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Tribute shows have become common in Waikiki — think “Rock-a-Hula,” a “Legends” franchise show at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, and the new wave of one-nighters at Blue Note Hawaii saluting anyone from Whitney Houston to Louie Armstrong, from Sarah Vaughan to Santana, from Billy Joel to Michael Buble.
Now comes “Waikiki, Then & Now,” hosted by Augie Rey and featuring his daughter, singer Tahiti Rey, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Monday at the showroom at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Rey will expand the legend umbrella with a multisalute to titans like Don Ho, Dick Jensen, Jimmy Borges, Nephi Hannemann, Eddie Kamae, Alfredo Romero, Iva Kinimaka, Roland Cazimero and Loyal Garner, with musicians Jeannette Trevias, Bobby King, Zanuck Lindsey and Mark Lindberg participating.
“I chose these legends because when I first came to Waikiki in 1970 (he’s a New Yorker of Puerto Rican, Cuban, French and Chinese heritage), these guys all adopted me like a local boy who came home. I truly felt the love.”
He was inspired to go big when he attended a celebration of life for Hannemann. “I met with Bobby (King), a former member of The Aliis, who played bass with me for several years; we reminisced about all our close friends who have all passed.” Thus the show was born.
He’ll launch the tribute with an original he wrote, “This Is My Paradise,” with a telling few lines: “This is my paradise, where I’ll make my stand; my roots may be somewhere else, but my soul is in this land.”
We mustn’t forget the pioneers of entertainment in Waikiki. So it’s admirable that those who are gone are remembered, but at the risk of exclusions.
There’s no specific timespan in Rey’s roster, but a few — like Peter Moon, Dennis Kamakahi and Palani Vaughan — are notably absent. They, and many others, had Waikiki presence.
This begs a question: When is a legend not a legend? When you forget ’em. There are plenty of hall of famers in Alfred Apaka, Hilo Hattie, Irmgard Aluli, Gabby Pahinui, Genoa Keawe, Charles K. L. Davis, Mahi Beamer, Boyce Rodrigues, Sterling Mossman and Kui Lee. Add Betty Loo Taylor, Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman, and ex-Society of Seven crooners Gary Bautista and Roberto Nievera. What about hula dancers like Beverly Noa or Lani Custino? There is no shortage of legends.
This is mere observation, not a complaint. Perhaps Rey needs to secure a couple of nights to showcase a lot more unforgettables. …
IT’S A BOY!
Alx and Sarah Kawakami welcomed son Alika Lyon Keiji Kawakami on Aug. 18 at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. He weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and measured 21-1/2 inches long. “Our hearts are full,” the new parents said in a message to family and friends. Kawakami, of course, has been a member of ManoaDNA with dad Lloyd (the D) and brother Nick (the N), so if Alika grows up quickly, he could be the A since Alx lately has been one of Henry Kapono’s reliable singer-musicians. …
LEAPING WIZARDS
Bailey Barnes, cast as Dorothy, will ease on down the road in the I’m a Bright Kid Foundation musical “The Wiz,” playing Sept. 7 through 30 at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College. This was the late Ron Bright’s favorite show, so his disciples are ready to roar in the William F. Brown–Charlie Smalls musical inspired by L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Other leads: Matthew Pedersen as the Lion, Zare Anguay as the Scarecrow, and Miguel Cadoy as the Tinman. Jade Bright as Glinda, Alison Maldonado as Addaperle and Pomai Lopez as Evilene, the Wicked Witch, are secondary leads.
With guidance from heaven, Mary Hicks will direct, Clarke Bright (Ron’s eldest son) will conduct the orchestra, and Dane Ison is vocal coach but also will appear as the titular Wiz. And yep, Marcelo Pacleb will choreograph.
The show’s signature song, “If You Believe,” also is the anthem of IABKF, they all truly believe — and sing the tune proudly. …
And that’s “Show Biz. …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
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