Robert Cazimero’s 76th birthday on March 20 will become part of a celebratory birthday week-long event … and a fundraiser for his Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua.
His special performances will be from March 19 to 23 at Chef Chai’s on Kapiolani Boulevard, with the usual mix of Hawaiian music, hula and fine dining.
Also in the works: an art exhibit at Gallery ‘Iolani, in the modest gallery next to Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College, which will salute and verify the kumu hula and entertainer’s life achievements and impact in local music and culture. As a recording artist, kumu hula, and nightlife entertainer in venues large and small, he has created – with his brother Roland, in The Brothers Cazimero –a personal and specific brand in island mele and hula. I’m told that there will be a piano on site, which possibly means if Cazimero’s present, he just might burst into a serenade. Watch for the gallery’s Caz viewing dates.
But back to the Chai’s event: Normally, Cazimero would stage a Full Moon Concert once a month, but for his birthday, once is not enough. Hence, the weeklong party. And yes, the champagne will be flowing.
Dinner service is at 5:30 p.m. Chef Chai Chaowasaree’s signature dishes are always featured, comprising an array of appetizers, sumptuous entrees, and savory desserts.
The show begins at 6:30 p.m. and tends to expand beyond the hour-long performance. Usually, Cazimero enlists Sky Perkins Gora and Bully Keola Makaiau to render specific hula. Typically, Cazimero marks his birthday throughout the month of March; since his calendar is chockful of b-day gatherings.
Because the Chai evenings will benefit Cazimero’s halau of singers-dancers, you can expect various gents appearing and joining kumu on the different nights. The fund-raiser will support, among other things, Na Kamalei’s participation in this year’s Merrie Monarch Festival from April 20 to 26 in Hilo.
Tickets: $159 a person, available at chefchai@outlook.com or (808) 585-0011…
And that’s Show Biz…