Dancing back to the bandstand era

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Kit Samson is putting together tonight's bandstand-style dance evening, and had to do some schedule juggling to get the various performers together for rehearsals. On stage, he'll have a grand piano for himself. YESTERDAY ONCE MORE 7:30 p.m. today Manoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center, 2454 Beretania St. $30 in advance, $35 at the door, includes one drink; tickets on sale at Harry's Music in Kaimuki, Rainbow Books and Music on University Avenue, Good Guys on Kapahulu Avenue, Liquor Collection at Ward Warehouse, Jelly's in 'Aiea, Samurai in Kapolei, Hungry Ear in Kailua. 545-3642 Featuring: Kit Samson & the Sound Advice, Connie Kissinger, Sonya Mendez, Shari Lynn, Melveen Leed, Rolando Sanchez, Little Albert Maligmat, Alfredo Romero and Soul Cafe

Truth be told, he's had more worrisome pressure for his gig tonight at Yesterday Once More, in the Manoa Grand Ballroom of the Japanese Cultural Center. Mostly, that's because of his meticulous nature.

Samson is reviving the bandstand concept where musicians and singers provide a wide range of dance music for those wanting to rediscover their groovy moves and fancy footwork. The site is commonly used for craft fairs and special dinners, not a typical entertainment destination.

"Rehearsals have been a real challenge," said Samson, who nurtured a dance following when he reigned, with his Sound Advice group, at the old Kahala Hilton Maile Lounge for years. "With so many involved, it was difficult to get everybody together at the same time."

The burgeoning roster includes ex-Sound Advice songbird Connie Kissinger, who now lives in New York but is here for the event, singers Sonya Mendez, Shari Lynn and Melveen Leed, and instrumentalists-vocalists Rolando Sanchez, Little Albert Maligmat and Alfredo Romero. Soul Cafe will be a guest act.

Since all of those talents have their own followings and music styles, Samson had to do a lot of exploring and arranging.

But trying to get everyone to practice sessions at his Wai'alae home was difficult. "Everyone had a different schedule," he said. "Some came early, others late; some could stay, others had to leave. And some were out of town. It wasn't easy ... because I fed everyone, too."

Consequently, he's submitting to mounting pressure to do his darnedest to prep for the dance special, so he skipped his weeknight serenades earlier this week at his regular job at the Ala Moana Hotel's Mahina Lounge.

If he sounds like he's complaining, it's only because he's a perfectionist. "There was a time when I felt I stuck my head in the sand," he said of moments of doubt. He knows the vocal styles of Kissinger and Mendez, but he's never done a full-on show with Leed. He's collaborated with Romero and Maligmat, so the booking is somewhat of a reunion.

The bottom line is he simply loves his craft. From behind the keyboards, Samson can make everything look deceptively easy.

With Sound Advice regulars Miles Jackson, Butch Nicholas and Rocky Holmes, fans will be greeted with familiar faces and sounds.

"I'm supposed to do a solo thing and also play with everyone, and I know I won't hear the end of it if I don't," he said of being on stage with collaborations with all singers and musicians. To fill out the sound, Samson said, he intends to add trumpet, synthesizer, cymbals and "the crescendo of drums" for a kicking-good vibe.

And Samson will be behind a grand piano provided by Sanders Music. By showtime, he knows he'll trade trepidation for thrills.

"We'll call up the singers, one by one, and there's a point where they'll do some numbers together, like the girls are doing 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.' "

Because of the dance format, he fretted about waltzes, not commonly programmed in sit-and-listen shows, but "I know people will request waltzes when they get on the dance floor."

So he's prepared. Some fast songs, some slow songs; surely, a host of dance classics; maybe some romantic movie songs.

"The good thing for me is that the old gang from the Kahala Hilton days are coming to see me," said Samson. "It will be like old times."

Yesterday once more.

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