SHOW BIZ
Young actress hopes to become next Beyonce

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

AMERICAN IDYLL: Sergio's Italian Restaurant at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Bazaar marks its second anniversary from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, and the restaurant's signature favorites will be featured. A silent auction is slated from 9 to 11 p.m., and Jonah Moananu, the "American Idol" finalist who was eliminated, will provide live entertainment. Tickets: $40 in advance, $50 at the door (includes two drinks). Information: 951-6900. ...

And New Zealand actor Rawiri Paratene, who portrayed Koro the grandfather in the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated "Whale Rider" film, will appear from 6:15 to 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Polynesian Cultural Center, sharing his views on the cultural themes at play in the much-heralded "little" film that made a big impact on movie-goers. And yes, he'll be touting New Zealand as a cultural (and visitor) destination. ...

SHOW BREEZES: Anton Kuerti, the eminent pianist who is a frequent Island visitor, will give a concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. His solo recital will include works by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Czerny, Chopin and Beethoven. The museum, Mozart House and the Ernest Chang Piano Studio are presenting the evening. Tickets: $25 general, $22 for students and seniors. Call 532-8700. ...

Perennial fave Kenny Loggins returns to Hawai'i for a concert at 7 p.m. on May 7 at the Waikiki Shell (with another show at 7 p.m. on May 9 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center). Honolulu tickets are $55 for reserved section, $30 for general admission grass seating; Maui prices are $55 and $45 for reserved, $35 for general. Call (877) 750-4400 or (808) 242-7469. ...

Add Melveen Leed to the Mother's Day mix. Her show is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9 at the Japanese Cultural Center's Manoa Grand Ballroom. Rodney Cazimero, Ron Ka'ipo, Ka'aikaula Naluai (Leed's daughter), Glenn Pinho and Imai & Friends are featured. Tickets: $40 general, $33 children 10 and younger. Call 330-5858. ...

TALK ABOUT PEOPLE: Hollywood trade papers indicate that as a gift to his fellow "Frasier" cast members, Kelsey Grammer was going to spring for a trip to Hawai'i. Since Grammer owns a Maui home, the Valley Isle is a good bet for stargazers. ...

Aveda Salon & Spa, at Ala Moana Center, will stage the Aveda Cut-a-Thon for the Earth, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, which is a fund-raiser for the Hawai'i Nature Center. A $20 donation (no reservations) will give you a trim. Further, a nature center awareness event will be presented from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 24 at Kap'iolani Park Bandstand, with entertainment by Jordan Segundo and George Kuo. A Watershed Trolley Tour also is on tap. Call 955-0100. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.