‘AND THAT’S ‘SHOW BIZ’ IS HERE
MOTHER’S DAY FACEBOOKING
Drew and Colton Bright, sons of Clarke and Jade Bright, sent their mom a special, lasting floral bouquet for Mother’s Day.
‘Twas fashioned from Lego bricks, so it took some time and effort to shape and make. Proves that the Bright siblings are not only stage-savvy, but they’re also adept in plastics, too.
Of course, proud grandma Mo Bright, widow of the beloved stage director Ron Bright, posted a pic of the creation on Facebook. …then Jade confessed that she provided the kit for her sons. Hey, if it works, why not?
Glenn Medeiros, Saint Louis School president, was at home on Mother’s Day, at his keyboards. So why not serenade and singing and self-accompany himself, rendering a sweet version of “Where Is Love,” an appropriate but underrated ballad from the musical, “Oliver.”
He’s still got his pipes. And charm. Check it out on Facebook. …
*. *. *
After Medici, New York
Entertainer Shari Lynn is prepping for another gig at Medici’s at Manoa Marketplace this month. She takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. May 21, at the Manoa Marketplace venue. Doors open at 6 p.m. for pre-performance dinner.
Tickets are $59, include dinner, plus a handling fee. Visit https://medicismanoa.com for tickets.
By the end of May, Shari and hubby Michael Acebedo will be celebrating their wedding anniversary with a romantic lakeside dinner at Central Park’s Boathouse restaurant. It’s a belated 45th celebration, since they wed in June, and the trip had to be delayed because of the pandemic. So the dinner will be an early celebration for No. 46 this year….
For Shari, this won’t be a theater-watching visit since the bulk of the Broadway reopenings won’t be ready till fall. Still, when you’re in The Big Apple, there’s still a lot to do and engage in. …
*. *. *
Strumming duo
You never know who shows up and presents an unplanned mini-concert.
When Rick Ornellas was at the Kahala Mkt recently, he encountered a first-class ukulele performance by dual strummers Jake Shimabukuro and Herb Ohta Jr.
Visitors-diners s at the MKT’s restaurant were treated to an impromptu performance – a lucky happenstance, natch.
Shimabukuro recently was on Henry Kapono’s Blue Note tribute to the late Don Ho, and the strumming doubled as a trickle-over post-show salute to Uncle Don. Yes, we remember him, too. …
*. *. *
Got tidbits? Share ‘em…
I’ve been getting emails from folks who wonder how to get into this rebooted column.
Best way: email me at wayneharada@gmail.com, with notes and quotes you deem interesting to share with peers and readers. Or put together a graph or two, if you’re doing a concert or project. Submit items a week to 10 days before an event, to allow time to publicize here; data may be included in occasional Date Book calendar listings. This still is a work-in-progress website. Mahalo…
And that’s “Show Biz”: …
JOHNSON’S ‘YOUNG ROCK’ EXTENDED
Dwayne Johnson’s “Young Rock,” the sorta doc-sitcom on NBC, has been renewed for a second season.
Johnson, a Hawaii native, is up there in popularity; “Young Rock” is rated the No. 2 comedy in the valuable 18 to 49 demographics, and surely, his stature as a Hollywood Big Name is the key to the success of this giddy venture.
The series explores the youthful years of the dude who would become The Rock and then the centrifugal force of cinematic action dramas laced with a bit of comedy.
Doesn’t hurt, of course, that he appears on “Young Rock” and also is part of the producing team with tongue firmly in cheek.
* * *
Name game
Laprete, formerly known as Aidan James and also Aidan James Powell, continues to Wemerge as an actor, musician, composer, instrumentalist, recording artist and TV star. With quite an expanding list of credits, it’s amazing that he’s only 19, though he’s been strumming ukulele since he was a toddler.
Named after his mom, TV producer Angie Laprete, he will be seen in Amazon Prime’s “The Wilds,” Season 2 of the YA survival series, filmed in Australia, previously with females, soon to be focusing on males. Laprete will appear as Henry Tanaka.
