On the Scene

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTSER.COM
'THE WORLD OF BANANAS' A WINNER AT 2012 KA PALAPALA PO'OKELA AWARDS
1. Bishop Museum Press exec Ron Cox, left, and University of Hawaii Press rep Carol Abe, far right, congratulated 2012 Ka Palapala Po'okela Award winners Angela Key Kepler and Francis G. Rust, co-authors of "The World of Bananas in Hawai'i: Then and Now," at the post-awards reception May 11 at Bishop Museum. The beautiful coffee-table book covers all aspects of the banana from local history and culture to recipes. It won the excellence in natural history category.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTSER.COM
MAMO HOWELL DEBUTS NEW DESIGNS AT IHILANI RESORT
5. Famed designer Mamo Howell, left, introduced some of her latest designs in a Mother's Day fashion show luncheon May 13 at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa. The crowd included Regina Kawananakoa, second from left, who looked every inch a princess, and Leilani and Ed Keough, who dressed for the occasion in vintage Mamo Howell designs (Leilani's dress dates from the '80s). Kimo Keaulana and his musicians, seen onstage behind Kawananakoa, added to the traditional Hawaiian ambience of the event.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTSER.COM
4. MVT President Jeff Portnoy, left, talked story with cast member Russell Motter (Bob). Motter can be a convincing villain or an engaging good guy. His role in this show combines elements of both.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTSER.COM
CAST CELEBRATES AT MVT
3. Director Betty Burdick, center, celebrated with cast members Jo Pruden (Stella) and Timothy Jeffryes (Lewis) May 10 at the opening-night reception for Manoa Valley Theatre's production of "Dividing the Estate." The show is another triumph for Pruden and an excellent showcase for Jeffryes' talent as well.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARADVERTSER.COM
'SONGS' OPENS AT EAST-WEST CENTER
2. Curator Victoria Vorreiter and cultural experts/musicians Aju Jupoh, left, and Chi Suwichan were the guests of honor at the opening reception for "Songs of Memory: Music & Ceremony of Highland Southeast Asia," a multimedia exhibit of musical instruments and traditional clothing, May 13 at the East-West Center Gallery. Vorreiter gave the guests a narrated tour of the exhibit, and Suwichan and Jupoh entertained them with short performances on traditional instruments.