Author: Wayne Harada

Moving right along, today’s countdown visits a familiar realm, where a few holiday images create a piece of art…

No. 16—Another shadowbox with a Santa, a tree, a stocking, a bell, a cupcake, and, well, it hollers Christmas to me. Simple but splendid. Once you gather your ornaments, takes only a few minutes to assembled. And don’t forget a stand to lean it on, or prep it for a wall destination

Still with me? Our Christmas Countdown continues with No. 15, a decor that reflects the environment…

No. 15 –I’ve had this wooden tree for years, purchased at Pier 1 Importsd; earlier ones were stained red or green. Decorated the wooden green one, if I recall, and presented it with cube decorations several seasons ago, to my cousin  who’s an artist. (Translation: little surprises her, when it’s art).  She lives in Washington state amid rustic woods, so this tree version, with au natural ornaments of tiny circular stumps from a real tree branch, suit the recipient and environment.

Streetlight Cadence, the folk-rock/alt-rock band born on the streets of Honolulu, continues to amaze and evolve.

In a sorta reunion concert last night (Dec. 13) at the Hawaii Theatre, the current core members of SLC – Jon Andrew Franklin on electric violin and lead vocals, Ben Chai on banjo, and Clara Stegall on guitar and infrequent vocals—assembled with other members with ties to group, as well as with a couple of newbies

A flashy light show was a surprise element, with bolting rays of dancing lights and alternating hues of red and blue and yellow keyed to thumping, expressive musicianship. It was a language of Wow! and Now! and yes, even Pow!

At the end of two hours, this much was certain:

• Franklin, the group’s emcee and principal lead voice and composer, has a lot of energy and creativity but also a lot of anxiety and angst linked to the rise and fall of SLC.  He also is the key composer and his music is autobiographical, dealing with a traumatic Los Angeles experience and the ongoing quest of finding and shaping elusive success. His lyrics suggest he’s hurt, he’s hungry but he’s healing a skosh. He describes himself as “the haole boy from Texas,” but he’s blended with locals with his HPU classes here.

• The group nearly folded a few times but survived internal friction. One of the pioneering members, Brian Webb on electric cello, has moved on, escaping the quest of fame and those Will Sing for Food campaigns.
•  The group still has a loyal Hawaii following; though the concert was not a sellout, many fans showed up, many bearing gifts, with a lot of seniors or near-seniors and flock of family members.

• Couldn’t tell, from my seat, who returned for the reunion, but most of the following appeared: Evan Arashiro on drums, Chaz Umamoto on guitar,  Jesse Shiroma on  accordion and foot percussionist and Matt Mariconda on guitar. Maia Wolf on cello was listed as a returnee, too.

SLC possesses showmanship and flair, but the group should self-examine and consider pacing frustration with triumph, seeking a bit of positive to balance the negative. Streetlight Cadence, hopefully, will earn and discover the joys of success, but for now, they’re still a work in progress.

Perhaps these images from the concert reflect where the band is now…

And that’s Show Biz…

We’re midway through the countdown of Christmas decor, the 2024 season…

No. 14—A sitting Santa means a tired one; so this one is perched on a mirrored cubed. Notice Nicky’s dangling legs; told you I like this feature. And provided him with a silver brush tree and a green wooden tree for  seasonal atmosphere. Merry, merry!

Christmas has arrived at Chef Chai’s, with Santa-in-charge Robert Cazimero serenading while diners enjoy Chai Chaowasaree’s splendid feast.

For the holidays this year, Cazimero is performing five shows, which began Wednesday (Dec. 11) and continues through Sunday (Dec. 15).  No, it’s not the lavish theatrical outings of seasons past, when his hula halau gathered and provided a spectacle, singing and dancing. Nonetheless, Cazimero is dutifully vocalizing while performing at the grand piano.

Indeed, the keyboard has become the “orchestra” for Cazimero since he abandoned the stand-up fiddle bass after brother Roland – who was famous for his sit-down guitarmanship  on his signature white cube –unexpectedly died.

That was then, this is now, and the less-is-more concept works because of Cazimero’s stewardship. He’s emcee, musician, and crooner, calling the shots. It’s casual, spontaneous stuff, and you never know what to expect. Yes, Cazimero’s two hula soloists – Sky Perkins Gora — and Bully Keola Makaiau – have their solos.

But surprise guest hula dancers always get the proverbial spotlight. On the show I caught Thursday night (Dec. 12), the parade of guests included Robert’s sister, Kanoe “‘Tootsie” Cazimero, kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine, and Cha Thompson.

Holt Takamine, kumu of Halau Pua Ali’i ‘Ilima, did a solo hula and was applauded for her recent achievement. She has been awarded the 31st annual Dorothy and Lillian Gish prize of $450,000. She is a pioneering, renowned, master teacher of traditional Hawaiian dance, and longtime Merrie Monarch judge.

And among the spectators: Nina Keali‘iwahamana Rapozo

On this night, Cazimero opened with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and wound up with “Mele Kalikimaka.”

In-between, there were Hawaiian “moments,” like a sweet “Wahine Ilikea,” a vocal that begged for a solo hula; “Ku‘u Home O Kahalu‘u,” the Olomana signature; and a lively “Teve Teve” hula by Bully Keola Makaiau, in honor of Boyce Rodrigues, the late brother of Nina.

One nostalgic entry was a holiday tune, “A Christmas Wish,” penned by Roland, who sang lead, with Robert doing a few harmonic lines. It boasts a sweet sentimental line: “Christmas shouldn’t be just one day a year but all year in your heart.” Welcome to jollywood.

“When You Wish Upon a Star,” the Disney anthem, appeared again, one of his trusty titles, and while in no way linked to “Star,” another oldie  —  “Puff the Magic Dragon,” the Peter, Paul and Mary hit – was a curious inclusion. Indeed, who sings this anymore? He does.

“Waikiki,” with Cha dancing, was a sentimental favorite from Cazimero’s song bank; she hasn’t lost her hula chops.

 “Drinking Champagne,”  the Myra English classic, continues to occupy a logical spot in his must-sing list, since it’s the apt tune that accompanies his ritual of hoisting a glass of bubbly, and spectators join the toast.

Yes, Chai’s red Christmas tree a stone’s throw away, signifies the holiday season is in full swing

And if you want to catch Cazimero in one the remaining shows, call Chai’s at (808) 330-0279 for availability though It’s likely already a sellout…

And that’s Show Biz…