SHOW BIZ
Singer rolls on new ride, new CD

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Jon Kaita, his wife, Cindy, son Brenton and mother-in-law, Jean, were on a Princess Cruise and taking an off-ship pause in New Zealand when they heard the strums of a guitar from afar. Sounded familiar — like Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow." The Kaitas originally figured, "No way," until they came upon a car with its windows rolled down, stuck in traffic, the driver blasting Bruddah Iz's signature tune and singing, too.

"It was definitely a chicken-skin moment," said Kaita. "And a great reminder to us as to how blessed Hawai'i is with so many talented people whose works can be appreciated and loved by all worldwide." ...

No sooner did Rick Enos celebrate the 20th anniversary of his Compadres at Ward Centre than he went home to California for yet another fiesta. First-born son Jeff's 30th birthday coincided with daughter Lauren's 24th, so the two "ground hogs" partied at Compadres in Oakland with 30 of their friends. Enos poured drinks from a 1974 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet, a six-litre bottle he bought from Allan Suzuki in 1988, complete with Mondavi's autograph, when he was then in town for a Sunset Grill party (Enos and Dick Bradley opened the Grill that year). ...

ABOUT PEOPLE: Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, who appeared with Willie K in the Pro Bowl's halftime show, hasn't seen any tangible reaction to the exposure. "But I think it will help when Willie and I tour New York and the East Coast in July. We're hoping it helped." ...

HERE, THERE: Tonight's the night Camile Velasco competes on "American Idol." Two other Island contestants, Jonah Moananu and Jasmine Trias, will be all eyes and ears, soaking up tips and analysis that will no doubt help them when he sings Feb. 24 and she sings March 2. Remember to vote. ...

Emerging Island comics Shawn Felipe, Kaleo Pilanca, Cathy Tanaka and Champ join veterans Mel Cabang, Bo Irvine and Da Braddahs in "Make Me Laugh 2," 9 and 11:30 p.m. Friday at the Souths Seas Village, Hawaiian Hut. Tony Solis hosts. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

By the way, Cabang has descended upon Brew Moon, where he brings his comedy at 10:30 p.m. Saturdays. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

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