* * *
All in the ‘ohana
Horace Dudoit III and his Ho’okena group will be heard harmonizing and lending vocal support to country music star Josh Turner’s holiday album this winter.
Turner enlised Dudoit and his buddies to guest-sing on “Mele Kalikimaka, My ‘Ohana,” one of the tracks on Turner’s album.
The connection began when Turner asked Dudoit for kokua, to assist with some of the Hawaiiana in the holiday song.
* * *
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
2021 NA HOKU HANOHANO CONTENDERS
I haven’t done the analysis, but presume the Hawaiian music community wants to know who and what are competing for the 2021 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
Voting members will receive online instructions on how and when to cast ballots this Saturday (May 8).
Here are the contenders in the final ballot:
2021 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards – Finalist
Album of the Year (Producer’s & Artist’s Award)
Waipunalei by Kainani Kahaunaele (Māhuahua Music LLC) Lukela Keala by Lukela Keala (Waiehu Records)
2020 by Ekolu (Waiehu Records)
Henry’s House by Henry Kapono (Kapono Records) Kahekeonāpua by Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
EP (“Extended Play”) of the Year
Just Be You by Tavana (Tavana)
Where I Reside by Kalaʻe (Kalaʻe)
ʻEmanuʻela by Zeo Worship (Zeo Music Worship)
High Watah Music by High Watah (HIFI Records/Revive The Live Records)
Where The Sand Meets The Sea by Kimo Kahoano & Kamuela Kahoano (Green Light Go HI Productions)
Hawaiian EP (“Extended Play”) of the Year
He Mele No Papa by Kalani Miles (Mea Nui Records LLC)
Lei Makamae by Makamae Auwae (Soulforth Records)
A Timeless Hymn (Hawaiian Version) by Ben Kama (Ke Akua Mele Productions) ʻEha by Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter (Christy Leinaʻala Lassiter)
Single of the Year
Your Song Plays On by Lehua Kalima (Kalima Music LLC) Noelani by Iolani & Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko Records LLC)) Hawai’i Nui Kuauli by Mailani MakaʻĪnaʻi (Mailani Hawai’i LLC) My Reason by Maoli (Awong Entertainment LLC)
Light Me Up by Kapena (KDE Records)
There Was Jesus by Nāpua Greig & Damon Williams (Pihana Productions)
Hawaiian Single of the Year
My Sweet by Iolani & Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko Records LLC) Uilani by Lukela Keala (Waiehu Records)
Eia mai ʻo Hauʻula by Waipuna (Poki Records)
Ka Mele ʻO Ke Anuenue by Darrell Aquino (Mana Records) Nopu Ka Manaʻo by Hāwane Rios (Saddle Road Productions)
Christmas Single of the Year
Christmas Lūʻau by Kimie Miner & Paula Fuga (Haku Records)
O Holy Night by Kalani Peʻa (Peʻa records & Entertainment)
Christmas Day by Tarvin Makia featuring Natalie Ai Kamauu (No Label) Christmas Joy by Stacie Kuʻulei (Kuʻulei Productions)
Angels We have Heard On High by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
Music Video of the Year
Noelani by Iolani & Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko Records LLC)
O Holy Night by Kalani Peʻa (Peʻa Records & Entertainment)
There Was Jesus by Nāpua Greig & Damon Williams (Pihana Productions) Hawai’i Nui Kuauli by Mailani Maka’īna’i (Mailani Hawai’i LLC)
My Reason by Maoli (Awong Entertainment LLC)
Hawaiian Music Video of the Year
Hanakaʻōʻō by ʻIwalani Hoʻomanawanui Apo (North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund)
Kuʻu Mele Aloha ʻAina by Kaleo Phillips (Moʻolelo Hui Hana Keaka)
Worldwide #Jam4MaunaKea – Kū Ha’aheo & Hawai’i Loa by Mana Maoli (Mana Maoli)
