Pepper comes home
| • | 'Mr. Las Vegas' still a thrill to hear |
| • | Mandel madness tonight |
| • | New Year's Eve Calendar |
By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
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| The band Pepper — from left, Bret Bollinger, Kaleo Wassman and Yesod Williams — comes home to the Islands to headline a New Year's Eve concert at the Blaisdell Arena. The band last performed in Honolulu in June. Also on tonight's bill are Go Jimmy Go, Natural Vibrations and Black Square. |
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| Pepper, originally from the Big Island, is now based in San Diego. They perform tonight with Go Jimmy Go, Natural Vibrations and Black Square.
Advertiser library photo Pepper with Go Jimmy Go, Natural Vibrations, Black Square 8:30 p.m. today Blaisdell Arena $29.50 (877) 750-4400 |
What sucked even more, said Pepper vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, was a mid-December preview of the next Ice Age while on tour with the Kings.
"We were in Minneapolis loading all of our stuff into a trailer after the show," Wassman said earlier this week from San Diego. "And, I swear ... do you remember in 'The Day After Tomorrow' when you could see the ice creeping up, and the flag just froze and stopped waving? That super cold front?"
Yup.
"That's what hit us. We all froze. That was our Book of Revelations — our end of the world, man. And it was not good.
"We just couldn't wait to get home."
We're picturing Wassman and the rest of Pepper — drummer Yesod Williams, bassist/vocalist Bret Bollinger — a lot happier right about now. The San Diego-based, Kailua, Kona-born trio will finish a four-island homecoming tour tonight with a New Year's Eve blowout at Blaisdell Arena.
Joining them on the multi-act bill are Go Jimmy Go, Natural Vibrations and Black Square. It'll be Pepper's first time headlining what Wassman fondly called "the Enormo-dome." Still, playing past midnight at Blaisdell Arena wasn't the only thing Wassman was looking forward to.
"We feel really privileged to be playing the show. I mean, it's Blaisdell Arena," confessed Wassman. "(But) as soon as I get off that plane in Honolulu, my pops is gonna bring me two pounds of poke and a quart of Steinlager."
Wassman paused for full effect.
"Then it'll be smiles all around."
Pepper has been busy since its last Hawai'i sojourn in June for Band Camp in Honolulu and its own Kona Town Music Festival on the Big Island.
Five years of constant Mainland touring finally paid off with Pepper launching its first-ever headlining trek later that month. The eight-week tour supporting the March release of Pepper's third disc, the reggae/rock/punk infused "In With The Old," introduced the band to Midwest audiences who had never seen them live.
Later in the year, Pepper's Thanksgiving-through-Christmas-Eve tour opening for Kottonmouth Kings took them through "all of middle America — Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Utah and Colorado."
Whether Pepper was feeling the love out there, however, was another story.
"The Kottonmouth Kings are a bunch of white guys from Riverside (Calif.) who rap," said Wassman. "So these guys draw a bunch of urban kids looking for identities. The (fans are) young. They're confused. They wanted a hip-hop show.
"And they hated us. They would flip us off at every show. ... They had a real hard time dealing with our show and our fans."
Wassman and the rest of Pepper still took it all pretty much in stride.
"Regardless, all of them heard our music," said Wassman. "People may hate you, but they still know who you are. They talk about you. And that's what matters."
Ever the hard-working rockers, Pepper will skip the usual post-show Kona vacation with family for two solid months of Mainland touring. The March release of its first live DVD (filmed over two nights at Los Angeles' famed Troubador club in September) will be followed by an eight-country European tour through June.
After some summer pre-production work on its fourth disc (scheduled for a spring 2006 release), the band will depart on a first-ever tour of Australia.
"I want to get more recording done," Wassman said of Pepper's 2005 goals. "We have so many songs that we're forced to do as (side projects). And I would really like to get the band together in a studio to do the songs.
"(That's) because no matter what, nothing is quite as cool as the three of us working together."
Minneapolis included.
