Show and Tell Hawai\'i| Show and Tell Hawai’i blog, honoluluadvertiser.com | Honolulu, Hawaii

Datebook doings: Haiti benefit, Iglesis show, and more

Wayne Harada — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:47:50 +0000

Get out your calendars and log in some of these community events.
Valentine’s Day also means an opportunity to go out and get romantic.
Check ‘em out:

Benefit: Hawai’i stars shine for Haiti

Star power will be bright and plentiful when Cecilio & Kapono will be joined by Amy Hanaiali`i, Jimmy Borges and Ledward Kaapana at a benefit concert at Hilton Hawaiian Village this Friday to raise funds for victims of the Jan. 12 Haitian earthquake in an event called “Island to Island for Haiti.”
The show will be staged on the Hilton’s Great Lawn, assembling more entertainers including Raitea Helm, Taimane Gardner, Afatia Thompson and the troupers from Tihati Productions.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and a hotel’s Friday fireworks display, at 8 p.m., will be a fitting climax.
Area restaurants and the hotel’s food and beverage department will provide food samplings and drinks. A suggested $20 donation will be collected at thedoor and the snacks and drinks will be $3 each.
All proceedswill go to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.
The fundraiser is the brainchild of Jerry Gibson, area vice president of Hilton Hawaii, who tapped his colleagues to provide food stations at the benefit. Besides the host Hilton resort, the participants will include the Halekulani, the Hilton Waikiki Prince, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Kahala Hotel & Resort, Marriott Waikiki, Moana Surfrider – a Westin Resort, Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, and the Royal Hawaiian hotels.
“It certainly has been difficult to hear the tragic stories emanating from Haiti. Each reported incident is one of horror, hopelessness and grief,” said Gibson. “I felt that we should and could do something as a community to help out this ravaged island.”
Tickets are on sale in advance at the Hilton’s main lobby, but also may be purchased at the door. Validated parking in the Hilton garage will be $5, with additional parking at the Hale Koa hotel across the street.

Concert: Julio Iglesias returning to Blaisdell

Julio Iglesias returns to the Blaisdell Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. March 13, with tickets priced at $55, $80, $95 and $125. To all the girls who loved him the first time, does price really matter?
Seats go on sale Saturday at the box office and at www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

Dining: Ruth’s Chris has a stake on Valentine’s

Dine at any Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Hawaii, from this Thursday (Feb. 11) through Valentine’s Day (this Sunday, Feb. 14), and you’ll receive complimentary appetizer cards from Ruth’s or Romano’s Macaroni Grill here.
On Sunday, the restaurants will begin dinner service at 4 p.m.
Each restaurant will offer a Valentine’s Week Menu, but menu favorites such as the USDA Prime Cowboy Ribeye, Filet and New York Strip will be available.
Reservatons: Restaurant Row, 599-3860; Waikiki Beach Walk, 440-7910; The Shops at Mauna Lani, 808-874-8880; Lahaina Center, 808-661-8815; and The Shops at Wailea, 808-874-8880.

Dining: Romano’s also offering Valentine’s specials

Romano’s Macaroni Grill will offer a Valentine’s Weekend menu this Sunday, at its Honolulu and Big Island locations.
Diners also will receive complimentary appetizer cards, good for future use at Romano’s or Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants.
Reservations: Ala Moana, 356-8033; Queen’s Marketplace on the Big Island, 808-443-5515.

Festivities: Love is in the air at Princess Ka’iulani

“With All My Love — Me Kealoha Pumehana” is the Valentine’s Day theme at the Sheraton Princess Ka’iulani hotel on Sunday. You can renew wedding vows, or watch others do it; take in a performance of mermaids; and enjoy Island music.
The schedule:
• 5 to 5:30 p.m. — Renewal of wedding vows, at the Lava Stage.
• 5:30 to 5 p.m. — Mermaids Hawaii choreographed performance, in the hotel pool.
• 6:16 to 7 p.m. — Hear romantic melodies by the Academy Performance School.
Admission is free.

