Keali‘i Reichel‘s new CD, "Kawaiokalena," which drops Oct. 21, is a winnah! I had a sneak peek/listen, and I predict a rousing audience response.
Fans and hula pupils are going to quickly adopt the title song, "Kawaiokalena," since it’s classic Reichel — in sound, style and texture — recalling the sweetness of his "Kawaipunahele" era. Reichel wrote the lyrics and music for this mele inoa (name song), which eloquently taps a romantic nerve as his voice triggers tenderness and joy, arching and cascading like rain. There’s a deliberate link to nature and the exhilarating Maui countryside.
For a more modern song, examine "Hawaii," a Johnson Enos composition that fuses English and Hawaiian, assembling nuances of rainbows, waterfalls and blooms. This one logically could emerge as THE new signature island song, appreciated by locals and visitors alike. …
INDIE INSIGHTS: Director Albert Pyun, the indie filmmaker from Hawaii, is excited about the world premiere of his "The Interrogation of Cheryl Cooper," at 8 p.m. Thursday at Pollygrind, Las Vegas’ premier underground film festival.
The film was written by Cynthia Curnan, and she’s producing with her Kona-based son Christopher Curnan.
Pyun still is in treatment for multiple sclerosis, but health issues have not sidelined his cinematic projects. Next up: a film on Napoleon Bonaparte. "I’m hoping to reunite with Jean-Claude Van Damme to play Napoleon," he says. "A great many things have to fall in place for that to happen, but the script is very strong."
Filming could begin as early as November or December in Bulgaria. The $10 million to $12 million project would cover Napoleon’s life from the failed French attack on Sardinia to his house arrest in 1794, when France’s Reign of Terror ended. Three large battle scenes are planned. …
NAMES ‘N’ FACES: At Jazz Night recently at Gordon Biersch at Aloha Tower Marketplace, the performing ensemble — singer Rocky Brown, musicians DeShannon Higa, Rod Esterban and Robert Shinoda — was thrilled to welcome Dan Gordon, the "Gordon" in Gordon Biersch, who not only is a brewmaster, but a master jazz trombonist, too. …
Apologies to drummer Frankie Kim, who performed with Arthur Lyman for years. He’s among the survivors who performed in the era when exotic music by Lyman and Martin Denny had a wide following. John Kramer, who died recently, wasn’t the last of this breed as his family thought, mentioned here Oct. 5. …
DATEBOOK: "Hairspray" is happening big time at Paliku Theatre, with two more shows added: 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. …
"Rose," the first of Vanita Rae Smith‘s Windward Readers Theatre this season, winds up at 2 p.m. Sunday at Pohai Nani Senior Residence in Kaneohe.
In honor of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, this year’s season will include "The Soldier’s Wife," Jan. 6, 8 and 11; "Irena’s Vow," March 3, 5 and 8; and "The Sisters Rosensweig," May 5, 7 and 10. …
HAWAII NO KA OI: If you’re planning ahead, these upcoming Hawaii Theatre events are worth supporting:
» Amy Hanaiali‘i and Willie K team up in a Hawaii Pops concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1.
» Robert Cazimero fronts "Hawaii Kalikimaka," minus brother Roland, Dec. 12-14. Yes, dancers will be plentiful in the spirit of the holidays; Starr Kalahiki guests.
» Neil Sedaka makes it a busman’s holiday with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20.
» Kuana Torres Kahele uncorks his award-winning style and music at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7.
» The Brothers Cazimero (Robert and Roland) unite at 7:30 p.m. March 21. Too early for Lei Day, but make a lei, wear a lei, share a lei anyway. …
And that’s "Show Biz." …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist; reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com; read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at www.staradvertiser.com.
