wayneharada.com

Friends will have a chance to say goodbye to the beloved Frances Kirk, the former Outrigger Waikiki entertainment director and one-time manager of the Society of Seven, in a celebration of life memorial set for 1:30 p.m. Friday (Jan. 28) at Nuuanu Mortuary.

Kirk, who moved from Honolulu to Las Vegas, died Nov. 29.

She was a pivotal force in establishing and launching the career of the SOS show band, earlier known as the Fabulous Echoes, as a manager of the group, but also helped shaped and booked acts at the Main Showroom of the Outrigger Waikiki, which since has become the home of Blue Note Hawaii.

Because of pandemic protocols, there is a limit of 25 to attend the service, according to Mike Kirk, son of Frannie. He is attempting to work with the mortuary to perhaps schedule a second around of mourners after the initial services, but that has not yet been confirmed.

Folks who were close to the legendary entertainment icon – from former Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who will emcee the services, to performers such as Marlene Sai and Glenn Medeiros —  are expected to share their recollections of Kirk, with a few others yet to be named.

While she was best known as mentor to the SOS, she also was a published author with a passion for storytelling, who wrote a biography of the Tony Ruivivar-led group from the Philippines and Hong Kong, sharing indelible memories of her alliance with the act back in the day when they performed on the Ed Sullivan Show, to more current times, when the band mounted lavish nightclub revues with costumed tributes to Broadway shows, from “The Phantom of the Opera” to “A Chorus Line.”

At the time of her death, Kirk also had been scribbling a novel or two with the hopes of getting them published.

She also was an avid golfer and a realtor, who also enjoyed a good meal and a side order of show biz gossip.

Mike Kirk also is planning an invitational post-service gathering later in the day, with fellowship and kaukau …

Another Kolivas musician

Kainalu Kolivas’ group, Dreams of Future Machines, is appearing in a string of New York-area gigs this week, at Pianos in NYC on Wednesday (Jan. 26), The Locker Room in Brooklyn  on Friday (Jan. 28) and at East Berlin in NYC Saturday (Jan.29).  Yes, if the Kolivas name rings a bell, he’s the son of John and Deanna Kolivas, dad being the leader of a jazz group here….

One exit, one new arrival

Because Jason Taglianetti is departing our islands, his “Applause in a Small Room” weekly radio show, which features live shows originating from Hawaii Public Radio’s Atherton Studio, is terminating this Sunday (Jan. 30).

Taglianetti is an accomplished sound engineer who hosted the radio series, and he’s assembled a mixed bag of performers for the finale: Amy Hanaiali‘i, Alx Kawakami, Peter Rowan and Booker T. Airtime will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday on HPR-1…

Beginning Feb. 6, a new program will launch, “Mauka to Makai,” hosted by Roger Bong, creator of the Aloha Got Soul, a record label that also is a vinyl record shop on King Street. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

It’s somewhat “Desperate” times at Manoa Valley Theatre again. Its much-delayed “Desperate Measures” comedy has been moved back again, now premiering – hopefully – Jan. 27 instead of this Thursday (Jan. 13).

And you guessed right: COVID-19 has menaced MVT’s staging for three calendar years along with the surge of the Omicron variant this year, prompting MVT to once again push back

“Desperate Measures” is an Old West sendup of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” in its Hawaii premiere.

Playdates are now from Jan. 27 through Feb. 6, and season ticket holders are asked to contact MVT via phone  (808-988-6131) or email  (boxoffice@manoavalleytheatre.com) to adjust performance dates. Shows are staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 3 p.m.  Saturdays and Sundays.

“Just days before the opening of ‘Desperate Measures,’ we were forced to close our doors due to health and safety concerns,” said Kip Wilborn, MVT managing director, on an online post.  He added, “(MVT) has proven resilient and nimble in many ways, rescheduling an entire season, pivoting to hybrid (live and streaming) programming, postponing and rescheduling the beginning of the current season. This path has been anything but a straight line.”

Indeed, the theater has taken curves and turnarounds and traveled a bumpy road since the pandemic started in 2019, and Wilborn said the latest surge of new (Omicron)
case numbers has elevated safety concerns not just of viewers/patrons, but theater’s staff, cast and volunteers, prodding the latest detour.

