Author: Wayne Harada

Surprisingly, the Hawaii-filmed “Magnum P.I.” reboot, starring Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum, is winding up its fourth season this year and  still is awaiting word of a pick-up for a fifth.

But CBS has not yet given the green light, so “Magnum” is “on the bubble,” as U.S Today calls its uncertain status, in a story entitled “Vote Now to Rescue Your Favorites.” (Visit www.usatoday.com/entertainment to vote).

It is one of three series at the Eye network not yet approved for back-to-work status in the fall. CBS has approved all its other procedural successes like “Blue Bloods,” which follows “Magnum” on the Friday night slate, and the usual faves, from the three “NCIS” series to the three “FBI” shows, plus the “CSI,” “S.W.A.T” and “The Equalizer” titles.

But series star Hernandez, who made his behind-the-camera directorial debut in Friday’s (April 8) episode, is not worried; he’s optimistic that a fifth season will happen, according to TVLine.

Reason? “Magnum” is healthy in ratings, has global appeal, and is offering better storylines than in the past.

Hernandez said a couple of elements suggest a continuation of a “Magnum.”

In this year’s finale, yet to air, Hernandez’s character and Higgins (Perita Weeks)  will collaborate, not necessarily in the romantic sense or even a cliffhanger, that will set up a logical next episode, meaning the kick-off the 2022-23 season. And perhaps his clinching quote: “I’ve already been asked to direct another one next season.”

For his sake and for fans of the show, hope it turns out to be true. …

 A Legend in the house

John Legend, the suave singer, composer, actor, pianist and “The Voice” judge and vocal coach, dined with model wife Chrissy Teigen, at Aoki Teppanyaki at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this past Tuesday. Not sure what they had for dinner, but the couple’s visit made for a photo op, with server Jackie and Chef Rey. …

The couple also went boating off Waikiki, enabling Chrissy to strut her bikini body in a eye-catching two-piece pink swimsuit; he donned a black shirt and shorts with floral motif. Their kids, Luna, 5, and Miles, 3, also vacationed here. …

Awards shows

For country music – The Country Music Awards, based on audience voting, will originate from Nashville, and televised from 2 p.m. Monday (April 11) on CBS.

For Broadway – the 75^th annual Tony Awards will be held from 2 p.m. June 12, originating from Radio City Music Hall in New York, and televised live on CBS. Nominees will be revealed May 3.

And that’s Show Biz. …

A pair of two major music events, sidelined and postponed because of the two-years-plus Coronavirus pandemic, are gearing up to welcome performers and fans alike.

The first is “Home in the Islands,” Henry Kapono’s mammoth assembly of Hawaii’s top music-makers, is revving up for its four-hour spectacle from 6 to 10 p.m. June 18 at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, a stone’s throw from Diamond Head. (Ticketholders for the original Sept. 25 date still may utilize their tickets). More than 20 iconic island recording and concert stars – who are credited with creating and sharing hit songs and cultural mele that constitute the soundtrack of Hawaii over the past decades –are expected to grace the stage, including:

* Henry Kapono.

* Kalapana.

*  Keola Beamer.

* Jerry Santos.

*  Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom.

*  Kapena.

* Ledward Kaapana.

*  The Mākaha Sons.

* Brother Noland.

* Robi Kahakalau.

Tickets: $151, VIP pool (VIP includes early entry, via special gate); $66, terrace;
$36, lawn. Each admission includes $1 that will benefit the Henry Kapono Foundation. Visit: www.ticketmaster.com or call (808) 768-5252. …

The second is the 9^th Annual Big Island Jazz and Blues Festival, unfolding from 5 to 9 p.m. June 4 oceanfront at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island. Organizer Ken Martinez Burgmaeir is corralling artists in jazz, blues, rock, Zydeco, Cajun and soul, in a diverse concert of national and international entertainers.

Among the acts scheduled :

•  Saxophonist Donald Harrison, acknowledged as the Big Chief of Congo Square in the Afro-New Orleans culture.
•  Wayne Toups, legendary Cajun-Zydeco legend.
• Skip Martin of Kool and the Gang, with his Dazz Band.
• Dale Spalding, Canned Heat master of the harmonica.
• Eric Marienthal, saxophone wizard.
• The Iguanas, famous for the blend of blues, rock, Tejano and World Music.
• John Keawe, slack key guitar master exhibiting his new SLAZZ artistry fusing ki ho’alu and traditional jazz.
• Sarah Bethany, jazz vocalist.
• Benny Uyetake, ukulele and guitarist, with the Jazz Alley TV Trio.
• Javon Jackson, jazz tenor saxophonist.