Reach Derek Paiva at 525-8005 or dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com.
• • •
'Mr. Las Vegas' still a thrill to hear
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| Wayne Newton, long a Las Vegas icon, will help ring in the new year tonight at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Gannett News Service Wayne Newton 9 p.m. today Hilton Hawaiian Village $85 general, $110 silver, $160 gold and $195 platinum; includes concert, party favors, half bottle of sparkling wine, one standard cocktail, tax and tip 947-7877 |
So when my sister-in-law Ginny suggested we take in Newton's show, partly to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday, we said yes.
And we were glad we did. Those who ring in the new year at the Hilton Hawaiian Village tonight with "Mr. Las Vegas" will be glad, too.
The man is amazing!
He can sing, although his voice is somewhat deeper than it was when he first sang "Danke Shoen," one of his early hits.
He can play musical instruments, including the guitar, banjo, violin and piano, like a virtuoso.
He can kiss — that is, all the ladies who are within kissing distance.
And he can tell jokes, some corny, some funny, some about himself and his Native American heritage.
But the bottom line is that he works hard for every moment of applause, of which there were many in that packed Wayne Newton Theatre at the Stardust.
At 62, Newton knows how to work a room, and with true delight. Some of those "rooms" are overseas, where he performs for military audiences, including those serving in Iraq. For that, Mr. Las Vegas deserves his own salute.
One of the finest segments of that May performance was a tribute to the veterans in the audience who were asked to stand and be recognized. Many were quite old, and had served in World War II or in the Korean War. It was a tearful but genuine moment as the pride flowed from every corner of the room.
Younger audiences might not know or care about Wayne Newton, but this must be said: His talent and professionalism are timeless. Viva, Mr. Las Vegas!
— Debra Yuen, TGIF editor
• • •
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| Funnyman Howie Mandel returns to the Islands for two shows — 7:30 and 10:30 tonight — at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki. |
Mandel last performed in Ho-nolulu in December 2001, and is best known for his dramatic role as Dr. Wayne Fiscus in TV's "St. Elsewhere" and as the lead voice (and other voices and creator/executive producer) of the animated kids' show "Bobby's World."
He also has a Bravo network sitcom/reality show in the works. Titled "Hidden Howie," it's an unscripted show that blends tales about Mandel's family life with hidden-camera bits.
Tickets are $35 for the 7:30 p.m. show, $45 for the 10:30 p.m. show; available at the Blaisdell box office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com and by phone at (877) 750-4400.
• • •
The 
indicates admission is $5 or less, or free. Full-price admission is listed; the * denotes discounts (or free) for students, seniors, military, members and/or children and advance purchases. Call the venue for details.
Fireworks
New Year's Eve Celebration, with entertainment, 7 p.m., Aloha Tower Marketplace center atrium; and fireworks, midnight, over Honolulu Harbor; free. 566-2337.
New Year's Fireworks Extravaganza, 10-minute display hosted by Waikiki Improvement Association, midnight, off Gray's Beach (fronting Halekulani); free. 923-2311.
Out-Of-Towners Howie Mandel, comedian, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki, Pacific Ballroom; $35 first show, $45 second show. (877) 750-4400.
Pepper, with Go Jimmy Go, Natural Vibrations and Black Square, 8:30 p.m., Blaisdell Arena; $29.50. (877) 750-4400.
Wayne Newton, singer, musician, actor, 9 p.m., Hilton Hawaiian Village; $85-$195. 947-7877.
STAGE
"Grease," 1950s musical featuring Frankie Avalon, 4 (signed performance) and 8 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall; $54 and $74. (877) 750-4400.
"Stomp!" international percussion show, 8 p.m., Hawai'i Theatre; $30-$50*. 528-0506.
SHOWROOMS
Creation, dinner show, 6-8:30 p.m., Sheraton Princess Kaiulani; $125*. 931-8383.
