SHOW BIZ
Bruddah Iz fans can eventually buy the DVD

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

TALK ABOUT PEOPLE: The Honolulu Symphony Orchestra hoped to enlist the services of Camile Velasco as the opening act for the next pops concert, featuring Toto, May 7 and 8, but because of contractual obligations with 19 Entertainment, producers of "American Idol," the Maui singer (eliminated two weeks ago) could not sign on. Not to worry; the stellar showmanship of 'ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro should keep the show moving. ...

Word from the Big Island is that "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer rented 140 rooms for his colleagues from the now-finished NBC-TV series as a gesture of mahalo and aloha for years of support and service. Unconfirmed, but the buzz is that the "Frasier" fest happened at the Hapuna Prince Hotel. ...

"'Ulupalakua Thing," set for Saturday on the grounds of 'Ulupalakua Ranch and Tedeschi Vineyards in upcountry Maui, will feature food and music. Chef Mark Ellman of Maui Tacos and Penne Pasta hosts the Chef's Challenge, a local version of "Iron Chef," and Maui merchants, artisans and farmers share their wares. Surely, one of the draws is Keali'i Reichel, a Maui native, who performs at 12:15 p.m. (other entertainers include Wild Rose, Pekelo, Richard Ho'opi'i and Kamaka Fernandez). Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. ...

Reichel's "Ke'alaokamaile" CD is the leading contender in this year's Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Loved his promotional mailers to Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts voters — in the form of a birth announcement, listing birth date (Dec. 9, 2003), weight (3 oz.) and length (53 minutes, 7 seconds). ...

COCONUT WIRELESS: Leon and Malia were out of the limelight for a while because of unexpected eye surgery (detached retina) for Leon Siu. But the couple has resumed shows — next big one is the He'eia Family Day at He'eia State Park at 1 p.m. May 16, plus a Keiki Fun Day gig 1-3 p.m. June 13 at Ward Warehouse. ...

Kaitlin Kiyan, 13, who has performed in local theater and competed on "Star Search" last year, has been in L.A. recently and performed the national anthem at Staples Center for the opening playoff game between the Lakers and Houston Rockets last Saturday. It's the fourth Lakers game she's attended, courtesy of Mitch Kupchak, g.m. of the team. Kiyan also has been hanging out with boxer Brian Viloria, who's in training for a fight June 4. ...

That recent fund-raiser "Pennies for a Heart," launched by Sacred Hearts Academy alumnae to help one of their own, Penny Felimer Kalani, raised more than $21,000 to help Kalani battle a rare blood disorder. She needs a heart transplant to survive, and is wait-listed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The Class of 1984's illustrious grad, Tia Carrere, was among those who rallied — and helped inflate the proceeds total. ...

And out Maui way, $20,000 was raised for the Maui Memorial Medical Center in a golf tourney at the Ka'anapali Golf Course. Willie K and Emme Tomimbang chaired the event, and a stream of local notables jammed on stage with Willie, including Horace Dudoit of Ho'okena, Jerome Koko of The Makaha Sons, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Brickwood Galuteria and Melveen Leed. ...

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.