Hawaiian music show debuts Friday

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

There may be good reason to stay home Friday and Saturday nights this summer. If you fancy Hawaiian music, both traditional and with a contemporary spin, "Heineken Hot Hawaiian Nights," premiering Friday (and repeating Saturday), just may be the ticket to spice up your nocturnal pleasures.

Over 11 weeks on K-5 (Channel 5), 11 acts will perform one-hour concerts from various nightspots, presenting an array of island music reflecting the spectrum of resident talent.

"Rotating the different acts at different locations will help expose not only talent, but give viewers a sample of the venues," said John Fink, general manager of K-5 and KHNL.

"Many of the on-site acts are Hoku Award winners, and the intent is to showcase and support island music, since the performers will be doing music off their CDs."

Willie K will kick off the series, which is being presented with the support of radio KCCN/KINE.

Keali'i Reichel, who has been absent from the concert scene for months, makes a special appearance.

Hosts will be KCCN-FM radio personalities Billy V, Lina Girl and Pipi.

The concerts will be aired live on K-5 (except where noted) from 7 to 8 p.m. Fridays, and will be retelevised from 9 to 10 p.m. Saturdays.

Most locations will be able to accommodate limited audiences, so those out on the town should arrive early or check for space availability. Drink minimums may apply but there will be no cover charge.

Armchair viewers can expect this slate (subject to change):

• Friday and Saturday — Willie K, from the Esprit Lounge, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.
• June 6 and 7 — Maunalua, from the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel.
• June 20 and 21 — Act and location to be announced.
• June 27 and 28 — Ka'ala Boys and Kapena, from Kapono's, Aloha Tower Marketplace.
• July 2 and 3 (because of the July 4 holiday) — The Brothers Cazimero, from Chai's Island Bistro, Aloha Tower Marketplace.
• July 11 and 12 — Amy Hanai-ali'i Gilliom, from the Sheraton Moana Surfrider.
• July 18 and 19 — Kapono, from Kapono's.
• July 25 and 26 —Na Palapalai , from Chai's Island Bistro.
• Aug. 1 and 2 — Keahiwai, from the Esprit.
• Aug. 8 and 9 — Keali'i Rei-chel, from the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina.
• Aug. 15 and 16 — Act and location to be announced.

There will be no show on June 13 and 14 because K-5 will televise the Miss Hawai'i pageant live on June 13.

Fink said K-5 also will be showcasing island shows on Fridays, before and after "Heineken Hot Hawaiian Nights": "Lucky You Live Hawai'i" will air from 6:30 to 7 p.m. each Friday, and replays of "Best of UH Sports" will run from 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays, pushing back the usual WB shows those evenings.