It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas. So if you’re in the market for holiday cheer, there’s plenty to choose from.
Here are some of this year’s options:
>> “Boys and Their Toys,” at 6:30 and 9 p.m. today at Blue Note Hawaii, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, is ManoaDNA’s annual fundraiser for Laulima Giving Program. Unwrapped toys are sought. This will be one of the final performances by Nick Kawakami (the N in the group’s name), who will bid aloha to the band comprising dad Lloyd Kawakami (the D) and brother Alx Kawakami (the A) to focus on his expanding real estate career. Tickets: $15-$35; call 777-4890.
>> “Danny and Nicholas Kaleikini’s Holiday Concert,” at 6:30 and 9 pm. Tuesday, Blue Note Hawaii. The veteran Waikiki entertainer and his grandson reunite. Tickets: $15-$35; 777-4890.
>> “Kuana’s Winter Wonderland,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Dec. 10, features Kuana Torres Kahele and his coterie of musicians and dancers. Tickets: $35-$75; call 528-0506.
>> Christmas and Prime Rib Dinner Buffet and Show, Dec. 10 (buffet at 5 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m.) at the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra. Featuring Ben and Maila and guests Josh Tatofi, Melveen Leed, Kanoe Gibson, Henry Kapono, Ho‘okena and Little Albert. Footnote: two Grammy nominees (Tatofi, Ho‘okena) are aboard! Tickets: $85 (VIP $110); call 944-4333
>> Willie K Christmas show, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 11, Blue Note Hawaii. Yep, ’tis the season for Willie Kalikimaka, so expect his incomparable “O Holy Night” in English and Hawaiian. Tickets: $25-$45; 777-4890.
>> Robert Cazimero Christmas show, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 13, Blue Note Hawaii. There will be hula dancers “but it’s been tough getting them because many will be traveling,” Cazimero laments. Tickets: $25-$45; 777-4890.
>> Frank DeLima’s Holiday Brunch and Show, Dec. 17 (buffet at 10:30 a.m., show at noon), at the Pagoda International Ballroom. Expect Na Kolohe, backing up the comedian in his lighted Christmas tree costume, plus an audience-participation, local-style “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Tickets: $60 ($30 for ages 5-8); call 948-8370.
>> “Glitter and Be Gay,” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Hawaii Theatre. Featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Honolulu, sharing seasonal and popular tunes. Tickets: $20-$50; call 528-0506.
>> “Under the Banyan Tree Christmas Concert,” featuring Cazimero, Dec. 22 (6 p.m. seating for 7:15 p.m. show), at the Banyan Courtyard, Moana Surfrider hotel. A celebration of the holidays blended with Hawaiian culture in two 45-minute sets. Tickets (tax and tip included): $155 VIP dinner package includes prix fixe meal at Beachhouse restaurant and valet parking; $50 cocktail seating includes validated parking. Reservations at honoluluboxoffice.com.
ALOHA, BEVERLY
Family, friends and fans alike bid a fond aloha to the renowned hula icon of her generation, Beverly Noa, in a celebration of life Nov. 25 at the Waialae Country Club.
Something I didn’t know: Noa (then, a Rivera) was a Farrington High grad and songleader. Familial remembrances from son Fred Noa and grandkids Celia and Duke Kenney were heart-tugging.
Other highlights: vocals by Robert Cazimero (accompanying a hula-ing Noa via iPhone video, in her last public performance of “Lovely Hula Hands”) and Marlene Sai (sharing her trademark “Waikiki” amid a panorama of photographic memories of the model-dancer-single mom).
Sai nearly broke down when saluting her buddy on “I Love You,” generally a love song to a beau, but the Teddy Randazzo lyrics/sentiments were pertinent and eloquent for a final adieu. A chicken-skin moment, capping a genuine friendship. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