Despite the pandemic cloud, normal seating – with all seats filled – will prevail. …

Weight and see

Charles Degala, a veteran community actor and singer absent from the limelight for a spell, is back in the spotlight as host of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s upscale “Aha ‘Aina” luau show, easily the best revue of its kind, blending Hawaiian culture and history and told with exquisite mele and hula. It’s staged on the front lawn of the Pink Palace, with vistas of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

Perhaps the latest gig prompted him to lose weight, as he posted a photo and quotable on his Facebook page, saying “Excited that I was able to finally tuck in my shirt! Here’s to the new me! 40 lbs. gone.” …

New date for Nievera, Paulo

Singer Martin Nievera and saxophonist Michael Paulo have rescheduled their collaboration concert, from Jan. 15 to March 3. Yes, it’s a Thursday, because weekends at the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra’s Hibiscus Ballroom are filled and a substitute date suitable for both entertainers was key in the decision.

Further, because it’s a week night, so the event will start earlier, at 7:30 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. A full contingent of earlier named back-up singers and musicians remains unchanged.

Both headliners are audience faves, Nievera for his smooth vocals (they call him “the concert king of the Philippines”), Paulo for his savvy saxophone jazz performances. For adjustments and reservations, go to TIX.com …

On the radio

Following its recent housecleaning, SummitMedia Honolulu has named Kona Chang program director of ethnic stations FM 100 The Legend KCCN and Hawaiian 105.1 KINE, and Micah Banks as p.d. of Krater 96 KTRT and Power 104.3 KPHW.

“The promotion of these two Hawaii radio legends … affirm our commitment to continuing the tradition of Hawaiian music,” said Patti Ponimoi, newly installed president. Chang and Banks assume roles previously held by Wayne Maria, who was part of the mass firings last week. Clearly, Summit needs to rebuild and restore listenership with the hiring of new on-air personalities, not yet named. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

That Martin Nievera-Michael Paulo concert, slated for Saturday (Jan.15) at the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra, has been postponed because of the COVID-19 and the Omicron variant threatening the health and welfare of patrons.

In a statement to ticket buyers, Paulo – producer of the event – said “Because of the serious covid challenges and recent surge in Hawaii that became overwhelming, I have decided to postpone the concert until a later date.”

A rescheduled date has not yet been set, but Paulo, the noted jazz saxophonist,  indicated that singer Nievera “is in agreement with us.”

If a suitable makeup date can’t be confirmed, Paulo said that refunds in full will be made.

He added, “I pray that all of you will continue to remain safe and healthy.” …

If you’re going out…

So this is a good time as any, to repeat a sensible advisory:

If you plan a night out, at a show at large venues such as  Blaisdell Center and the Hawaii Theatre, or smaller venues like Blue Note Hawaii, Diamond Head Theatre or Manoa Valley Theatre, you should check with the sites and/or presenters. Protocols may be heightened.

With fluid policies that might change, today’s guidelines may be tightened two days ahead.

What’s still relevant: facemasks are required, while watching a performance of any kind; proof of vaccinations/boosters is mandatory; a valid photo ID also will be required. Be prepared; don’t try to enter a venue without a mask or that vaxx documentation.

Arguing or pleading is not acceptable. So be responsible. Follow the rules. Be safe. Be prepared.

It also might be prudent to repeat that early suggestion at the beginning of the pandemic. Wash your hands thoroughly…by singing Happy Birthday two times. …

Name-dropping

Jacob Batalon, the Hawaii native who has become a breakout film star in the “Spider-Man” films, can add his name to the list of celebs appearing in national commercials.

Batalon plays best friend Ned Leeds opposite crimefighter Tom Holland as the titular webbed warrior; both appear in a new Hyundai car commercial, in which Batalon is in the driver’s seat.

The pair of stars in the Marvel cinematic universe still rule the box office with their “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” with $1.5 billion in global grosses so far. They are real-life best friends, too.
It’s likely yet another “Spider-Man” film is forthcoming, but there’s no word whether Holland and Batalon will be repeaters again. …

And that’s Show Biz. …