOW BIZ
Society of Seven member puts roots in Vegas

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

THE LOCAL ANGLE: Bert Sagum of the Society of Seven has bought a four-bedroom home in the Henderson area of Las Vegas, signaling a longtime commitment to the gambling capital. "It's about 20 minutes away from work," Sagum said about his drive to the Aladdin hotel. "Just like Hawai'i Kai to the Outrigger in Waikiki." Sagum and his SOS buddies, who opened a yearlong gig last fall, got renewed attention last week. The Las Vegas Review-Journal, polling the Vegas spectrum on how America's battles are affecting showrooms, pictured Sagum (with Randy Abellar in the background) as the SOS was doing its popular "God Bless the USA" finale. The story quoted leader Tony Ruivivar, who said he adapted the material to illustrate "how we should all come together as one and back the troops who are out there fighting for the freedom of the world." ...

Celine Dion, the buzz of the strip, opened Tuesday night at Caesars Palace, but a post-show reception was scrapped because of the war in Iraq. ...

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RANDOM NOTES: That Bobby McFerrin is something else; his one-man show Saturday night, under auspices of the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, was remarkable for its spontaneity, its never-ending surprises and its sheer originality. Using his pliable voice, he made music at every turn — occasionally with audience participation. One incredible highlight: his sounding off on a Bach prelude, with the audience (taking his cue) to sing counterpoint to "Ave Maria." The Blaisdell Concert Hall crowd also was blessed to witness the continuing growth and versatility of Jake Shimabukuro, 'ukulele stylist, who is hands-down the four-strings guru. His jam, ordered up by McFerrin, was an incandescent example of two giants crossing paths and communicating. Then again, Kenny Endo and his taiko helped McFerrin further expand his prowess in improv music. ...

• • •

AT THE OSCARS: Neil Ross, a former KGMB Radio staffer (in the pre-KSSK era) who is now a voice-over favorite in Los Angeles, was one of two "announcers" at the Academy Awards Sunday. He carries on a tradition: Hank Sims, formerly of KIKI, once did similar chores. ...

OK, I didn't fare well in predicting the Oscars; got best picture, best actress, best supporting actress and best supporting actor right, but missed on best actor, best director and best song. ...

• • •

PERSONALITIES: Dustin Nguyen, from "21 Jump Street" and "V.I.P.," is in town to film John Stockwell's North Shore-based pilot, "The Break," and had dinner with longtime pal Chris Lee, the movie producer and University of Hawai'i film school honcho, at the counter at Alan Wong's the other night. "Dustin loves Hawai'i and hopes the series goes so he can make Honolulu a second home," said Lee. Crews were filming in Waikiki and Kapi'olani Park earlier this week. ...

William Shatner, the "Star Trek" actor, was trekking around the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island recently. After a visit with the dolphins, he and a guest dined outdoors at Donatoni's. ...

Steve Harmon, retired Broadway and TV actor, took in Diamond Head Theatre's "Romance, Romance" musical, and had a reunion with musical director Donald Yap. Years ago they worked on the Mainland together in such shows as "Gypsy" and "Flower Drum Song," the latter featuring Chita Rivera. ...

Jordan Segundo, the "American Idol" semi-finalist from Hawai'i, continues to pop up everywhere. Tomorrow night he'll guest-sing at Brew Moon; on Saturday he'll be part of the E.K. Fernandez carnival at Aloha Stadium. ...

And that's Show Biz ...

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.