For the first time in years, I spent New Year’s Eve in Waikiki, at the Paradise Lounge of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where my wife Vi and I enjoyed two of three lovely sets of jazz and tunes from the Great American Songbird, dispensed by the incomparable Shari Lynn, accompanied by pianist Jim Howard.
Nothing like spending the fading hours of 2022 and soak up the artistry of this endearing duo.
Shari Lynn
It was a splendid evening, in a living room-like setting where two consummate stylists shared their artistry, in what was a hastily booked gig not widely publicized. The gig turned out to be like a command performance witnessed by a small but appreciative audience, with occasionally random pauses by Waikiki visitors transiting to or from the Bali restaurant, curious about the music.
While it’s not the ideal venue, because of the criss-crossing traffic, but when musicians stick to classic old-school fare, dispensed with style and verve, it’s a joyous thing, particularly with a bit of Cole Porter and a sampling of George and Ira Gershwin and yes, Stephen Sondheim. Legendary folks with lingering melodies.
Jim Howard
I’ve watched and admired Shari for decades now, and she brings a combination of music educator and storyteller traits to the plate. She’s also a seasoned actress who knows how to deliver lines so the feast is in the listening.
Over the two sets, her background and experience created stunning interpretations of familiar favorites, with Shari receiving incredible support from Howard. They’ve been partnering so long, they anticipate each other in a bond that heralds genuine musicianship.
The story-sharing element perhaps was best on her version of Roberta Flack’s “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” the ballad that packs profound intimacy and heartfelt honesty, like experiencing a love letter set to music.
Someone requested “Over the Rainbow,” and Shari’s version began with the rarely-performed introductory verse, appropriate for the occasion since the Paradise Lounge is situated in the. Rainbow Tower of the Hilton complex. The delivery was Judy Garland-level powerful, with a postscript – thanks to her instructional background (a retired music teacher at the Hawaii School for Girls at La Pietra) and anecdotal post script comment about the integrity of learning first this classic the way it was perceived – you know, as part of “The Wizard of Oz” legacy — before adopting the globally popular Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole island version with its departure from the original lyrics and Bruddah Iz’s hypnotic “ooooh-oooohs” embellishments. Lovely, but – ahem – with liberties taken.
An evening with Shari includes tunes not commonly heard, like “The Shadow of Your Smile,” from “The Sandpiper” film, or her well-known, seductive “Send in the Clowns,” from “A Little Night Music.” Vintage doesn’t mean it’s out of vogue.
And one tune I’ve heard before, but forgotten how wonderfully inventive her delivery is, brings new perspective to “It Isn’t Easy Being Green,” again with her savvy to make the “Sesame Street” ditty relevant to an adult audience. She has appreciation of lyrics with something to say, and she delivers ‘em and brings full glory to words.
Her journey also includes “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” “Pure Imagination,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “Day In, Day Out,” and lots more fare but not widely shared these days.
Appropriately, she programmed “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” and happily, we spent it with her. Ask, and ye shall get, a belated holiday classic, too, “The Christmas Song,” roasting chestnuts optional.
A fan and supporter of Broadway themes, Shari avoided rousing classics from the stage and chose instead to program “Lullaby of Broadway,” a well known title, and the novelty “I Happen to Like New York,” again with lyrical pizazz.
For his part, keyboardist Howard tickled the ivories – a Roland keyboard, not a grand piano – with a perky, delightful instrumental version of “My Favorite Things.” I kinda whispered the lyrics, since Shari sat this one out.
Vi and Wayne Harada, front, and Michael and Shari Lynn Acebedo
I’m not one for celebrity snapshots or selfies, but I left the club with a memorable phot of Shari and hubby Michael Acebedo with the Haradas, shared here.
Happy 2023, folks, and may this be a ‘swonderful musical year…
The Waynies reflect the highs of ’22. And a few lows.
Consider this a new wrinkle – perhaps, a twinkle, too? – of this column’s annual Waynies Awards, recognizing achievement and honor during the outgoing year. Besides entertainment, we’re including life and culture matters.
The pandemic remained a dark cloud of uncertainty over everyone and everything, and new booster and flu shots added another tier of potential safety.
So maybe this recap of 2022 Waynies winners – a format minus specific categories, like we attempted last year –might bring some relief, and applause, in no particular order:
“Hamilton: logo
1 –“Hamilton” finally is in our midst, with a national touring company, in an unprecedented eight-week residency through Jan. 29. So make it a point to be in the room (Blaisdell Concert Hall) where it’s happening. So far, I’ve taken in three performances.
