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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, June 29, 2007

Hawaii entertainers' summer sounds turn up the heat

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The zoo, aquarium and Waikiki beach walk host a series of concerts this weekend.

Advertiser library photo

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Honolulu Zoo hosts the Starbucks Wildest Show in Town.

Advertiser library photo

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Tony Conjugacion performs with Brother Noland on the Waikiki Aquarium lawn.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Hapa is Barry Flanagan, left, and Nathan Aweau.

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With summer in full swing, and the beach beckoning during the warm days, why not plan a couple of nighttime excursions or take a late-afternoon break just a few steps from your Waikiki hotels?

Summer is when Island music sizzles.

A few popular local musical events, staged after hours in Waikiki, are worth a visit:

  • The Starbucks Wildest Show in Town, at dusk Wednesdays at the Honolulu Zoo lawn.

  • Ke Kani O Ke Kai, on selected Tuesdays at the Waikiki Aquarium's beachfront lawn.

  • Music for the Generations (Na Mele No Na Pua), a late-afternoon series on the last Saturday of each month on the Grand Lanai of the Embassy Suites hotel in the new Waikiki Beach Walk.

    The programs (see listings) feature popular Island singers and is a chance for visitors and residents to mingle in an informal setting, in some cases with food, beneath Island skies. Further, you may get a first-listen or look at a budding star or revel in the wizardry of an established Island favorite. Either way, you get to bring home the spirit of aloha.

    For the Starbucks Wildest Show in Town event, go early to claim a spot. Bring a picnic supper, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted — after all, this is a family event, and kids will be plentiful. If you're lucky, you may be one of the random "winners" to get a guided tour of some of the zoo's displays before the concert begins. Bring mats or towels to sit on.

    For the aquarium event, there will be food vendors. Space is limited, so call before going to secure tickets. The aquarium galleries will be open for viewing. Again, bring mats or towels to sit on.

    The Generations shows are new this season, and the music is intended to lure visitors to the newly renovated site, which continues to be discovered by residents and visitors alike.

    • • •

    STARBUCKS WILDEST SHOW IN TOWN

    Where: Honolulu Zoo lawn

    When: 6-7 p.m. July 4; doors open 4:35 p.m. (after zoo closing at 4:30 p.m.)

    Who: Holunape

    What: "Humpday" family shows in the zoo environs; weekly 'ukulele giveaway

    Tickets: $2 donation at the door

    FYI: An 'ukulele will be given away each week

    Coming up:

    • July 11: Melveen Leed (drawing for a KoAloha 'ukulele)
    • July 18: Manoa DNA (drawing for a KoAloha 'ukulele)
    • July 25: Ohta-san with Nando Suan (drawing for a Pono 'ukulele)
    • Aug. 1: Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawaii (drawing for a Kala 'ukulele)
    • Aug. 8: Jimmy Borges & the Jazz All Stars (drawing for a Kala 'ukulele)
    • Aug. 15: Starbucks 10th Anniversary Special (extended hours, from 5:15-7:15 p.m.) with Palani Vaughan, Jake Shimabukuro and Brother Noland (drawing for a Kamaka 'ukulele)

    • • •

    KE KANI O KE KAI

    WHERE: WAIKIKI AQUARIUM LAWN

    When: 7 p.m. July 10

    Who: Brother Noland and Tony Conjugacion

    What: Island music, with food by Yama's Fish Market

    Tickets: $20 adults, $10 juniors (7-12), free for keiki 6 and younger; $15, $7 for Friends of Waikiki Aquarium members

    FYI: Limited to 550 reservations; aquarium galleries open

    Information: 923-9741, option 3; www.waquarium.org

    Coming up:

    • July 24: Cyril Pahinui and Dennis Kamakahi with food by Grand Cafe
    • Aug. 7: Natalie Ai Kamau'u and Auntie Genoa Keawe, with food by Hula Grill Waikiki

    • • •

    MUSIC FOR THE GENERATIONS (NA MELE NO NA PUA)

    Where: Grand Lanai, Embassy Suites, Waikiki Beach Walk

    When: 4-5:30 p.m Saturday

    Who: Hapa

    What: Hawaiian music showcase

    Admission: Free

    FYI: Work in shopping, dining before or after the show

    Information: 921-2345

    Coming up:

    • July 28: Raiatea Helm
    • Aug. 25: John Cruz
    • Sept. 29: Auntie Genoa Keawe

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.