Ho'omaka Hou 2005 (The New Beginnings), 'ukulele concert with The Makaha Sons, Robi Kahakalau, Kanilau and Halau Na Mamo O Ka'ala and Kapena, 7 p.m., Sheraton Waikiki hotel; $85 show only, $225 dinner and show. 931-8383.
Comedy Triple Header, Frank DeLima, Andy Bumatai and Paul Ogata, 7:30 p.m. dinner show and 8:30 p.m. cocktail show, Ohana Reef Towers Hotel, Palace Showroom; $99 dinner show and $85 cocktail show. 923-7469, 922-6408.
New Year's Eve Party, Society of Seven Las Vegas and Larry Kaliloa, 7:45 p.m., Outrigger Main Showroom; 21 and older; $145 dinner show. 922-6408, 923-7469.
Dinner, Plus
New Year's Eve, four-course dinner, bottle of champagne and party favors, first seating 5:30-6 p.m., second seating 8:30-9:30 p.m., The Royal Hawaiian hotel, Surf Room; also, Augie Rey and the Little Big Band, 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; $99 first seating, $140 second seating. 931-8383.
Big Blast and Big Bang Fireworks Celebration, Guy Cruz and Company and H2O, 5:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Gordon Biersch; 21 and older; $10 cover (separate VIP packages available, $99 per person, $200 per table of four or fewer). 537-3291.
New Year's Eve Performance, mystery dinner theater with Murder Mystery Players, 6 p.m., Dave and Buster's; $65 per person or $130 per couple. 589-5008.
New Year's Eve 2004, gourmet buffet, 6-10:30 p.m., Sheraton Princess Kaiulani; also, Simplisity and Rock 'n' Roll Soul, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; $95*. 931-8383.
New Year's Eve, Nueva Vida featuring Anita Hall and Darryl LeVance Carter, 7 p.m., The Royal Hawaiian hotel, Monarch Room; $225-$265* dinner and show, $75-$95* show only. 931-8383.
New Year's Eve Celebration, the Kit Samson Band, 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom; $35* cocktail package or $55* dinner package. 955-4811.
New Year's Eve 2004, eightOeight featuring Ginai and four tribute impersonators, 7:15 p.m.-12:15 a.m., Sheraton Moana Surfrider Banyan Courtyard; $50 show only, $40 appetizer buffet or $85 both. 931-8383.
New Year's Eve Celebration, six-course dinner with Ginny Tiu and Noly Paa, seatings at 8 and 8:30 p.m., Sheraton Moana Surfrider Ship's Tavern; $240*. 931-8383.
New Year's Eve, gala dinner with the Honolulu Symphony, Bruce Hamada and Jim Howard, and Jimmy Borges, 8:30 p.m.-1:15 a.m., Halekulani, Orchids; $260. 923-2311.
Ring in the New Year, buffet dinner and B.E.T., 10 p.m., Don Ho's Island Grill; $60 VIP tickets. 528-0807.
Star of Honolulu New Year's Eve Cruises, champagne toast, party favor, dinner, entertainment, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Aloha Tower Marketplace Pier 8; $90.75-$154.75. 983-7827.
CLUBS/DANCE VENUES
New Year's Eve Ball, dancing and dinner with Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association, 6 p.m., Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel Ballroom; $43.50. 754-0947, 848-7789.
New Year's Eve Gala, dance and heavy pupu with Parents Without Partners, 8 p.m., Honolulu Airport Hotel; $35*. 262-7441, 258-9504.
Black and White New Year's Eve Ball, with Liquid Amber, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Hale Ka'a Manu 'O Laa Estate, Hawai'i Kai; $35* (benefit for World Turtle Trust and Bosom Buddies). 396-6715.
Feliz Aöo Nuevo: New Year's Eve Fiesta, Son Caribe, La Gitana and strolling mariachis, 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m., Panama Hattie's; 18 and older; $25 with Mexican dinner, $15 without. 485-8226, 285-0072.
Bling-Bling 2005, Gender Bender Lip Gloss Revue, party favors and balloon drop, 8 p.m.-4 a.m., Fusion Waikiki; $15*. 924-2422.