Tom Cruise
2 — “Top Gun: Maverick,” with its aerial dynamics – a blockbuster hit and a career-topper for Tom Cruise – elevated the actor’s popularity and pocketbook. Mission not impossible, and with lofty grosses, another sequel should be done in the next two years. Would be great if Cruise earns an acting nomination in the next Oscarcast.
3– Quarterback woes: Marcus Mariota’s pick as QB for the Atlanta Falcons was an early blessing, but he has been benched the past few weeks. Everything considered, he’s still finding his niche and still remains a super-nice guy off the field, surely a rarity and a model of a great sports hero. His numerous TV commercials keep his name alive… And Tua Tangovailoa, Miami Dolphins QB, has had concussions concerns the past few weeks, affecting his performance and triggering NFL investigations. Not good! …
Bruno Mars
4 — Bruno Mars became the first recording artist to have five songs certified “diamond” by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His hits “That’s What I Like” and “When I was Your Man” earned the diamond certification for selling/streaming over 10 millon copies. The tunes join his earlier diamond honors: “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” and “Uptown Funk,” a collaboration with Mark Ronson. Mars likely would have been a Grammy winner this year, but decided to pull himself out of contention, which means Adele and Harry Styles will duke it out in 2023.
5 — Simu Liu, a Canadian Chinese actor, was the first Asian headliner of a Marvel action film. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings,” which has a sequel in the works. Maui’s Destin Daniel Cretton directed and co-wrote the popular flick.
Michelle Yeoh
6 – “Anything Everywhere All at Once” was the year’s best movie title. Now. Wow. Pow. And Yeoh. It was an explosive, unexpected, and refreshing stew of kung fu, adventure and family issues, with Michelle Yeoh providing an Asian twist in a star-making, star-blazing role. Toss in an amazingly hilarious Jamie Lee Curtis ( an Oscar-winning performance, if you ask me) and the reboot of Ke Huy Quan, the kid in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” in a welcome addition to the cast.
Miguel Cadoy III
7 — Miguel Cadoy III, a multi-tasking actor and Farrington High School teacher became a last-minute replacement for ailing actor Taj Guitierez, as Judas Iscariot, in Diamond Head Theatre’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He rescued the production, which might have shut down closing weekend playdates. But true to the show biz anthem, “the show must go on,” and it did, indeed!
8 — Pickups were not an issue for two locally-filmed faves: CBS’ “NCIS: Hawai‘I,” starring Vanessa Lachey, and Disney+’s “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” led by Peyton Elizabeth Lee , were both bestowed green lights for a second season, minus the anguish like “Magnum.” While “NCIS” should garner a third year, understand that “Doogie” will not because actress Lee intends to take on a student path to earn a college degree.
Perdita Weeks, Jay Hernandez
9 — For “Magnum P.I.,” it’s been a challenging year. The CBS reboot ran four seasons, but was unable unable to get a fifth season, until rescuer NBC picked it up belatedly with a sixth season addition. Wonderful play-out for Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks (and company), even if the show won’t be on the tube till the 2023-2024 season kickoff on Feb. 19 because of that unexpected and uncanny delay. Better late than never.
10 –Sad: The termination this past summer of the Zippy’s senior card, offering 10 pct discount on menu items. Methinks the program became so popular, supported by elder patrons eligible to join with an annual cost, that Zippy’s decided to yank the privilege. Yes, food prices have risen like everything else. Next stop, Zippy’s? Not so often anymore.
11- Glad: The continuation of other beneficial sign-up cards, like Consolidated’s Extra membership, which builds up admission and snack bar sales, to turn purchases into free tickets or snacks. Seniors with AARP membership also can get perks, like 10 pct off meals year-round at Outback. Foodland’s Maikai card builds Hawaiian Miles points with a Hawaiian Airlines charge card, and the CVS/Longs Extra Care card means you get products at advertised sales prices akin to Safeway’s card, but is better with regular discounts issued for sundries and prescription sales.
Will Smih
12 –Bad: The slap seen ‘round the world. He might have won an Oscar, but Will Smith lost the respect of his fans (and others) when he assaulted Academy Awards host Chris Rock. Alas, Smith went from best (Best Actor, for “King Richard”) to worst with his misdeed. Opinion: Smith should be abolished and banned in current and future noms.
Randy Rainbow
13 — Rad: For many years now, two particular parody entities have kept me, and others (with whom I’ve shared postings), putting a whirlwind of spins on anything and everything faddish, baddish, and raddish. So mahalo and kudos, to Randy Rainbow and the Holderness Family (namely, Penn and Kim, hubby and wife), who’ve delivered ambitious and digs and pokes on folks and matters dominating real-life elements and personalities. Might include Shirley Serban and the Marsh Family in this cluster.