I Love You (E Pili Mau) by Kalani Peʻa – (Sony Music Inc.- Peʻa Records & Entertainment) E Pili Mai by Koa (Koa)
Mele Inoa No Kele by Kaleo Phillips (Moʻolelo Hui Hana Keaka)
Instrumental Composition of the Year (Composer’s Award)
Morning Sun by Waipuna (Poki Records)
Brave by Kris Fuchigami (Kris Fuchigami)
Moving Forward by Herb Ohta Jr. (Lele Music Productions)
Hinano by Kaleo Phillips (Maui Tribe Records)
See You Soon by Kimo Kahoano & Kamuela Kahoano (Green Light Go HI Productions)
Song of the Year (Composer’s Award)
Your Song Plays On by Lehua Kalima (Kalima Music LLC) Waipunalei by Kainani Kahaunaele (Māhuahua Music LLC) Your Refrain by Maggie Herron (Herron Song Records) Noelani by Iolani & Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko Records LLC) Little Grass Shack by Henry Kapono (Kapono Records) Hawaiʻi Nui Kuauli by Mailani MakaʻĪnaʻi (Mailani Hawaiʻi LLC) Uilani by Lukela Keala (Waiehu Records)
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kainani Kahaunaele for Waipunalei (Māhuahua Music LLC) Maggie Herron for Your Refrain (Herron Song Records) Keilana for I Am (Zeo Music)
Karlie G for Train Of Thought (KGM Productions) Makamae Auwae for Lei Makamae (Soulforth Records)
Male Vocalist of the Year
Lukela Keala for Lukela Keala (Waiehu Records) Henry Kapono for Henry’s House (Kapono Records) Kamaka Kukona for Kahekeonāpua (Hanu)
Tavana for Sway (Tavana)
Kalani Miles for He Mele No Papa (Mea Nui Records LLC)
Group of the Year
Ekolu for 2020 (Waiehu Records)
Hoʻokena for Meant To Be (Huliau LLC)
Waipuna for Kuʻu Lei Aloha (Poki Records)
Kapena for Kapena: A Kapena Family Christmas Special (KDE Records) Pandanus Club for Live At Aloha Station (K&M Music)
Most Promising Artist(s) of the Year
Keilana for I Am (Zeo Music)
Makamae Auwae for Lei Makamae (Soulforth Records)
Ka Pilina for Nā Wahi Pana (Ahumanu Records)
Bronson Aiwohi for Movin’ (Bronson Aiwohi LLC)
High Watah for Watahs Rising (HIFI Records/Revive The Live Records) The Mana Music Quartet for Queen Liliʻuokalani (Mana Music Hawaiʻi)
Alternative Album of the Year
Chroma (Vol. 1) by Sean Cleland (Sean Cleland Music LLC) Pohaku Motu by Kaʻimi Hananoʻeau (Loʻihi Inc)
Feels Like Home by Dustin Pacleb (Dustin Pacleb)
Sanya by Sanya (No Label)
In Memory Of You by Layla Kilolu (No Label)
Anthology of the Year (Producer’s Award)
Anthology Album by Tropical Knights (KDE Records)
Through The Decades an Anthology 1980-2020 by Darrell Aquino (Daddy Leopard Records) Trilogy by SIN73 (Tin Idol Productions)
Tear Down The Walls by Dennis & Christy Soares (Elation Records)
Christmas Album of the Year
Kapena: A Kapena Family Christmas Special by Kapena (KDE Records)
A Ku Kama Christmas by Keoni Ku & Ben Kama (Ke Akua Mele Productions) Kaori Kawabuchi Christmas Piano Album by Kaori Kawabuchi (THP) Christmas Aloha by Michael Chock (Seawind Productions)
Compilation Album of the Year (Producer’s Award)
Lei Nāhonoapiʻilani: Nā Mele Hou (North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund) Huliāmahi, Vol. 1 by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Leʻa)
Aloha & Mahalo II: J-Songs Meet Hawaiian by Various Artists (Sony Music Japan) Live From The Empty Palace 2020 by Various Artists (Empty Palace Productions) Together, Words and Music by Cindy Paulos (Practicing Aloha)
All In This Together by Cindy Paulos (Practicing Aloha)
Contemporary Album of the Year
Henry’s House by Henry Kapono (Kapono Records)
Sway by Tavana (Tavana)
Take Me Home by Connie Cruz (Zeo Music)