Let's Get It Started 2005, Buddhist Priest, Superstar DJ Keoki and DJ III Media, 8 p.m.-4 a.m., Wave Waikiki; 21 and older; $15. 941-0424.
New Year's Eve Celebration, party favors and champagne toast, 8 p.m.-4 a.m., Ocean Club; $10. 531-8444.
International Grand Opening, DJ Harvey, 8:30 p.m., thirtyninehotel; 21 and older; $10-$20. 599-2552, www.groovetickets.com.
'70s Night New Year's Eve Party, Soulz, In Denial and Scrubs, 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m., BedRoq Bar and Grill; $10. 942-8822.
Five, with Tigra, Ajoshua and Scooby, 9 p.m., Hula's Bar & Lei Stand. 923-0669.
Veuve Clicquot New Year's Eve, Stardust featuring Rocky Brown, Brian Robertshaw and Johnny Valentine, 9 p.m., Sheraton Waikiki hotel, Hanohano Room Cobalt Lounge; $205 per couple. 922-4422.
Adios 2004, Welcome 2005 New Year's Eve Bash, El Conjunto Tropical, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., CafÚ Che Pasta; 18 and older; $15. 779-6782, 524-0029.
Happy New Year's Eve Celebration, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Onstage Drinks and Grinds; free. 306-7799.
New Year's Eve Get Fresh! DJs Sadeq and Mike Sike, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Indigo Eurasian Cuisine; 21 and older; $8-$12. 591-3500.
POPular New Year's Eve, DJs Sleeze, Ms. Angel and Quat and The Manner, Tiare and Cory, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Club Pauahi; all ages; $5. 521-7252.
Wonder Lounge: The White Ball, DJs Pachi, KSM, ShawnG and Gary-O, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Wonderland at the W Honolulu; 21 and older; cover. 922-3734.
Fresh: New Year's Eve Colossal, San Francisco DJ Marcus Purnell, Miss Hawaii Olena Rubin and balloon drop, 9 p.m.-4 a.m., Level 2; 21 and older; $15*. 955-4852.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise, pre-party at Hooters 9:30 p.m., boarding at 10, DJ dance music 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Ali'i Kai, Pier 5; $30. 330-9990.
Rockin' Oceanfront Party, with Planet Jane, 9:30 p.m., Sheraton Waikiki hotel, Esprit Nightclub; $30* includes glass of champagne and party favors. 922-4422.
Club 25 New Year's Eve Edition, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m., Sansei Restaurant and Sushi Bar; 25 and older; $25. www.imfvisions.com.
DFX, with DJs, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Dave and Buster's Sunset Lanai; no cover. 589-5007.
Happy New Year, hip-hop, dance and house, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Kemo'o Farm, Lakeside Lanai; $5. 622-5009.
Dungeon: New Year's Eve 2005, gothic/fetish party, 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m., Galaxy; 18 and older; $25*. www.dungeonhawaii.com.
DJs Moshic and Seven Star, chocolate fountain and DJs BassX, Archangel, Rise-Up and Wrong One, 10 p.m.-4 a.m., The Living Room; 21 and older; $12. e-mail: vip@the-living-room.com.
Foreplay Fridaze New Year's Eve Special Edition, DJs Wu Chang and Mike D, 10 p.m.-4 a.m., Pipeline Cafe; 18 and older; cover. 589-1999.
Starlet New Year's Eve Cocktail and Dance Cruise, champagne toast, party favor, entertainment, 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Aloha Tower Marketplace Pier 8; 21 and older; $48.75. 983-7827.
Afterhours New Year's Eve at Club 301, burlesque dancers, Superstar DJ Keoki and DJs G-Spot and KSM, 3-8 a.m., The Paradise ShowClub; 21 and older; $10.
NEIGHBOR ISLAND
Tower of Power, dinner and party favors, 8 p.m., Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island; $200-$275*. (808) 886-1234.
