Birthday bash overflows with love from local legends

MY 80TH-BIRTHDAY party Oct. 26 at Neiman Marcus’ Mariposa was full of fun, warmth, dear friends, good food, wine, women, song and love. What more could a geezer ask for?

The versatile Kimo Kahoano, a triple threat who can sing, dance and act, was a champ as emcee. He introduced performers and talked about my years writing about Hawaii’s entertainers. He danced “Boy from Laupahoehoe,” too. Performers included Jimmy Borges, Kristian Lei (shown at right), Danny Kaleikini, Mihana Souza, Kanoe Cazimero, Cha Thompson and Leilani Kupahu-Marino.

Shortly after Jimmy was diagnosed with liver cancer on April 21, he gave me a call to tell me about it but said he was going to beat it and perform at my birthday party. Three months after a tumor the shape of a small football was removed from his liver on July 18, he kept his promise and was a knockout at my party, singing, swinging and moving as good as ever onstage to huge applause. Knowing how much I enjoy Frank Sinatra, he was heavy on Ol’ Blue Eyes’ hits, getting down and driving hard on “Fly Me to the Moon,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Old Black Magic” and “Teach Me Tonight.” On “Young at Heart” he sang lyrics that he wrote about me.

Kristian, who specializes in hits from Broadway and inspirational music, was in superb voice and received a standing ovation after each of her songs. Looking beautiful and wearing her “favorite thigh-high boots,” she sang “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Memory.” She left a family gathering in Hilo to make the party and flew back early the next day.

Mihana had the crowd roaring with laughter when she introduced hula dancers Kanoe, Cha and Leilani as virgins and described what stage of virginity they had reached. The virgin hula dancers really shook it and swayed to Mihana’s vocals as the laughter continued. Mihana was a workhorse, singing with her guitar as guests arrived and also during the evening. Danny was heavy on pop tunes during his time in the spotlight. The performers were backed by a standout trio made up of keyboarder Dan Del Negro, bassist Ernie Provencher and drummer Andy Watson. Kit Samson took a brief turn at the keyboard.

Mayor Peter Carlisle came by and read his flattering message to me. The party for about 100 people was organized by Drea Kia, “Skinny” Lynnie Crawley and Mihana, highest-ranking members of the Worthy Women Organization.

They worked hard with Neiman’s food chief Duane Kawamoto, whose diligent staff provided much-praised food and service.

Jim Nabors, who could not make it, and Maria “Baby” Handl provided lovely floral arrangements. Michelle Doherty of Miami, Traudel Hildebrand of California and Germany, and Californians Todd Rothbard, Roxanne Willinger, Carla and Jess Lutz and Antje Hill, who I met in Paris 55 years ago, were in for the party.

Thanks to all involved in my milestone, especially the Worthy Women, the mayor, Duane and his staff, Neiman Hawaii boss Al Tomonari and all the singers, dancers and musicians for making it happen. I had one of the best nights of my entire 80 years …