KAPONO REVIVING ‘ARTIST’ SERIES

Henry Kapono is revisiting his popular Artist 2 Artist Concert Series, in which the prolific singer-guitarist-composer partners with fellow island talent sharing patter and music at Blue Note Hawaii, the venue at the Outrigger Waikiki resort.

The 2022 series – fifth in the ongoing bookings – is themed the “Hawaiian Legends Edition,” and will be held as follows:

• March 15 – Kapono with  Keola Beamer and his wife Moanalani.
• March 31 – Kapono with Jerry Santos.
• April 28 – Kapono with the Makaha Sons.
• May 26 – Kapono with Ledward Kaapana.

Showtime for all concerts will be at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m., with dinner and beverage service available.

Beamer is the composer of “Honolulu City Lights,” his signature tune, and other classic island hits; Moanalani Beamer is hula stylist wife. He also is a respected ki ho’alu (slack key guitar) pioneer. Earlier, he was part of the brother act, Keola and Kapono Beamer.

Santos formerly was featured with Olomana, the duo that is best known for “E Ku’u Home O Kahaluu.” Mixing traditional Hawaiian with contemporary elements, Santos is a prolific artist still performing in selected venues. He is a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts, and has been inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.

The Makaha Sons is led by surviving member Jerome Koko; his late brother John Koko and the late Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole were former colleagues, along with Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, who exited the group. The Sons continue to be a versatile, harmonic act that also has been a Lifetime Achievement winner and inductee in the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.

Kaapana is a legendary slack key guitartist formerly with Hui Ohana and Ikona; his trademark baritone tones are matched by his extraordinary leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voice. …

Remembering Frannie

Mufi Hannemann recalled her never-give-up mantra, her unending support and guidance, and her enduring friendship.

Marlene Sai sang “I Love You,” one of her signature tunes, which resonated not as romantic love but an endearing friendship anthem, notably weaving in “Frannie” in the final lines of the song with tearfuil eyes. It was an aloha ia oe moment.

Frank DeLima was grateful for the opportunity to work a larger Waikiki venue, with her vision and leadership in fusing Glenn Medeiros as part of a revue following a Don Ho dinner show at the old Polynesian Palace. ‘Twas a concept no one ever imagined.

Linda Coble, an avid showgoer, appreciated the mutual fellowship she received over the decades … as a friend, not a broadcast personality.

Ron Lee, onetime manager of the Outrigger Waikiki showroom, said it simply: She was a great boss, firm but friendly, who occasionally gave him scoldings.

That’s the way the late Frances Kirk, aka Frannie, was remembered and applauded, in a small but warm celebration of her life at the Nuuanu Memorial Park under pandemic protocols, with facemasks and a 25-only headcount.

Kirk was best known as the manager of the Society of Seven group who helped put the Outrigger Waikiki resort’s Main Showroom on the map; notably, Kirk eventually served as the hotel’s entertainment director and secured other talent in the chain’s other venues.  She was embraced as a guiding light for her honesty, savvy and fairness as a hospitality industry leader, but also an admirable example of a good mother to two sons and daughter who always included her mom and dad in her life. Clearly, she wrote her own handbook in dealing with life’s challenges and opportunities.  Rest in peace, Frannie …

And that’s Show Biz. …