Have you been addicted to, or at least in the know, about cherry cola?
I used to periodically drink Coca-Cola’s cherry Coke, till it disappeared years ago.
It’s now back, in a new cola war with Pepsi-Cola.
So I bought a bottle each of Coke’s cherry soda and Pepsi’s wild cherry soda.
Disclosure: I’ve favored Coke over Pepsi over the decades. My fave now is Coke Zero (and Pepsi has its version, too).
In an unofficial and unscientific taste test, I can reveal that I liked the Pepsi over the Coke cherry-flavored soda. Was it because of the “wild” adjective? Hmmm. The flavor was “wilder,” so maybe.
Let me know if you agree, or disagree, or even care…
Dwayne Johnson’s “Young Rock,” the sorta doc-sitcom on NBC, has been renewed for a second season.
Dwayne Johnson
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
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.
* * *
Horace Dudoit III
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.
So “NCIS: Hawai’i” is formally on the radar, with its Mainland principle cast named.
Next questions: What time slot, on which night, will the series land, and how many episodes will be filmed?
The logical spot might be Friday night at 7 p.m. Hawaii time, in the slot vacated by the canceled “MacGyver.”
If it lands here, “NCIS: Hawai’i” would give CBS a solid Friday lineup, since “Magnum P.I.” airs at 8 p.m., followed by “Blue Bloods” at 9 p.m.
Or “Hawai’i” could co-mingle before or after “NCIS: Los Angeles” on Sunday night. Maybe even piggyback with the mothership show on Tuesdays.
The final grid of programming has not yet been announced, so it’s even possible that “NCIS: Hawai’i” will set up its tentpole on new turf, on a night not yet decided. Nor has the number of episodes has not yet been disclosed. Since no pilot was filmed, it’s possible that the studio wants to see an actual show before deciding if “Hawai’i” merits a full 22-episode order. (FYI, CBS is sensitive to the proper way to spell ‘Hawai’i,” with the ‘okina between the two i’s, though its online promo logos do not reflect the update).
It also is possible that instead of a fall launch, CBS may wait till mid-season to slip the latest spin-off into action. This much is certain: After “NCIS: New Orleans” vanishes after its current season — it hasn’t been renewed — the New Orleans behind-the-scenes production team will relocate to Hawai’i for the island spin-off.
Larry Teng
Larry Teng, who has options with CBS Studio, has been tapped to direct and exec-produce the initial episode. His CBS credits include “Hawaii Five-0,” “Elementary,” “Criminal Minds,” “SEAL Team,” “S.W.A.T.” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
Vanessa Lachey will play Jane Tennant, the special agent in charge of the NCIS unit based at Pearl Harbor; she is the first woman to head an NCIS investigative team. The two other lead roles will be portrayed by Yasmine Al-Bustami as junior team member Lucy and Jason Antoon as Ernie, the cyber intelligence specialist.
Crossover shows happen frequently these days, which could logically link “Hawai’i” with “Los Angeles,” for a seamless crossover. A major crossover this year involved two “Law and Order” NBC series, the veteran “SVU” headed by Mariska Hagerty as Olivia Benson, with the newbie “Organized Crime” led by Christopher Meloni as Eliot Stabler.
Ever wonder why are the Charmin bathroom tissue bears are brown, red, and blue?
The company offers these distinctions, based on the type/quality of the toilet paper:
Brown Bears – standard quality.
Red Bears – Ultra strong.
Blue Bears – Ultra soft.
There are variations in the bundles, too: Mega and Extra Wide, for instance. (So guess who’s been comparing the types).
I didn’t know the bear family members have names: Molly is mama bear, Leonard is papa bear, Bill is the eldest son, Amy is the middle sister, and Dylan is the baby bear.
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)
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