Music: Black History concert at Chaminade

“A Concert in Celebration of Black History Month” is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Mystical Rose Oratory at Chaminade University.
The free program will feature the Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble, led by Timothy Carney, featuring soprano Rosanna Perch.
The selections will include spirituals, gospel music, and jazz, with poetry and selected readings celebrating the contributios of African-Americans to our culture.
Admission is free.

Island Sounds: Reviews of CDs by Bill Tapia, Alvin Okami, Go Jimmy Go and Various Artists

Wayne Harada — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:56:17 +0000

Island Sounds reviews of recent CD releases by Bill Tapia, Alvin Okami, Go Jimmy Go and Various Artists ....

Bill Tapia
“Livin’ It Live”
Red Spider Producitons
World music

At 102, Bill Tapia reigns as the world’s senior ‘ukulele sensation, strumming with a joyous jazz stance. He’s definitely at the head of the class.
Overview: Tapia does it all, from hapa-haole (“I Want to Learn to Speak Hawaiian”) to jazz (“Satin Doll”), from Tin Pan Alley classics (“Honeysuckle Rose”) to local faves (“E Ku’u Morning Dew”), all with a deliberate, assured pace. The tracks derive from his road trips and Bay Area greats Ruth Davies and Akira Tana and Islanders Mihana Souza, Ledward Ka’apana and Lyle Ritz sit in. Tapia’s show-stopping “Stars & Stripes Forever” is a livewire, with sparks aplenty — and World War I roots.
Rating: 4 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

Alvin Okami
“Just Uke and Me”
KoAloha
Adult contemporary

Alvin Okami was a singer with Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta four decades ago and now is the patriarch and pillar of the family-operated KoAloha ‘ukulele company. Of his solo CD debut, he says: “Although it has no commercial potential, I simply wanted to leave evidence for my three grandsons that grandpa could carry a tune pretty good.”
Overview: This is an unabashed labor of love for Okami, who is backed by a pair of legendary uke aces Ohta-san and Gordon Mark. The pipes are still pumping bold, big sounds; the fare taps the evergreen riches of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, Lorenz Hart, Michel Legrand and others from Okami’s warbling heyday. Seek out “My Funny Valentine,” a timeless beauty of sensitivity.
Rating: 3 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

Go Jimmy Go
“Go Jimmy Go”
Go Jimmy Go LLC
Ska, reggae, rocksteady

The indie ska lads of Go Jimmy Go are on the go again with this rousing reintroduction of its contagious and captivating reggae hybrid sound. New members Jay “Jayder” Kalk (bass, vocals) and Ryan Kunimura (trombone, melodics) provide a fresh palate for Jason “Bison” Friedmann (lead vocals), Ian Ashley (guitar, vocals), Shon Gregory (drums, percussion, vocals) and Eric White (tenor, baritone sax).
Overview: This is No. 5 for GJG, one of the state’s prolific and potent combos, which performs all original tunes by Friedmann like “Own Thang,” “Incarceration” and “Pain in My Heart,” each with distinct pleasures and a celebratory spirit. Go, go, Go Jimmy Go.
Rating: 4 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

Various Artists
“Tom Moffatt: 50
Years of Music
In Hawaii”
Shaka Records
Compilation

Tom Moffatt has been at the heart of Island music, from all perches: deejay, show promoter, emcee, recording producer, author, industry good-guy.
Overview: In many ways, this is a soundtrack of the past five decades, with nostalgia bursting at the seams: Melveen Leed (“Music of Hawaii”), Keali’i Reichel (“E O Mai”), Liz Damon’s Orient Express (“1900 Yesterday”), Don Ho (“I’ll Remember You”) and John Rowles (“Cheryl Moana Marie”), with contributions from The Makaha Sons, Keola and Kapono Beamer, Danny Couch, Marlene Sai, Raiatea Helm, Rene Paulo, The Surfers, The Kasuals, Society of Seven and Buddy Fo & The Invitations. Ah, golden memories.
Rating: 4 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

The 7 Blunders of the Movie-Watching World...