The Mauna Kea gig is the centerpiece of the festival, which also includes a couple of smaller, pre-concert gatherings in a restaurant and cafe on the Big Island.

Tickets: www.bigislandjazzandbluesfestival.com

Mars is soaring

A belated shaka to local boy Bruno Mars, who, with Silk Sonic partner Anderson . Paak, picked up to Grammy trophies last Sunday (April 3) night in the televised proceedings on CBS.

He made history being the only artist to snap up three song and record of the year laurels for Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open.” Mars’ earlier triumphs were 2018’s “24 K Magic” and 2016’s Uptown Funk,” the duet with Mark Ronson.

Mars tied Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel, the only other three-timer thus far.

His lit cigarette stirred some controversy – brah, no need to smoke when you pick up your trophy – but otherwise looked suave and superstarry in retro  costumes, first with the bejeweled Elvis Presley-inspired jumpsuit minus a cape, and the more ‘70s-flavored outfit in line with his Hooligan garb for the concert circuit.

Silk Sonic has earned four Grammys so far, prompting the bewigged .Paak to comment on the Grammy show, “We are really trying our hardest to remain humble at this point. But in the industry, we call that a clean sweep.”  …

Once over lightly…

Postponed: That Shari Lynn/Kip Wilborn concert, set for 7 p.m. April 15 at Manoa Valley Theatre, has been postponed, reason unknown. A rescheduled date is expected soon…

Ticket launch: New Kids on the Block will return to Hawaii for two shows, at 8 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6, at the Blaisdell Arena. TLC will be the opening act. Hawaii residents get first dibs at tickets, at 7 a.m. Saturday (April 9) at the Blaisdell box office; visit: www.ticketmaster.com; public sales begin at10  a.m. Sunday April 10.  …

And that’s Show Biz. …

Eddie Kamae’s legendary music, part of the fabric of Hawaiian culture and life, will live anew with the publication of “The Eddie Kamae Songbook: A Musical Journey.” An online compilation of 34 of Kamae’s beloved tunes will debut May 1 and will be free to the public utilizing a QR code.

Myrna Kamae, Eddie’s widow, through their Hawaiian Legacy Foundation, will unveil the songbook in a May Day (May 1) event from noon to 6 p.m. at the Royal Grove of the Royal Hawaiian Center. The publication will surely emerge as a valuable document of Kamae’s artistry. A career keiki o ka aina, Kamae led the Sounds of Hawaii group and was consistently a luminous but low-key pioneer in the renaissance of Hawaiian music. He was a prolific composer, musician and a rare film-maker. preserving the voice and the traditions of numerous integral and talented Hawaiians, till his death at age 89 on Jan. 7, 2017.

Years in the making, the songbook will evolve into a significant resource for current and future musicians of Hawaii and the world and provide lucid and enlightenment for the casual music fan.

“Eddie realized the importance of documenting the wealth of traditional knowledge shared by his many kumu,” said Myrna Kamae, who continues to be executive director of the Hawaiian Legacy Foundation. “His life work was committed to building an archive of the stories and music of Hawai‘i. This songbook ensures that songs shared with Eddie, and those he composed, can be played and sung by families, children, students, musicians, and lovers of Hawaiian music. We are so excited to share this gift!”

Partners in the songbook launch include the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu and ʻUluʻulu: The Henry Kuʻualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive .

Assembled and written with children and families in mind, each tune is presented as a pū‘olo (bundle) that contains sheet music, lyrics and translations, audio and video recordings of Kamae and fellow musicians, with enlightening details of the story behind the song, a bibliography, and archival print resources from the Kamae archives. It looms as s a resourceful curriculum across disciplines in schools and at homes and a valuable foundation for the music, stories and aloha to live on.

Besides a catalog of musical compositions, Kamae has a portfolio of 10 documentary films focusing on savvy elders he respected and wanted to perpetuate their legacies on video.

Attendees must abide by the Royal Hawaiian Center’s parking promotion, which includes three hours of free parking after spending $10.  The launch of the book is a highlight of the RHC’s May Day celebration and will feature music –kanikapila style — by Paul Kim, Analu Aina, Mike Kaawa, Ocean Kaowili and the Grandsons of Hawai‘i, Waipuna, Waimānalo Sunset Band, among others.

Panelists will include Chancellor Maenette Benham, University of Hawaii West O‘ahu; the Hui Hana songbook team of Myrna Kamae, Kapena Shim and Lilinoe Andrews, and a few special guests.

The launch will be livestreamed – a link will be forthcoming – and family, friends and guests will assemble to witness or participate in a program featuring the music of Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii, complete with hula and a panel presentation.

Details: www.hawaiianlegacyfoundation.org …

And that’s Show Biz. …