14–Fad: “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” the unexpected Latino hit, from Disney’s streaming “Encanto” film, rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, toppling Adele’s “Easy on Me” from the perch.. The tune, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, might have earned an Best Song Academy Awards earlier this year, but it was not nominated. Still, the Oscarcast allowed a powerful primetime performance of the tune by the original Latino cast. Over a few months, “Bruno” prompted online entertainment by theater groups, school music students, choirs from many nations, in fascinating re-enactments of the original. A true fad, and rad fun, too.c
Clarke Bright
15–The Royal Hawaiian Band’s “E Kani Mau (To Resound Forever)” one-nighter at the Hawaii Theatre, was a model of marvelous musicianship and a high water mark for bandmaster Clarke Bright, who arranged all of the music of the likes of Amy Hanaiali ‘i Karen Keawehawaii, DannyKaleikini, Keauhou, and Nathan Aweau. Projections enhanced the performances; a keepsake program, with bios and song listings, completed the snappy package. And it was a freebie, courtesy the City and County of Honolulu.
Ken Watanabe, Ansel Elgort
16– There ought to be more cross-cultural films like the Ansel Elgort’s “Tokyo Vice,” an HBO project filmed mostly in the dark corridors of Tokyo, where the Yakuza thrive. Elgort played Jake Adelstein, an American journalist, who tumbles into the seedy undercurrents of Japan’s organized crime scene. Sharing acting honors: Ken Watanabe as Hiroto Katagiri, a veteran mentor and resource for a film with a compelling tempo and protocols. Tension and torment galore, unlike American crime capers. Elgort learned to speak Nihongo for this one!
Kevin Iwamoto
17 – Kevin Iwamoto, aka Kevin I when it comes to music, accomplished quite the impossible this year, posting 30K downloads (on such music channels as Pandora), with a popular “Slow Dancing,” which had surpassed two other love song tracks, “Fairy Tale” and “Let’s Give Love.” He said on Facebook, after releasing five tracks digitally this past July, mostly that he intended the re-release of his music “to remaster and preserve for legacy reasons.” The remarkable thing is that his songs are vintage, recorded when he actively performed in Hawaii in the 1980s, and the current competition includes the likes of Taylor Swift,Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran. …
18 – The return of the Halekulani’s Sunday brunch, the best in Waikiki, was joyous and memorable. Natch, the popovers are still legendary but now served, and you get to peruse the sumptuous buffet offerings (sushi to prime rib, salads and dessert}. But save room for a sliver of the fabulous coconut cake. Hooray for the Halekulani!
Karen G. Wolfe
19 — Diamond Head Theatre’s “Anything Goes” was the last production in the old facility known as Ruger Theatre before DHT took residency. The closure was momentarily clouded in an off-stage drama about the departure of the 30-year veteran costume designer Karen G. Wolfe, who apparently sought retirement prior to the last show, then changed her mind after DHT began a search for her replacement. Happy resolution: she was retained through the end of the run of “Cinderella,” playing Jan. 20 through Feb. 5, at the state-of-the-art newbie. Now it’s Everything Glows …
20 –The year’s most underrated best show: Manoa Valley Theatre’s “Desperate Measures” Funny. Loaded with the charm. Best ensemble work of the year. If you saw it, you were lucky as heck. The little-known production was an early victim of push-backs due to the uncertainty of Covid, but turned out to be a joyous comeback this year two years later. …
21 –Broadway’s first $3 million-a-week sensation, “The Music Man,” proves that when Hugh Jackman’s aboard, there’s no “Trouble” in River City. But alas, a closing date has been announced for Jan. 1 but the run has been extended to till Jan. 15.
“”Avatar”
22 – “Avatar: The Way of Water” is a blockbuster on several fronts. Its global take already is in the $1 billion level. Did director James Cameron need a three-hour spectacle? No, but his superb underwater and on-land scenics never are boring, though often repetitive. Spoiler here: Wasn’t it a bit inhumane to depict the slaughter of those whale-like creatures that understand sign language and speech, to mostly get a tube full of brain serum? Seriously, the film kind of needed an intermission, like those back-in-the-day historical adventures that wisely allowed time to go pee and refresh the drinks and popcorn. No?
Some things never change: The Obamas have been spending holiday time in Hawaii, a tradition that dates back to the time when Barack Obama was POTUS and Michelle Obama was FLOTUS. He was spotted golfing at the Mid-Pacific Golf Course earlier this week.