Wayne Harada — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:25:13 +0000

Incessant chattering.
Feet up on the seats.
A chirping cell phone followed by an answering voice.
As you wait for the film to start, you may have experienced these typical annoyances at your favorite movie theater.
The culprits are not teens, who often forget manners; they are adults, who should know better.
Welcome to the Seven Blunders of Movie-Going.
Don’t’cha just hate it when your movie-watching pleasure is disrupted with these shameful offenses:
1 — Loud talking. During the commercials, during the previews, during the films. Shut it, already. If you you need to talk, whisper. Please.
2 — Cell phone ringing. Hey, if you don’t know, the pre-show warning about turning off electronic devices is valid. Shhhh.
3 — Feet up on the seats. Bare feet would be bad enough, but with dirty shoes atop the seat in front of the offenders? Rude, rude, rude.
4 — Noisy kids. Sure, children should go to films like everyone else — but not to adult-oriented flicks. There are ratings for a reason; and if a child cries, head for the lobby. Please, please.
5 — Outside drinks and food. It’s not kosher, but commonplace, to bring your own gum or packet of mochi crunch. But try to avoid stinky food, like cuttlefish; noisy food wrapped in foil; or horrors, plate lunches with odors that add an unwanted smell-o-rama effect to the movie.
6 — Personal hygiene and habits. Some folks reek of body odor, perfume; even a pua keni keni lei that might be unsettling to others; or foot-tapping from the seat behind you; or even snoring. Think about the little things that become a nuisance in the theater gallery.
7 — Large hats. If you wear one, take it off once seated. There’s nothing worse than a person with a huge hat, blocking your view. Remove the sun-shielder. That's overdressing for the movies.
Where are the movie manners, you ask?
Etiquette has escaped, along with the Movietone news and short subjects (including cartoons!) of yesteryear.
At a recent screening of “A Single Man,” I wasn’t the only one to notice an insensitive, annoying chatterbox couple. They were ho-ho-ing it during the pre-feature commercials and previews; he even took time to whip out his cell phone to make a call.
Even when the main film started, they babbled endlessly. Oh, she also put her shoes and feet on the tops of the seat in front of her — a middle-aged woman who never
learned movie etiquette.
If your cell phone rings because you forgot to turn it off, don’t answer; quickly tend to end the call. If you take the call, head for the exit door.
And do not text messages; do not tweet. Even the lights of the phone are a distraction.
Use your flashlight mode only if you’re a latecomer and can’t see folks’ feet as you make a grand entrance. Then shut that down, too.
Kids? Leave them home, especially babies who won’t watch the flick, if it’s not a kiddie-oriented film aimed at family audiences. Babes in arms don’t pay admission and thus should be summarily banned from certain films. Parents should find a sitter; or at least have the courtesy to head for the lobby when the kid cries. Happened at an IMAX 3D showing (a packed house) of “Avatar.” Everyone paid a premium to see the blockbuster; the crying kid is not a bonus. At least the dad scurried out to the lobby – three times, by my count.

If you really need to talk, whisper. A phrase would do; don’t ask probing questions if you missed dialogue or don’t understand the consequences of the action; this kind of dissertation can be done after you see the movie.

If someone talks incessantly, a firm “shhhh” might help; if it continues, don’t take on a challenge; head for the lobby and ask for intervention from a theater manager; they get paid for such tasks.

With the alarming prices for movie snacks, I don’t blame anyone bringing in their own red vines or kakimochi or Dove’s dark chocolates that are not available. If you bring hot dogs, please don’t use foil that crinkles and makes annoying noise; if you stow away a McDonald’s burger or a Jack in the Box tacos, you’ll stink up the viewing experience for those in your immediate area. I recall, some years ago, someone brought in a Chinese plate of noodles and beef broccoli from Patti’s Chinese Kitchen, and the odor penetrated the entire theater. And it was a matinee — way past lunch time, too early for dinner. What’s up?
For a short time, the Ward Centre theaters offered healthy snack options — like fresh fruit. Apples. OK, good idea, but the apple created collateral problems: crunching noises, sticky drippiness, and, ahem, some folks had the indecency to toss the core on the floor. Unwrapped. Squishy. Icky.
Perhaps the worst contraband making it into theater: a bottle of wine. Honestly. This was way way way back, when the Kapiolani Theatre was up and running, and you knew it was vino, ‘cause you could smell it when the culprit dropped the bottle and it rolled toward the front, providing the aroma of a vineyard in the process. Funny, in retrospect; shameful otherwise.
And when is the proper time to exit? To me, everyone should sit through the credits; that’s part of the protocol. Usually, when films pack in outtakes or mini-vignettes amid the credit crawl, audiences will stay and chuckle. But most folks up and leave, making it impossible for those remaining who want to catch a name of a character they adored, or see the locales where the film was shot. Clearly, if you have to exit, to pick up the kids or relieve the bladder, do it quietly and efficiently to allow those staying back to see all of the acknowledgments.
The End.

