WHEE, THE PEOPLE: Entertainer Sonya Mendez will join a Rotarian group (from here and Seattle) heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a Rotary Polio Plus National Immunization project on Oct. 15. The mission: To (orally) vaccinate children and babies. When Mendez recently donated $60 from her CD sales at a district conference, she learned that that sum would provide immunization for 100 children. "Therefore, I've decided to donate 100 percent of sales of my CD single, 'Lu'au Cha Cha Cha,' toward this very critical project," said Mendez. "Imagine how many immunizations I could help to provide." You can buy copies ($5) at her Web site, www.sonyamendez.com or at her personal appearances. ...

When Daniel Solis and Stefan Novinski of Disney Entertainment held local auditions here last December for "Aladdin," the musical now playing at the Hyperion Theatre at California Adventure in Anaheim, they were thrilled to find Sam Pablo to play the title role. They'll be back July 19-20 to conduct more tryouts at Dole Cannery, to join Pablo, Robert Orosco, Sarah Kobayahi and Eddie Kaulukukui, who have family ties here. And: Joseph Morales, who earlier played the title role (and soon will appear as Jack in Diamond Head Theatre's "Into the Woods"), says he'll pop in, if not to provide moral support, to prove that there is a possibility for anyone from the Islands to get tapped for a role. ...

NAMES 'N' PLACES: That was Ming Tsai, popular TV chef, and his father, celebrating their same-day birthdays, a few evenings back at Pacific'O on Maui. Sous chef Chris Gallicinao is a big fan of Tsai and recommended the Asian fish cake, which the Tsai party gave "serious, loving approval." ...

Isle resident Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa plays the main villain, Shing, in the upcoming film "Duels of Legend." Another local actor, Garret T. Sato, also has a part, as Woo, a monk. ...

There's rebirth and renewed energy at Hanks Cafe in Chinatown. Classic Hawaiian Friday Nights returns tomorrow night, with Kimo Todd and Steve Frias, playing from 9:30 p.m.; then club owner Hank Taufaasau launches "The Dragon Upstairs," a second-floor nook named in honor of a painted dragon on a 26-step stairwell, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, with Pierre Grill and Genai sharing jazz-Hawaiian fusion tunes, reminiscent of those Richard Kauhi vibes from way back. ...

TRADE WINDS: Heard the latest Rice Krispies commercial? The unmistakable "ooohs" are from Israel "Braddah Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole's trademark "Over the Rainbow." ...

When Kalaeloa serenaded on the Compadres lanai a few nights back, those listening and munching Mexican included Frank DeLima, Kimo Kahoano and Cecilio Rodriguez. ...

The times, indeed, they are a-changing: XM radio, accessible through online listening, found Bob Dylan airing — of all things — the late Sol K. Bright's version of Irving Berlin's "Heat Wave," alongside warm and timely summer-themed cuts from Van Morrison, Lovin' Spoonful, Mungo Jerry and Eddie Cochran. ...

Meghan Garstang is no stranger to show biz. She has toured in "42nd Street" and "Tap Happy Two" in Japan, but she was understandably thrilled to see her name on Dixie Grill's marquee on Ward Avenue, congratulating her on her marriage to Matt Jameson, a Taylor Hicks look-alike who is a techie/carpenter for such tours as "The Music Man," "Blast" and the forthcoming "Aida." So happens that Meghan's mom, Carole, is a Pittsfield, Mass., childhood friend of Ed Wary, owner of the restaurant, and Ed and wife, Tina, entertained the honeymooners in Honolulu. ...

FINALLY: Quentin Kawananakoa, congressional candidate, was voted the 11th-hottest man in U.S. politics, in a June poll on Politics1.com (www.politics1.com/poll-2.htm). He "got a kick out of it" (the survey) and was surprised by his peers' model looks. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.