Not sure if the Obama daughters are here, too. It’s likely that more sightings might be forthcoming regarding the president’s dining and snacking visits in our midst. …
Michelle and Barack Obama: Hawaiian holiday.
Mele rescheduled
“Aloha Mele,” which was earlier scheduled but abruptly cancelled last year at the Hawaii Theatre, is back on the radar again. A pair of Hawaiian music shows, which were part of a planned centennial event for the downtown venue last year, will now be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7.
The lineups have changed, from the previous plans, with this slate scheduled:
Friday: Ei Nei, Liko Sanders, Mark Yamanaka, Kamakakehau Fernandez, Tau Dance, Mailani Makainai, Keolalaulani Hālau ʻŌlapa O Laka.
Saturday: Pomaika’I, Kawika Kahiapo, Kainani Kahaunael Kehaulani Enos, Bobby Moderow Jr.
A few Hawaii acts have expressed disappointment with the Hawaii Theatre’s lack of support of local performers, favoring promotion of Mainland shows instead. Thus, this two-night event – while boasting island entertainment — appears to lack marquee Hawaiian performers.
General admission tickets are $50; masks are suggested. Reservations: (808) 528-0506…
Keiki workshops scheduled
Mary Gutzi
Mary Gutzi, veteran Broadway trouper, will stage a workshop for children destined for roles in stage, film and television from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Manoa Marketplace.
The workshop is open to youths 7 to 14, who must be able to read scripts. Gutzi will provide tips and secrets on how to audition for prospective projects.
For reservation details, call Nancy Bernal at (808) 947-5736 or email nancybernal@aol.com. Cost is $50 and payment is required to secure a slot.
The workshop site is next to the post office behind Safeway. …
Looks like Bruno Mars will ring in 2023 in Las Vegas, with his favorite rum in hand.
The superstar from Hawaii will be the centerpiece, along with his fave Selva Rey brand of booze, at the Mayfair Supper Club at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino on New Year’s Eve.
Bruno Mars
DJ Pee Wee, aka his Silk Sonic collaborator Anderson .Paak, will be part of the ritzy and exclusive event, limited to a luxe group of 150 guests, who’ll nibble on Wagyu steak and caviar. A champagne toast with Jay-Z and Beyonce’s Ace of Spades brand, is part of the package.ai
The Bellagio Fountains will be dancing, natch, with Mars delivering a live performance himself.
No mention of prices, but if you have to ask, you can’t afford ‘em, right? …
The other Bruno
Speaking of Bruno: Have you watched the Disney+ streaming musical of “Encanto,” the Lin-Manuel Miranda creation, staged as a legit Broadway-style biggie?
Some reflections:
* “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” was the anchor tune and the breakout hit making No. 1 on the music charts. The cast from the animated original was reunited for the first time, to deliver a fresh, in-the-flesh rendering of the catchy song. (Sorry, Mars, it’s not about you).
* Remarkably, the show featured a huge cast of singers and dancers, supported by a large orchestra, with oodles of Latino costumes and a network of different animals, like donkeys. The venue was the Hollywood Bowl, which also was dressed in continuous lighting sequences and a light circular feature with kaleidoscopic versatility, smartly viewed with overhead filming.
* Overall, if Disney has the inclination, “Encanto” all about the Madrigal family, has the power (and buzz?) to make the transition to the Broadway stage. A “name” might enhance appeal, but it’s clearly an ambitious ensemble endeavor. …
Bernadette Peters returning to Hawaii
Bernadette Peters
Bernadette Peters, one of the darlings of the Broadway stage, is returning to Hawaii for a concert at 8 p.m. May 27 at the Hawaii Theatre. Because of the spectrum of shows she’s starred in, she can handle the repertoire of the likes of Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd- Webber and Marvin Hamlisch. I’ve seen her in “Gypsy,” “Sunday in the Park With George” and “Annie Get Your Gun” and she’s remarkable with a glow of her own. Tickets: $89 to $130, at hawaiitheatre.com or call the box office at (808) 528–0506. …
Blue Notations
Recent additions to the Blue Note Hawaii calendar:
Henry Kapono
The Manhattan Transfer’s 50th Anniversary and Final World Tour lands at Blue Note Hawaii at 6:30 p.m. Feb.21 and 22. Tickets: $65 Premium, $55 Loge and Bar. Reservations at (808) 777-4890.
Henry Kapono will launch yet another Artists 2 Artist series at Blue Note, featuring Jerry Santos on Feb. 2, Keola Beamer on March 9, Makaha Sons on April 13 and Brother Noland on May 10. The format includes Henry chatting with his guests, who get to share their mana’o and then render tune or two with the host in charge. Tickets: (808) 777-4890.
