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POSTPONED MUSIC FESTS SET DATES

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.

Henry Kapono

*  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. …

Ken Martinez Burgmaier

The second is the 9th 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

Bruno Mars

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. …

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THESE ACTORS WAVE THE ISLE FLAG

It’s always  ‘swonderful news when our Hawaii-reared actors on Broadway and beyond take part in a range of spin-off activities like awards shows and regional theatrical productions.

We applaud these ex-patriots, who carry perhaps an invisible island flag, when they participate in craft-related activities.

Like, Marc delaCruz, the Big Island singer-actor-dancer in the mega-hit “Hamilton” on Broadway, will be one of the performers  in the New York Theatre Barn’s New Works festivities at 7 p.m. ET Monday (April 11) at Theaterlab on W. 36th St.  Because “Hamilton” is dark on Mondays, he is able to join other projects.

Marc delaCruz

Excerpts from off-Broadway endeavors “With(out) Her” and “Black-Eyed Susan” will be performed by an array of troupers from the stage, film and ballet whirlpool of talent from shows ranging from “Spider-Man: Turn Off the. Dark” to the musical “Moulin Rouge,” from the American Ballet Theatre to “Spamilton.” …

Then there’s Keala Settle, formerly of Laie, and best known for her supporting roles in the original “Waitress” Broadyway cast and performer of the global hit, “This Is Me,” from the soundtrack and movie of “The Greatest Show,” which starred Hugh Jackman.

Keala Settle

She’ll be a presenter at the Olivier Awards Sunday (April 10) at Royal Albert Hall in London, revived after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An array of notables  from Britain and Europe such as Tom Felton, Jonathan Pryce and Kit Harington will also be involved, and surely, her aloha will be one of the pluses.

The Olivier nominees include such shows as “Back to the Future – the Musical,” “The Drifters Girl,” “Frozen,” “The Bob Marley Musical,’ “Moulin Rouge,” new to the UK, and revivals like “Anything Goes,” “Cabaret” and “Spring Awakening.”…

The aforementioned Settle, by the way, has been tapped to join the cast of the summer London revival of “Sister Act,” but is making her London debut in the award-winning “& Juliet,” joining Tom Francis as Romeo and Miriam-Teak Lee as Juliet. Settle plays the nurse, through June 18 at the at the Shaftesbury Theatre, in “& Juliet.” The work is described as a jukebox comedy about Shakespeare’s star-crossed lover reclaiming control of her fate.” …

If you’re Broadway bound…

So Broadway is bouncing back nicely, with Hugh Jackman’s “The Music Man,” raking in more than $3 million a week, making the revival the box office king.

This weekly list of Broadway grosses (for week ending April 4) might be handy in planning your show plans (Courtesy the Broadway League):

Week EndShowTypeTheatre#Prev#PerfGrossesGrosses
Prev Week		AttendAttend
Prev Week		% Cap
04/03/2022ALADDINMusicalNew Amsterdam08$1,012,610$1,088,06912,43812,83290%
04/03/2022AMERICAN BUFFALO 2022PlayCircle In The Square80$592,422$683,5475,1425,61286%
04/03/2022AMERICAN UTOPIA 2021SpecialSt. James06$1,314,017$1,166,58310,10210,03298%
04/03/2022BIRTHDAY CANDLESPlayAmerican Airlines80$303,513$296,5145,2774,79791%
04/03/2022CHICAGOMusicalAmbassador08$456,692$513,0255,3855,92162%
04/03/2022COME FROM AWAYMusicalSchoenfeld08$529,314$623,2075,7196,59368%
04/03/2022COMPANY 2021MusicalJacobs08$757,062$887,7466,8357,25882%
04/03/2022DEAR EVAN HANSENMusicalMusic Box08$637,474$749,1755,6866,39972%
04/03/2022FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE / WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUFPlayBooth30$101,052$1,71074%
04/03/2022FUNNY GIRL 2022MusicalAugust Wilson70$1,263,178$200,7938,5461,224100%
04/03/2022HADESTOWNMusicalWalter Kerr08$1,050,687$1,108,1827,3347,385100%
04/03/2022HAMILTONMusicalRichard Rodgers08$2,285,159$2,235,87910,59510,559100%
04/03/2022HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILDPlayLyric08$1,394,380$1,513,89410,93711,19184%
04/03/2022HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVEPlayFriedman60$221,439$3,02179%
04/03/2022MACBETH 2022PlayLongacre30$527,244$3,139100%
04/03/2022MJ THE MUSICALMusicalNeil Simon08$1,185,483$1,250,0779,1609,75483%
04/03/2022MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICALMusicalAl Hirschfeld08$1,336,959$1,406,4989,5199,90892%