Eats: Nobu’s prepping organics, sushi-sake, happy hour

Wayne Harada — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:30:11 +0000

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa returns to his namesake Nobu’s restaurant at the Waikiki Parc hotel Feb. 9 through 12, with special events to whet the appetite and taste buds.
Consider:
• MA’O-Inspired Omakase Menu daily, Feb. 9 through 12, with Chef Nobu working with emerging Wai’anae farmers of MA’O Organic Farms to design an omakase menu inspired by the riches of organic produce from the farm in Lualualei Valley in Wai’anae. The $125 menu will benefit the farm’s sustainable internship programs, land expansion, scholarships and more.
• Art of Sushi & Sake Tasting Class, a midday event on Feb. 11 limited to eight exclusive sushi bar seats. Chef Nobu will demonstrate his signature sushi and cold dishes, with tips on selecting fish, carving technique, plating and sake pairings. The $300 tariff will include a personalized cookbook, Nobu apron, masu and maki sushi and lunch with the Chef Nobu. Deposit required; 237-6999.
• Cocktails & Apertivo with Chef Nobu, from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11, in the lounge at Nobu’s. The $18 charge includes a three-course happy hour of MA’O inspired cocktails by bar manager Dave Newman, and a chance to sip and party with the world renowned chef.
Nobu’s normally serves dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 to10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; the lounge ooerates from 5 p.m. to midnight daily, with Apertivo (happy hour) from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays.
Reservations: 237-6999 or www.opentable.com. Follow Nobu’s Waikiki on Twitter at @nobuwaikiki.
Valet parking at the hotel’s Helumoa porte cochere.
The Nobu restaurant empire started with the original restaurant in New York in 1994, when Chef Nobu partnered with actor Robert DeNiro, producer Meir Teer and managing partner Richie Notar; now there are Nobu outposts across the globe, including London, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Malibu, Millan, Miami Beach, West Hollywood, Kong Kong, Dallas, and Paradise Island, The Bahamas.
Information: www.noburestaurants.com.

Show bits: Valentine’s, jazz and stage musical on horizon

Wayne Harada — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:29:55 +0000

Na Leo goes romantic for Valentine’s; Hawai’i Theatre will mount “Snow Queen;” Smooth Jazz continues at Royal Hawaiian Center; and Hot Club of Hulaville will kokua the ‘Iolani Stage Band. Mark your calendars...

Clubs: Na Leo at Monarch Room for Valentine’s

The Royal Hawaiian hotel continues its Curators of Hawaiian Music series in the Monarch Room with a performance by Na Leo at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14.
The evening show, themed “Romantic Waikiki,” coincides with Valentine’s Day.
This evening performance was designed and produced by World Sound and is being presented by Kaiser Permanente.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Na Leo and World Sound in our next Curators of Hawaiian Music performance,” said Kelly Hoen, general manager of The Royal Hawaiian.
The hope is that celebrants will take advantage of Monday’s Presidents Day holiday to dine at a Starwood restaurant prior to showtime, then proceed to the Monarch Room of a multi-media performance.
Aureana Tseu, Miss Hawaii USA 2009, will be a featured dancer.
Na Leo is comprised of high school friends Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima Heine and Angela Morales, who are moms and wives who share a passion for music and performance and have collected an armful of Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. They run their own label, write much of their own music, and remain friends and business colleagues.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for cocktail service. The show runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $69 general, $49 kama’aina, Royal Hawaiian houseguests, military, seniors and Kaiser Permanente members; there is an additional $3.75 ticketing fee. A limited number of VIP seats will be available for an additional $20.
Reservations: 262-6300 or www.worldsound.com.
For Starwood dinner reservations, call 921-4600, or visit www.royal-hawaiian.com.

