It pays to know "somebody." And singer Amy Hanaiali'i, whose " 'Aumakua" CD is just out and starting its sizzle, does: Jamie Foxx is a pal.

When she was in Los Angeles, Hanaiali'i previewed " 'Aumakua" for the actor, singer and comedian. Her people got in touch with his people, as is the Hollywood custom, and Hanaiali'i just received this rave/comment from him: "Amy has grown as an artist ... and shows on this album that she is able to stretch across pop and soul musical lines ... but still holds on to her Hawai'i roots and culture. ... The world is blessed by her as an artist." ...

Haven't heard it yet, but "The Spam Song" is one of the originals on "Ikena," due Sept. 16, featuring Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho, the Grammy nominee (Carrere) and Grammy winner (Ho). Since Spam is the meat of choice for breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner in Hawai'i, there should be a lot of appeal. He produced and provided music of her "Hawaiiana" CD last year and they have known each other since high school days — she was at Sacred Hearts Academy, he was at Saint Louis. ...

STAGE NOTES: With so many keiki in the cast of "Oliver!," which Army Community Theatre opens Thursday at Richardson Theatre, director Stephanie Conching has gone the distance to make rehearsals fun for the youngsters like Lucas Cusick, playing Oliver. She staged a "Chocolate and PJs Night" recently, where everyone wore brown and donned their favorite nightwear. ...

Julia Ogilvie, daughter of Ann Hamilton Ogilvie and Bill Ogilvie, has landed a full scholarship in the acting program at Juilliard this fall, with classes already under way. She is one of 18 admitted — an honor, because 1,400 auditioned — and Mom and Dad spent a few weeks in The Big Apple to help her ease into the session and to see shows. Dad, by the way, has been tapped to portray Nixon in Manoa Valley Theatre's upcoming "Frost /Nixon," opening Nov. 12 (after "Always ... Patsy Cline," bowing tomorrow). ...

AROUND TOWN: Keith Haugen, who is a record producer when he's not singing, recording himself or teaching, is renewing ties with Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, Hawai'i's senior member of Congress, as a milestone in the Senate approaches next year when Hawai'i and Inouye as a legislator mark 50 years of statehood. Inouye turns 84 Sunday, and while home during a recent recess of Congress, he recorded an Island Viking CD to be issued later this year. Pierre Grill did a remote recording at Inouye's office in the federal building. It's a hana hou for Inouye, who did "Yes, We Remember," a Keith Haugen-Bob Nelson piece written and released in 1991 for the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. ...

Meanwhile, The Carmen Haugen Quartet, specialists in traditional Hawaiian music and hula, will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Food Court in the International Market Place. The foursome is led by Keith's wife, Carmen U'ilani Haugen, on vocals, 'ukulele and hula; Keith Haugen on vocals, guitar, uke; Frank Uehara on pakini bass; and Ron Miyashiro on keyboards. They promise a two-hour show that's free and open to the public. ...

David Swanson is at the keyboards, performing Tuesdays through Saturdays at The Veranda at the Kahala Hotel; there no longer is entertainment on Sundays and Mondays. Hoku's will be closed Sundays and Mondays for dinner, but Sunday brunches continue. ...

trade winds: Brandy Lee, a renowned female impersonator (Le Bizarre at the Pagoda Hotel, "Mardi Gras Follies" at the Hawai'i Theatre), got married last Sunday at the Pagoda, with invitees including some of the town's hottest boys-will-be-girls stars. Brandy's keeping her spouse's name a secret. ...

If you're Maui bound in September, a good deal awaits at Ruth's Chris Steak House. The Lahaina outpost on Front Street marks its 10th anniversary this month and the celebration taps the newer location at The Shops at Wailea, too. Kama'aina with ID will receive 25 percent off all food at both Ruth's Chris, which are operated by Randy Schoch and Desert Island Restaurants. I recall attending the Lahaina opening, when chain founder Ruth Fertel was there, and she mentioned that beyond the steaks favored by customers, she recommends the lamb — and she's right, three extra-thick chops. Eat two, take one home. ...

The Spencecliff Family of Restaurants Reunion, held at the Hawaiian Hut recently, attracted former employees and rekindled friendships. Organized by Chantal Weaver to honor ex-workers but also the legacy of her dad, Spence Weaver, and his brother Cliff, a DVD screening rich with "moments" will now be released, along with a book, to further perpetuate the legacy. ...

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.