04/03/2022MR. SATURDAY NIGHTMusicalNederlander60$805,619$6,21087%
04/03/2022PARADISE SQUAREMusicalEthel Barrymore71$296,350$346,6517,1657,28791%
04/03/2022PLAZA SUITE 2022PlayHudson08$1,383,563$1,567,4937,7407,79199%
04/03/2022SIXMusicalBrooks Atkinson08$1,288,716$1,241,7048,1078,15098%
04/03/2022TAKE ME OUT 2022PlayHelen Hayes80$311,997$365,1404,0643,83087%
04/03/2022THE BOOK OF MORMONMusicalEugene O’Neill08$996,401$1,058,3848,1708,41296%
04/03/2022THE LION KINGMusicalMinskoff08$1,642,666$1,709,63012,97913,20896%
04/03/2022THE LITTLE PRINCEMusicalBroadway60$359,264$5,77155%
04/03/2022THE MINUTESPlayStudio 5420$140,970$1,59980%
04/03/2022THE MUSIC MAN 2022MusicalWinter Garden08$3,335,201$3,292,95112,13312,09299%
04/03/2022THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERAMusicalMajestic08$738,574$841,4268,0278,96663%
04/03/2022THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH 2022PlayVivian Beaumont30$59,908$1,45646%
04/03/2022TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICALMusicalLunt-Fontanne08$751,186$812,6816,1386,89052%
04/03/2022WICKEDMusicalGershwin08$1,739,736$1,855,21913,94914,64096%

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And that’s Show Biz. …

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ONLINE EDDIE KAMAE SONGBOOK DUE

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!”

Myrna Kamae

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. …

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WHAT’S THE BUZZ? ‘SUPERSTAR’ SOARS

Though 50 years old, “Jesus Christ Superstar” still has relevance along with a dose of splendor,  without showing its old age.

Diamond Head Theatre’s revival, which opened Friday and continues through April 24, is a mix of the modern and  the traditional, embracing  the “rock opera” facet of theatrical genres, wholly sung as in an opera, not recited or spoken.

The show has a checkered history but has roots tied to a Honolulu singer-guitarist from Roosevelt High School, Yvonne Elliman, who became a global star first as the Mary Magdalene character on a concept album, then as the female centerpiece in the retelling of events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, initially in the breakout movie and then in the subsequent Broadway production. Till today, Elliman generally is the best known among the early “Superstar” performing circle.

DHT cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Photo by Brandon Miyagi

The DHT endeavor, directed and choregraphed  by John Rampage, DHT’s artistic director, has a trio of reliable lead troupers – Aleks Pevec as Jesus, Bailey Barnes as Mary, and Taj Gutierrez as Judas Iscariot – who make the show soar. They are all locals, with Pevec as the only one with Actors Equity Broadway creds, and his vocal prowess in delivery radiates and illuminates; and while only Gutierrez is a fanciful dancer, all three have logged previous local musical credits leading to this production.