Jazz: Hot Club to do benefit for ‘Iolani Stage Band

The Hot Club of Hulaville will stage its “Chansons D’Amour” concert as a benefit for the ‘Iolani Stage Band to support a spring tour to Japan.
The concert will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew’s Cathedral. A reception at 6 p.m. precedes the show, with a brief performance at 6:30 p.m. by
the ‘Iolani Tam-Young Stage Band Combo.
Tickets: $35, which includes the pre-show reception, or $25 for concert only.
Reservations: Hawai’i Theatre, 528-0506, or www.hotclubofhulaville.com. Admission at the door: $35.
Information: 782-1955.

Jazz: Another Smooth Jazz Night Feb. 13 in Waikiki

Peter White, a jazz guitarist, will feature guests Brian Simpson, a keyboardist, and Michael Paulo, a saxophonist, in a Smooth Jazz Night concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Royal Hawaiian Theatre (Level 4) at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki.
All musicians have stellar credits in the jazz idiom; White’s newest CD is “Good Day,” Simpson is known for his “It’s All Good” hit, and Paulo is the homegrown jazz star and producer of the Smooth Jazz series.
This one will be the 12th since the series launched in March 2009. Paulo and Ed Nishioka are co-producers through their ME Productions.
Tickets: $45 regular, $85 VIP (includes floor-level seating with cocktail service and after-show party), $125 super VIP (includes floor-level leather-couch seating with cocktail service after party and a concert gift).
Reservations: 550-8357, www.honoluluboxoffice.com.
Details: www.SmoothJazzNights.com

Stage: ‘Snow Queen’ musical at Hawai’i Theatre in March

A new musical, based on the Hans Christian Anderson “Snow Queen” classic, will play to the public at 7 pm. March 6 and 2 p.m. March 7 at the Hawai’i Theatre.
The show features a local creative team, with book by Hester Kamin, music and lyrics by Tanya Kirk, and co-direction by Eden-Lee Murray and Deanna Luster. Lloyd “Sandy” Riford is lighting and set designer, Peggy Krock is costume designer.
The classic tale is suitable for youths in K-8 but also appealing to adults. It’s about a wicked snow queen who captures a boy, whose heart will turn to ice unless he’s rescued by a little girl.
Murray, the co-director, will appear in dual roles as the Snow Queen and the Grandmother, with Stephanie Conching and Jason Kanda as the central characters of Gerda and Kay.
Others in the cast include Stephanie Kong, Megan Mount, Elitei Tatafu Jr., Paul Mitri and his daughter Mitri. Members of Hawai’i Theatre’s Hawai’i Young Actors Ensemble will play minjas, non-speaking characters who serve as the ninja minions of the snow queen.
In addition to the public performances, student matinees for school groups are slated March 3, 4 and 5, with special “family matinee” tickets ($10 adults, $5 students) available for March 5, a furlough Friday for public school kids.
Tickets: $15 general, $10 youths, students, seniors, military and Hawai’i Theatre members.
Reservations: 528-0506 or www.hawaiitheatre.com.
Student matinee group sales: 791-1310.

‘Lost’ can be found at Wolfgang’s after beach screening

Wayne Harada — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:23:33 +0000

ABC previews “Lost,” the drama filmed on O’ahu, at tomorrow night’s (Saturday Jan. 30) Sunset on the Beach event in Waikiki. The opening show of the final season will premiere at about 6:30 p.m. at the makeshift beachfront cinema — with the series formally debuting Feb. 2. on TV.
But the place to be, or not, is Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener, the popular steakery at the Royal Hawaiian Center, where a post-screening party is expected to attract 400 invitees, including cast members.
But that’s closed to the public — though the eager and persistent may still get glimpses of the cast and crew.
Wolfgang will prepare “heavy pupu,” including its in-house, dry-aged signature steaks, with seafood, salad, sides and dessert for the celebration. But don’t plan to score a reservation at the restaurant; following Saturday lunch service, it will close at 2 p.m. to prep for the party.
To help launch the show, Wolfgang’s bartender Jed Schaffe is creating the “Lost-ini” drink, a brew that blends Island tastes — two kinds of vodka, mango puree, and mango shavings — with some bite from jalapeno.
“We are honored to have been selected to host this exciting, world-class event,” said Bill Nickerson, general manager of Wolfgang. “I’m a huge fan of the show, just like millions of people around the world, so to have this party here at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a dream come true, and we are ready to impress and put on one heck of a celebration!”
The party is slated from 8 to 10 p.m., with the “Lost” contingent arriving via limousin between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m., for arrivals at Building C at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Kalakaua Avenue, for a red-carpet entrance leading to an escalator to Level 3.
This would be the best spot, for the public and media, for a peek at who’s who, and who’s wearing what.
Wolfgang’s interior boasts a main dining room and two private dining rooms/lounges, but access to the restaurant will be limited, since the walkways will be utilized, along with sections of the outdoor lawn at ground level.
There will be a dance floor in the main dining room, with DJ music. Some guests may prefer to toast and kibitz on the lawn, ‘neath the stars.
Wolfgang has enlisted the kokua of about 100 military volunteers from all service branches to assist in maintaining order.
A host of organizations and business are joining ABC to stage the premiere post-party, including Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener, Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawaii, IKAIKA Communications, Royal Hawaiian Center, Events International, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and Kyo-Ya.

Hawaiian Music Grammy: Guesssing game ends Sunday

Wayne Harada — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:46:58 +0000

Who will win? Who should win?
The annual guessing game is in high gear, as the Grammy Awards — including one for Hawaiian Music — are revealed Sunday from the Staples Center in Los Angeles and a delayed KGMB9 telecast.
But don’t expect to see the Hawaiian winner on camera; the local-music category is one of those earlier-announced, under-the-radar, off-camera dealies, with the announcement generally limited to a category crawl on your TV screen.
Even Grammy voters might find it baffling that the Hawaiian Grammy, formerly under the “folk” banner, now competes in the re-named “American roots” category. In the same company: Americana, bluegrass, traditional blues, contemporary blues, traditional folk, contemporary folk, Native American music and zydeco or Cajun music.
These voting members, who play anything from bluegrass to blues, from Cajun to Native American, help decide the Hawaiian Grammy victor, so it’s easy to understand why slack key has dominated over time: it’s listenable, with an identifying flavor and feeling of its own, and it’s easily accessible and communicable to musicians in non-conventional genres. Even with vocals, some in the Hawaiian language.
And it’s not going to disappear too soon.

For what it's worth, here's my take on the Hawaiian Grammy:

Who will win:
“Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2,” by various artists (Daniel Ho Creations). Voters will pick up the slack again. On this fifth live-from-Maui compilation, performers include Dennis Kamakahi, Daniel Ho, Kawika Kahiapo, Sonny Lim, Owana Salazar, George Kahumoku Jr., and Jeff Peterson. And that cover image is enticing. If “Slack Key” is the master of the Hawaiian Grammy universe, the trophies will go to the producers — Ho, Kahumoku, Paul Konwiser and Wayne Wong — not the musicians.

Who should win:
“Friends & Family of Hawai’i,” by Amy Hanaiali’i (Ua Records). Hanaiali’i is competing in this category for the fourth time. An all-star roster of male troupers joins her — Henry Kapono, Robert Cazimero, Keali’i Reichel, Dennis Kamakahi, Kawika Kahiapo, Eric Gilliom, Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole, Nathan Aweau, Rebel Souljahz, Fiji, even Willie Nelson — and provide elements of Hawaiian, blues, and folk. And Hanaiali’i took a huge risk, sharing her mike and exposing a myriad of tunes and styles, so deserves a win

Who could win:
“He Nani,” by Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho (Daniel Ho Creations). Could this duo repeat? Why not? Ho has already copped a clutch of Grammy awards, the only performer-producer-label owner from the Islands to do so. He could repeat, if the voters aren’t Ho-hum about his dominance.

