Cione goes Caribbean in 'Aiea | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Cione goes Caribbean in 'Aiea | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Tuesday, May 4, 2004

SHOW BIZ
Cione goes Caribbean in 'Aiea

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

JACK'S BACK: Jack Cione is returning to the nightclub biz — as one of four partners of Panama Hattie's, above the 'Aiea Dixie Grill, in the space where Players Sports Bar has been. "We're looking for rhythm 'n' blues bands," said Cione, whose colorful career has included naked waiters at the Dunes and Las Vegas splendor at Le Boom Boom Club, among other things. Newly settled into his Arcadia digs with wife Maydelle, Cione is eager to bring a few sparks into the 'Aiea-Pearlridge area. His partners include Yemun Chung, talent manager and entrepreneur; Vernon Luke, a current Players stockholder; and Larry Haanio, who is in the nightclub photo concession biz. "We're subtitling the club 'A trip to the Caribbean,' " said Cione, whose hui takes over May 26 for a May 27 launching. R&B bands may call Cione at his Waikiki office, 922-8401, or Chung at 398-4243. ...

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OH, LEI: It was a touching moment, when dancer Leina'ala Kalama Heine returned to the Brothers Cazimero fold at Saturday's Lei Day concert at the Waikiki Shell. Her hula on "Nani Hanalei" brought on cheers; then again, the entire evening was loaded with surprise. First, from steel guitarist Jeff Au Hoy, who joined Robert and Roland Cazimero sparingly, performing on the duo's late father William's instrument, which they had given the 1998 Punahou grad, who can really extract succulent steel sounds. He dared to play one of Gabby Pahinui's early signatures, "Pua Mae'ole," and accompanied surprise guest singer Raiatea Helm, who said, "He's good!" Naturally, Helm couldn't leave the stage without doing her homage to Auntie Genoa Keawe on "Alika." ...

Dancer Kanoe Miller was among the May Day celebrants, watching her second Lei Day concert in the 27-year run. How? By taking a night off her hula spot at the Halekulani Hotel's Hau Tree Terrace. ...

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CUFF NOTES: At the "Rock Legends" production recently at Blaisdell Concert Hall, Duncan Royce as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was a charismatic crowd-pleaser. The rest of the cast — the four ABBA singers and The Beatles impersonators — sang stunning backup on Royce's "Bohemian Rhapsody" that was truly magnificent. Touring maestro Barry Potts, who added his own sparks, evoked the best sound ever from the 40-member Honolulu Symphony, with concertmaster Iggy Jang and the entire string section twisting and shouting in total animation. Bravo! Perhaps Toto's gig Friday and Saturday will uncork that much sizzle. ...

It's a stellar music week; besides Toto's symphonic concerts, Kenny Loggins plays Friday night at the Waikiki Shell, with Hapa as opening act. Also a busy time for caterer Steve Ozark, who'll do backstage grinds for Loggins and Toto. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Wayne Harada's Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays; reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.

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