Danny And Rene by Danny Kaleikini & Rene Paulo (Ming Pur Records) Renaissance – Volume 1 by Sandy Essman (Tin Idol Productions)
Contemporary Acoustic Album of the Year
First Dance by Kaleo Phillips (Maui Tribe Records)
Kuʻu Wahi Pili by Rama Camarillo (No Label)
We Will Rise by Anthony Pfluke (Maui Anthony LLC) Endless Shore by Frank Kaʻanoʻi (Frank Kaʻanoʻi Music) Malia by Jimmy Burgess (Jimmy Burgess Music)
Hawaiian Music Album of the Year
Waipunalei by Kainani Kahaunaele (Māhuahua Music LLC) Meant To Be by Hoʻokena (Huliau LLC)
Kahekeonāpua by Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
Nā Wahi Pana by Ka Pilina (Ahumanu Records)
Ka Mea Hookani by Mike Kaawa (Mike Kaawa) Kuʻu ʻAina Aloha by Faith Ako (Independent)
Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year
Far Away by Patrick Landeza (Addison Street) Slack Key Ladyland by Cindy Combs (PULE2020) Resilience by Lance Takamiya (No Label)
Hip Hop Album of the Year
From Beneath Maunakea by Punahele (Punahele)
Tidying Up by Ohtoro (Zenbu Records)
Shore Lines by Sans + Ohtoro (Zenbu Records)
Rage With Sage by Sage Atom (1379859 Records DK)
The Kings’ Lessons Volume One by Doctabarz (Zenbu Records)
Instrumental Album of the Year
Queen Liliʻuokalani by The Mana Music Quartet (Mana Music Hawaiʻi) 2020 Vision Instrumentals by Inna Vision (Roots Musician Records) The Oceans Of My Mind by Dennis Soares (Elation Records)
Sweet Gold by Lani Park (Gold Star Records)
Fuse by Brent Magstadt (Slippina Disc) Village Eater by Men In Grey Suits (No Label)
Island Music Album of the Year
Lukela Keala by Lukela Keala (Waiehu Records)
Kuʻu Lei Aloha by Waipuna (Poki Records)
Children Of The Sea (Nā Kama Kai) by Haku Keiki (Haku Records) Live At Aloha Station by Pandanus Club (Makuakane Music)
Big Island Soul by Dennis & Christy Soares (Elation Records) Bring Aloha by Janet Fisher (Goodnight Kiss Records)
Jazz Album of the Year
Your Refrain by Maggie Herron (Herron Song Records)
Jazz Vignettes by Pierre Grill (RVR Records)
Muse by Jesse Snyder (Mana Music & Meda)
Thomas Makay Presents Vibra Cubana A Tribute To Cal Tjader by Thomas Mackay (No Label)
Metal Album of the Year
Poisoned Love by Storm (Tin Idol Productions)
Dia De Los Muertos by The Midnight Skulls (Tin Idol Productions) King of Anarchy by Abysmia (Tin Idol Productions)
R&B Album of the Year
I Am by Keilana (Zeo Music)
Train Of Thought by Karlie G (KGM Productions)
The Blues With Sweet Mama Dee And Mama’s Boys by Sweet Mama Dee (756 Mt. Clair Prods)
Reggae Album of the Year
2020 by Ekolu (Waiehu Records)
The Breakthrough by Maoli (Awong Entertainment LLC) 2020 Vision by Inna Vision (Roots Musician Records) Looking Forward by Lady Patrice (Unicorn Productions 808)
Religious Album of the Year
Nā Halelū by Kenneth Makuakāne (Makuakane Music Music) Hoʻonani by Zeo Worship (Zeo Music Worship)
Inspiration by Darrell Aquino (Mana Recordings)
In The Wilderness by Rachel Morley (Zeo Music Worship) Aftermath by Ben Kama (Ke Akua Mele Productions)
Rock Album of the Year
Diamond Head Road by Michael Piranha (Tubby Tunes Records) 82FIFTY by 82FIFTY (Audio Ramen)
YumYum Beast by YumYum Beast (No Label)
Play That Disco by Average Joes (Play That Disco Productions) The Granite Saints for Judgement Day (The Granite Saints)
ʻUkulele Album of the Year
ʻUkulele Life by Herb Ohta Jr. (Lele Music Productions)
Evolv3 by Andrew Molina (Shadow Uke Music)
Beginning Today by Christopher Trietsch (Christopher Trietsch)
Adjudicated Categories:
International Album
Kaulana (TRIO) – Leolani
Mana Leone Hasegawa – Manalani
Alvis Chiu – BEATing!
