Hello, everybody. It’s great to be back with Wood Craft in my favorite spot after a four-month break …
Days ago I heard a rumor that Jimmy Borges, who is terminally ill with cancer, would be at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on May 28. So I left a call for the singer-actor’s wife, Vicki Borges, on May 5, hoping to find out if Jimmy would really make the ceremonies. I was surprised that Jimmy got back to me within 20 minutes as he is quite ill. Unfortunately, he said he can’t leave his home. “But my wife and daughter (Steffanie Reiko Juergenson) will be there,” he quickly added in a frail, raspy voice. I assured him they would pick up awards for some of the four categories for which his disc, simply titled “Jimmy Borges,” has been nominated. I also told him he would be a winner not in sympathy because he is ill but because it is an extremely worthy album, a smooth, delicious ride throughout. He thanked me profusely and said he was unable to talk much, then closed with these touching words, “I love you Ben” …
Being a Roosevelt graduate in 1949, I am proud to say that two of my high school’s finest, Larry Price and Danny Kaleikini, were honored May 6 for their years of dedicated service to our community by the Honolulu Police Community Foundation. Both graduated from RHS in the 1950s. Former Police Chief Lee Donohue, another public school grad, from McKinley High, is the co-founder of the HPCF and its president. The event was held at the Sheraton …
This summer’s movie selections in the May 6 Today section listed a tremendous number of films. I picked a few favorites right away, including “Money Monster,” which opens today and stars two of Hollywood’s biggest names, George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Clooney plays a TV financial host and Roberts is his producer. They are held hostage by an angry investor, portrayed by Jack O’Connell, who has taken over their studio. He has lost everything and is furious. Dominic West is CEO of the company. Viewers of “The Affair” on Showtime will remember him. Jodie Foster directed. I’ll have to wait until July 29 to see if Matt Damon in “Jason Bourne” still brings the crackling excitement he brought to his three earlier Bourne movies, his last in 2007. As a Woody Allen fan I will definitely see his “Cafe Society” that hits theaters Aug. 12. The picture opened the 69th Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Steve Carrell and Blake Lively are in the 1930s romantic comedy. “Money Monster” is also in the Cannes festival that runs through May 22. …
I have been watching the highly entertaining “Donald Trump Show” daily on TV. Who’da thought? The political season is a comedian’s paradise, despite being so serious and important …
Singer-musician Brother Noland kicks off the Memorial Day weekend in Mele at the Moana on May 27 at the hotel’s beachfront Banyan Courtyard. Mele at the Moana is a monthly concert series on the last Friday of the month. Music begins at 5 p.m. with Brother taking the stage at 7, playing two 45-minute sets through 9 p.m. Preferred seating is available and can be reserved at honoluluboxoffice.com. Diners at the Beachhouse restaurant or at the hotel’s wine bar, Vintage 1901, can enjoy the performances from their tables. Upcoming performers include Jeff Peterson on June 24 and John Cruz on July 29 …
Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
