Top performers join Pops roster
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A Grammy nomination earlier this year has enabled the Honolulu Symphony to lure some top acts to Hawai'i for the 2004-05 Hawaiian Airlines Pops Season, says pops maestro Matt Catingub.
• Sept. 10, 11 — Arturo Sandoval, jazz trumpeter. • Oct. 1, 2 — Contemporary Island music's band Kalapana, and Yvonne Elliman, the disco diva from the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack. • Oct. 29, 30 — "Tribute to the Seventies." • Nov. 19, 20 — Burt Bacharach, pop and film composer. • Dec. 10, 11 — Christmas Pops, with the Brothers Cazimero and Na Leo Pilimehana. • April 8, 9 — Dianne Reeves, jazz vocalist. • May 27, 28 — Keali'i Reichel, Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner. All concerts at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Blaisdell Concert Hall Season tickets, $154 to $427; 792-2000
Grammy winners Dianne Reeves, a jazz vocalist, and Arturo Sandoval, a trumpeter, were among those who "connected" with the orchestra last spring. Thus, they will join local favorites such as Keali'i Reichel, Kalapana and Yvonne Elliman as part of the Pops plate this coming season.
2004-05 Hawaiian Airlines Pops series
"During our recent trip to the Grammys, we encountered some immensely talented artists that we wanted to bring to Hawai'i for their first shows with the Pops," said Catingub. "For example, Dianne Reeves won her third Grammy (for best jazz vocal) for her album 'A Little Moonlight,' and gave a breathtaking performance.
"We also saw jazz master and four-time Grammy winner Arturo Sandoval perform 'Senorita' with Justin Timberlake," said Catingub. "His flawless trumpet playing inspired us to invite him to play for the first time ever with the Pops. And this Grammy-inspired season wouldn't be the same without the legendary Burt Bacharach. We're thrilled to announce that he'll join us for two concerts in November."
Stephen Bloom, president of the Honolulu Symphony, applauded the artists in the wings. "The Pops has evolved into an unparalleled event that, year after year, entertains symphony fans with Matt Catingub's thrilling blend of classical and pop music," said Bloom. "Sell-outs and standing ovations will be the standard for 2004-05."