Rikuya – Palette
Ukulele Swing Trio – Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!
Haku Mele Award
Hiapo K. Perreira & Kainani Kahaunaele for “Ohaoha Kou Lei Pua I Ka Hikina” Frank Kaʻiuokalani Damas & Keely Rivera for “Ahulau Ka Piʻipiʻi I Kakanilua” Kainani Kahaunaele, Cody Pueo Pata & Snowbird Bento for “No Pihemanu” Nicholas Kealʻi Lum for “Kaluāhole”
Kainani Kahaunaele for “Waipunalei”
Hawaiian Language Performance Award
Waipunalei by Kainani Kahaunaele (Māhuahua Music LLC) Meant To Be by Hoʻokena (Huliau LLC)
Kahekeonāpua by Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
Nā Wahi Pana by Ka Pilina (Ahumanu Records)
Kuʻu Lei Aloha by Waipuna (Poki Records)
Hawaiian Engineering Award
Michael Grande for Waipunalei by Kainani Kahaunaele (Māhuahua Music LLC)
Michael Casil & Wailau Ryder for Kahekeonāpua by Kamaka Kukona (Hanu)
Michael Casil for Lei Makamae by Makamae Auwae (Soulforth Records)
Michael Grande for Huliāmahi, Vol. 1 by Various Artists (Kāhuli Leo Leʻa)
Michael Grande for Lei Nāhonoapiʻilani: Nā Mele Hou by Various Artists (North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund)
General Engineering Award
Dave Tucciarone, Daniel Gilad & Gaylord Holomalia for Henry’s House by Henry Kapono (Kapono Records) Michael Casil for From The Inside by Kalo (Kalo DeLeon)
Imua Garza, Nate Brown & Evan Khay for I Am by Keilani (Zeo Music)
Imua Garza, Nate Brown & Evan Khay for In The Wilderness by Rachel Morley (Zeo Music Worship) Imua Garza for Chroma (Vol. 1) by Sean Cleland (Sean Cleland Music LLC)
Liner Notes Award
Duane DeSoto, Chantelle Kapua & Kimie Miner for Children of the Sea (Nā Kama Kai) by Haku Keiki Kainani Kahaunaele for Waipunalei by Kainani Kahaunaele
Aaron Mahi for Queen Lili’uokalani by Mana Music Quartet
Lihau Paik for Far Away by Patrick Landeza
Uʻilani Tanigawa Lum & Zachary Alakaʻi Lum for Huliāmahi, Vol. 1 by Various Artists
Graphics Award
Zach Manzano for 82FIFTY by 82FIFTY
Zach Manzano for Inspiration by Darrell Aquino
Jason Antonio, Duane DeSoto & Kimie Miner for Children of the Sea (Nā Kama Kai) by Haku Keiki Yuko Porter for ʻUkulele Life by Herb Ohta Jr.
Elsa Senner for Sway by Tavana
BRUNO MARS CHOREOGRAPHS VIDEO GAME
Most of us know Bruno Mars as a singer and dancer – but he choreographs his own performances.
But he’s broaden his reach to include video games.
According to Ryan Seacrest, via his On Air site, Mars can be seen dancing alongside an animated twin-image mover-and-shaker on the “Fortnite” video game.
The dance is to the hit tune, “Leave the Door Open,” the newest hit Mars hit in collaboration with Silk Sonic partner Anderson .Paak…
See the clip here: