The Society of Arts and Letters, Hawaii chapter, will honor Neva Rego, beloved voice teacher to the stars, at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Pacific Club.
Three years ago she was battling for her life following a botched surgery that had her hospitalized for more than eight months. Yet she’s never given up her steely desire to keep helping and coaching a community of island performers. Known for her bel canto teachings, Rego will be lauded for her devoted mentoring.
Former pupils will be on hand, including Tony nominee Willy Falk, who originated the role of Chris in the American premiere of “Miss Saigon.” He will emcee and perform, joined by Robert Cazimero, Frank De Lima, Shari Lynn, Jordan Segundo and Les Ceballos.
Tickets: $150; call Donna Bebber at 741-1041.
ICE SPECTACLE
Lea Salonga, Tony-winning singer-actress, will perform at Kristi Yamaguchi’s “Golden Moment Hawaii” concert-on-ice Sept. 9-10 at Blaisdell Arena. Yamaguchi, an Olympic gold medalist, has tapped fellow gold champs Brian Boitano andice dancing team Meryl Davis and Charlie White and others to share their skating prowess. Salonga, the original Kim in “Miss Saigon,” will perform live in selected numbers.
The shows will benefit Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation. Tickets: $40-$150, at ticketmaster.com or the Blaisdell box office.
1 IS THE NUMBER
It took a few weeks, but Hawaii’s Bruno Mars is Billboard No. 1 king.
His “That’s What I Like,” off his “24K Magic” CD, is No. 1 across Billboard’s charts: Hot 100, Hot R&B/Hip Hop, Hot R&B, Pop Songs and Rhythmic Radio. Fans really like him and his world tour is soaring.
MOM’S THE WORD
Danny Kaleikini returns (with grandson Nicholas) to the Kahala Hotel and Resort for a Mother’s Day brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 14, in the Maile Room. A fashion show by ‘Iolani Sportswear, with Manoa DNA (the dad-and-sons combo from the ‘Iolani ohana) serenading, means family ties abound. Tickets: $110 adults, $75 children ages 6 to 12, at 739-8760.
“Mahalo Mom” is Frank De Lima’s theme for his comedic salute to moms, 10 a.m. May 14 at the Pagoda’s C’est Si Bon ballroom. Tickets: $60 adults, $30 kids 5-8, at 948-8370.
Ho‘okena’s “A Mother’s Love 2017,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 14 at the Ala Moana Hotel’s Hibiscus Ballroom, assembles Grammy winner Kalani Pe‘a, Ben and Maila, Blayne Asing and Josh Tatofi. Hula dancer Nani Dudoit will join Ho‘okena members Horace K. Dudoit III, Chris Kamaka and Glen H.K. Smith. Tickets: $75 adults, $40.50 keiki 4 to 11, at 944-4333.
Kapena and Da Braddahs provide the entertainment at a Mother’s Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 14 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s Kalakaua Ballroom. Tickets: $85 adults, $40 kids (VIP, $100 adults, $55 children), at 943-3025.
THE LOCAL ANGLE
>> Filmfest winner: “Green Is Gold,” an amateur film that won the Audience Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival, has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Paramount as a direct-to-Netflix release. It’s about a teen forced to live with his older brother when their dad is sent to prison. Two Kapolei High grads were involved: Luca Young of Honolulu scored and performed all the soundtrack music, and Justin Potter of Kapolei filmed the project.
>> Laff brigade: Andy Bumatai returns to the Blue Note Hawaii, 8 p.m. Wednesday, with Daryl Bonilla, Chad Wago, Jose Dynamite, Kat Moore and James Mane aboard. All seats $15, at ticketweb.com.
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
