SHOW BIZ
Comedian Ogata back from Kilborn gig

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

He was incredibly nervous; so much so that pal Jamie Masada, owner of the Laugh Factory, flew in from New York City (where a new Laugh Factory is ensconced at Times Square) to provide moral support backstage with Kilborn, CBS staffers and more — lots more happening in Ogata's quarters than in those of other Kilborn guests (Lou Diamond Phillips, Vincent Pastore) that day.

Ogata's performance impressed a lot of people — which may lead to other bookings, he hopes. He flew to the Big Apple to film the World Asia TV network's "Take Out Comedy at the Improv," which should air on cable this fall.

He's home again — back on the air with Kid Leo on 102.7 Da Bomb and appearing with Frank DeLima and Andy Bumatai in the comedy triple-bill at the Palace Showroom of the Ohana Reef Towers every Friday and Saturday. ...

Speaking of DeLima: His Auntie Mary figure, she with the wiry hair and ample bosom, was at The Willows one day last week, singing "You So Wayne" to the tune of Carly Simon's "You're So Vain." It was a surprise appearance to mark yours truly's 40th anniversary at this paper. ...

Memory lane: As a follow-up to a Las Vegas reunion concert last month, the Hawai'i Class of 1972 will hold a similar event 8 p.m.-1 a.m. July 31, themed "Battle of Bands," at the Hawaiian Hut. If you boogied and bounced to the music of the Dimensions, the Calientes and other bands of the '60s and '70s, this one's for you. According to one of the organizers, Dalton Tanonaka (who performed in the Vegas gig), Connie Kissinger, class of '71 at Kalani before becoming a member of Kit Samson's Sound Advice, has been signed on; she flies in from New York for the hoopla. Tickets: $30, including a buffet dinner, door prizes and a donation to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Call 521-3400 or e-mail rbrhawaii@cs.com. ...

It was reunion time Saturday night at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental, when Steve Myers married Mi'i Hawkins. Myers used to be financial honcho for Nick's Fishmarket and the Black Orchid when Randy Schoch owned the two restaurants, and Schoch, who now owns Ruth's Chris Steak House, was part of the wedding party. (Schoch's been in town, with his wife, Cheri, and children Victoria and Randall, for the 15th anniversary of the Restaurant Row eatery.) Among the guests: Eddie Fernandez, former Nick's executive chef, who's now with Kapi'olani Community College's food service program; David Nagaishi, former Nick's g.m. and now honcho of Ocean House; and Lisa Josephsohn, then and still publicist for Schoch's restaurants. The groom, now in finance in Orange County, met the bride when he lived there; the bride, a doctor with many talents, made the outfits worn by the bridesmaids and the flower girls. She, sisters and mom performed hula for the wedding guests. ...

Schoch's Ruth's Chris anniversary bash also was a time for reflection — with former Schoch employees like Ben Dowling (at Nick's Fishmarket) talking old times. The likes of Danny Kaleikini and John Kolivas' Honolulu Jazz Quartet performed and enjoyed the camaraderie beneath a tent on the Restaurant Row lawn. ...

Itemizations: Visiting — Bonnie and Eliot Tiegel, at the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island. She's the supervising producer of the syndicated "Entertainment Tonight" and is readying another show, "The Insider" (same role), destined for a September launch. He's a freelance writer who has done a number of pieces relating to Island media. ...

Folks are still buzzing about the Makaha Sons' "Take a Walk in the Country 2" concert recently at the Waikiki Shell, where Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Jerome Koko and John Koko re-established their footing as a summer draw. Genoa Keawe and granddaughter Mandy earned a standing ovation ("Alika" will do it every time), and Robert Cazimero was mesmerizing on "My Isle of Golden Dreams" and "E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina'ole." Of course, with the roster including Kapena, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Willie K, Maunalua, Ho'okena, Na Palapalai, Three Plus, the Lim Family and the halau of Sonny Ching and Olana and Howard Ai, how could they miss?. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

With today's column, Wayne Harada begins a two-week vacation. Show Biz resumes in mid-July. Reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.