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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 10:34 a.m., Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Hawaii singers back smoking ban in upcoming concert

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

 

Local singer Loretta Ables Sayre said second-hand smoke has made performing difficult for her. A concert is planned by Island entertainers who advocate for laws that protect the quality of indoor air in which they perform.

Courtesy of Laura Aguon

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A concert by 23 Island entertainers, advocating laws that protect the quality of indoor air in which they perform, will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Hawai'i Theatre — four days before the 2008 Legislature convenes.

"Our timing is no coincidence," said Jean Evans, executive director of the American Lung Assn. Hawai'i, which supports the law that prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places. There is a challenge to roll back the prevailing law.

Entertainer Cathy Foy-Mahi, who is chairing the awareness songfest, themed "Breathe Concert — Clean Air for Everyone," said, "I sing for a living and can't tolerate smoking where I earn my livelihood."

Loretta Ables Sayre, an Island singer bound for Broadway where she will star as Bloody Mary in Lincoln Center Theater's revival of "South Pacific," said, "I am asthmatic and suffered for years signing in public while surrounded by smokers."

The problem was at its worst when cigar smokers affected her ability to perform. "I absolutely could not breathe and my doctors said I was in serious risk of losing my voice altogether because of the second-hand smoke."

The concert will be preceded by the release of a song entitled "Breathe," composed by Island tunesmith Johnson Enos. The tune includes a Hawaiian verse by Kenneth Makuakane, who arranged the music, with Aaron J. Sala providing the vocal arrangement.

The concert will assemble a diverse roster of performers:

  • Jan Brenner, singer-dancer who has opened concerts for The Beach Boys and Tom Jones.

  • Rocky Brown, an original member of Broadway's "Miss Saigon" cast with a career here, in the Philippines and in New York.

  • Keahi Conjugacion, recording artist who also has done charitable work.

  • Tony Conjugacion, a singer and kumu hula, also with "Miss Saigon" ties.

  • Danny Couch, a Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and Hawaii Music Award winner who has performed with Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.

  • The Diamond Head Shooting Stars, a children's ensemble with origins with Diamond Head Theatre.

  • Yvonne Elliman, the Hawai'i native who performed as Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Broadway and in the movies.

  • Cathy Foy-Mai, an award-winning winner and nominee in theatrical awards and an original cast member of the off-Broadway "Song of Singapore."

  • Raiatea Helm, a Moloka'i native who is a multiple Na Hoku award winner.

  • Ka Hale I o Kahala Halau Hula, led by kumu Leimomi Maldonado.

  • The Rev. Dennis Kamakahi, award-winning singer, composer and member of Eddie Kamae's Sons of Hawai'i.

  • Jay Larrin, a Tennessee transplant who has been a prolific Island composer and award-winning recording artist.

  • Kristian Lei, who played Kim in "Miss Saigon" in Germany and appeared in the Hawaii Opera Theatre's "The King & I."

  • Zanuck Lindsey, Hoku Award-winner with numerous performing credits around the world.

  • Shari Lynn, veteran of numerous community stage musicals such as "Gypsy" and "Fiddler on the Roof."

  • Shawna Masuda, a star of such local productions as "Miss Saigon" and "Beauty and the Beast."

  • Guy Merola, an active member of the theater and opera community and advocate of the performing arts.

  • Angela Morales and daughter Sheldeen Morales, with mom a member of Na Leo Pilimehana trio and daughter embarking on a singing career.

  • Aaron J. Sala, a singer-pianist known for his "Hawaiian swing" style and his arranging credentials in the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest.

  • Jordan Segundo, the first Hawai'i finalist in the second season of Fox's "American Idol" who has opera, TV and other credits.

  • Afatia Thompson, a former University of Hawai'i football running back and a Na Hoku award winner for hip-hop music.

  • Al Waterson, a singer, recording artist and emcee best known for his "Al Waterson and You" ongoing singing competition.

  • "Destination Groove Dance Hawaii," featuring dancers from the ongong TV reality show-competition in the Islands.

    Tickets are available through the Hawai'i Theatre box office. Proceeds will enable the lung association to continue its campaign to uphold the clear-air law.

    'BREATHE CONCERT'

    7 p.m. Jan. 12

    Hawai'i Theatre

    $35, $55, $75, $125

    528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com/

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.