What about Ho’okena, you ask?
“Nani Mau Loa: Everlasting Beauty” (Ho’omau Inc) is the second nominated album by the Hawaiian music foursome. While Ho’okena’s vocal and instrumental work here is stellar, “Beauty” could best be described as the spoiler — a win would be an upset.

A win, of course, gives the CD and its performers or producers bragging rights. Initial result: a bounce in sales in a wounded economy. Over-all impact: respect and honor, for sharing music and talent — and perhaps a surge in demand for live concerts.
The Hawaiian Grammy has had a bumpy history ever since Charles Michael Brotman’s “Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 2” — a compilation of slack soloists — won the initial competition in 2005. It set up a future of slack key compilations to win and win and win again — until last year, when singer Carrere and musician Ho (a slack key performer) beat the odds and momentarily put the skids on ki ho’alu.
To me, the voters are still stuck on slack and not yet widely embracing solo singers or Island groups.

Alan Yamamoto, a Cox Radio sales and event planner and a sometimes producer of CDs himself, has been a music industry resource and participant for decades. He’s been an administrator with the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (the organization that stages the annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards) and was one of the sparkplugs to land the Hawaiian Grammy nod from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, also known as The Recording Academy.

So he shed light on some questions:
Q: Why are there only four (instead of five) nominees this year?
A: A tie I the voting for what would have been the fifth position; if it was a two-way tie, there would be six in the category, so it must have been a tie between three or more.
Q: Is there a stigma, of slack-key-always-wins, in the music community?
A: Well, last year it was the Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho album that won. So now I think the stigma is Daniel Ho and his Los Angeles studio connections.
Q: The Carrere-Ho win last year met with some disenchantment locally; do you suspect a repeat win?
A: Quite possibly.While the nominees are not supposed to “campaign,” I’ve heard that some Mainland voters are getting phone calls, emails and letters. But then, Kathy Griffin was seen soliciting votes on her TV show.
Reach Wayne Harada at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com. Read his Show Biz column Sundays in Island Life and online at http://showandtellhawaii.honadvblogs.com

THE GRAMMYS
7 p.m. Sunday
KGMB9
www.grammys.com

THE HAWAIIAN MUSIC NOMINEES:
• “He Nani,” by Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho (Daniel Ho Creations).
• “Friends & Family of Hawai’i,” by Amy Hanaiali’i (Ua Records).
• “Nani Mau Loa: Everlasting Beauty,” by Ho’okena (Ho’omau Inc).
• “Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Volume 2,” by various artists (Daniel Ho Creations).

Chef Mavro is lone Isle restaurant on Gayot’s Top 40 list

Wayne Harada — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:07:10 +0000

Chef Mavro, the signature restaurant owned and operated by George Mavrothalassitis, is the lone Hawai’i restaurant on the 2010 Gayot’s Top 40 Restaurants list.
The laurel was announced yesterday.
Chef Mavro reconfirmed its 18/20 rating, the only three toques awarded to an Island restaurant. It joins other winners such as The French Laundry and Gary Danko in California; Jean Georges, Le Bernadin and Per Se in New York; and Alinea in Chicago.
“What I appreciate in Gayot is that they send expert restaurant critics to determine their ratings,” said Mavo in a statement. "These critics dine at the best restaurants all over the world and use those experiences as a foundation for their decisions."
Gayot is a travel industry resource for dining, travel, hotel and lifestyle choices, with recommendations based on in-depth analysis from savvy experts, not by public vote.
For a list of the Top 40, go to:
http://www.gayot.com/best-restaurants/finestrestaurantsusa.html?utm_campaign=ARI-2010&utm_medium=email&utm_source=list

Show bits: Emeril, ‘ukulele magic, music biz’s big night

Wayne Harada — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:19:05 +0000

Food for thought, with New Orleans flavors; ‘ukulele vibes, from a 102-year-old whiz; the Grammy Awards, the music biz’s biggest night. They’re all on the show biz radar.
Check ‘em out:

Food: Emeril returning for another Kahala food-and-wine event

Bam!
Chef Emeril Lagasse will return to the Kahala Food & Wine Classic, April 9 and 10, at the Kahala Hotel & Resort.
Award-winning Scharder Cellars of Napa Valley will offer wine selections, with Davidoff offering cigars.
Lagasse, of course, is the fabled New Orleans chef-proprietor of such eaters as Emeril’s, NOLA and Emeril’s Delmonico, and star of the new “Emeril Lagasse Show’ debuting March 28 on ION.
This will be the first of three Kahala Food & Wine Classic events in 2010, with gala dinners, cooking classes, wine-tastings and cigar seminars on the agenda.
Information: 739-8888.

Music: Tapia, 102, to perform at ‘Ukulele Picnic Feb. 13

Bill Tapia, the incredible 102-year-old musical icon, will be among the strummers at the 2nd Annual ‘Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i from 11 a.m. to sunset Feb. 13 at the Waterfront Park.
He will be joined by a retinue of top strummers and entertainers, including Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta, Herb Ohta Jr., Holunape, Manoa DNA, Iwao, the Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele School, Joy and others. A contingent of Japan uke players also will participate, including Kiyoshi Kobayashi and the ‘Ukulele Orchestra, and Sekiguichi Band featuring Kimiko Wakiyama.
Admission is free.

Awards: Billboard’s Grammy picks for Sunday

Billboard magazine, the bible of the music biz, has made some predictions on who will win the Grammy this Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and televised by CBS.
You may vote in an informal poll at www.billboard.com.
Among Billboard’s picks:
• Record of the Year – Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.”
• Album of the Year — Taylor Swift’s “Faceless.”
• Song of the Year — Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”
There are no predictions for the Hawaiian Grammy, but I take a stab on who will win, who should win and who could win, in my Show and Tell Hawai’i blog this Friday in TGIF and also at http://showandtellhawaii.honadvblogs.com.

Six Hawai'i acts bound for South by Southwest fest

Wayne Harada — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:19:21 +0000

Six contemporary Island music acts will head for the 24th South by Southwest Music & Media Festival and Conferences in Austin, TX March 17 through 21. It’s the second year with a Hawai’i presence at SxSW.
The six acts are Anuhea, Pimpbot, Mishka, Kona, Sabrina and YAHOWHA 13. A seventh, unnamed, had been invited to join the competition with 1,800 other bands from 59 counties, playing to an audience of more than 15,000 music industry professionals in more than 90 venues.
The event, one of the largest of its kind, is more than a music festival, since SxSW attracts music businesses, film-makers and interactive multimedia developers.
“SxSW is a critical event for Hawai’i’s emerging and established contemporary artist,” said Georja Skinner, chief officer of the Creative Industries Division of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. She has been involved in the Austin event the past two years and has an optimistic viewpoint “to expanding our relationship with this legendary event because it showcases what we already know — that Hawai’i’s artists are world-class talents that are truly coming into their own.”
Last year, five acts participated — Anuhea, Pimpbot, John Cruz, David Tamaoka and One Right Turn.
Anuhea landed a Japan tour with Flo-Rida last year, said her manager Warren Wyatt, of World Sound, who are riding “the first big wave of the new decade,” he said.
Phil Tripp, Sydney-based SxSW Pacific rep, is a frequent Island visitor. “There is a whole new generation of Hawai’i artists that appeal to the younger audiences of rock, pop, singer-songwriter fans and other genres, and they have made a strong showing and major impact in the past year that they played,” said Tripp.
The festival also has a food link with Hawai’i ties — a Roy’s, no less. “Roy’s Austin strives every day to bring a little piece of Hawai’i to Texas, so we jumped at the opportunity to showcase the musial talents of some amazing Hawaiian artists, “ said Melissa Nasits, managing partner of Austin’s Roy’s Restaurant.
“The experience last year was inspiring for everyone involved, it truly was a celebration of music, food, and culture.”