Aleks Pevec

The tale, exploring the last seven days of Jesus’ life through the vision of Judas, one of his disciples, in an alternating love-hate/loyalty-betrayal relationship that includes notable conflicting sentiments and a peck-on-the-cheek by Judas to Jesus. Further, Judas sings a smidgin of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” regarding the crucifixion and complexities of friendship. The mix of Christianity and Judaism prevails, so yes, this one has an empowerful religious dose.

The score, by the eminent Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics), includes several enduring hit songs (“Everything’s Alright” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” both delivered with warmth and expression by Barnes), and “Superstar” (led by Gutierrez and the ensemble). Pevec’s presence and power punctuate “What’s the Buzz,” “Hosanna,” “Gethsemane” and “The Temple,” showing off his pedigree, with able assistance from the ensemble.

Bailey Barnes

Larry Paxton, veteran DHT leading man, appears as the regal Pontius Pilate, the governor, sharing his grandeur through his voice but dons “period” robes.  Costumed in  Karen G. Wolfe’s eye-filling red creation, with one kimono-length left sleeve and a golden vest, perhaps makes a fashion statement as the  wardrobe “moment” in the show.

So you know in advance,  a pair of traditional gender-bending secondary male characters/roles are credibly portrayed by Aiko Schick (King Herod) and Jody Bill (Simon Zealotes).

Larry Paxton

Movement is frequent and varied here; early on, Rampage’s expansive choreography borrows from ballet and hip-hop and more, and he injects an element of vaudeville and Broadway late into the show, during the supposed dream elements of Judas’ Prince-like prancing in fringed sleeves, fronting a trio of “Dreamgirls” in sequined, showy gowns. Score yet another triumph for costumer Wolfe.

Roslyn Catracchia, musical director, makes her seven-member combo sound double its size, handling the pumped-rock tempos and more melodic numbers with equal gusto and flair; the climactic laments, matching the chants and chiming of the ensemble, are properly eerie and discomforting to fit the prevailing mood.

Dawn Oshima’s scaffolding centerpiece on the stage – a versatile decision for functionality and simplicity —  allows two stairways for entrances and exits, and two levels for performances that shape  and move both the crowd and solo moments of the show.

Performances continue Thursdays through Sundays, through April 24. Tickets: $15 to $35, at www.diamondheadtheatre.com  or phone 808-733-0274. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

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KAPONO AND JERRY HIT BULLSEYE

Henry Kapono’s “Artist 2 Artist” series, wherein he invites a notable peer from the Waikiki mainstream to partner with him in chit-chat and vocalizing, scored an unexpected  bullseye with Jerry Santos.

Kapono, onetime collaborator with Cecilio Rodriguez (Cecilio and Kapono, remember?), and Santos, leader of the beloved Olomana group, shared a measure of personal reflection and astounding artistry, in an unforgettable 2:15 concert last night (March 31) at Blue Note Hawaii.

The nightclub, at the Waikiki Outrigger resort, has been attracting sellout houses as the pandemic protocols are diminishing. For a Thursday night, the gathering was an emphatic indicator that islanders and visitors are weary from mask-wearing and nestling at home. When a marquee show anticipating a roster of signature tunes from both acts is the lure, a sellout was inevitable.

Henry Kapono

But this outing was somewhat of a new adventure for both Kapono and Jerry. While each have signature tunes in their respective credits, the evening was a reaffirming evidence that this pair of seasoned singers-composers, who helped shaped the Hawaiian Renaissance of island music from the 60s to the 80s,  needn’t have to rely on the best-of-the-best to earn applause. Risky perhaps, but this was an informative exploration of hidden gems in both C&K’s and Olomana’s history.

Further, Kapono has been test-driving this format of sharing tales and tunes for many months now, and has hit paydirt as he seems a lot more confident, assured, relaxed and conversational with his guests. There’s no script, only camaraderie to set the mood and manner, beginning with an exchange of alma matter digs, Kapono being of Punahou upbringing, Jerry of Kamehameha stock. (On an unrelated comparison, Kapono donned shoes, Jerry was barefooted, for this event For what it’s worth).

Jerry Santos

The agenda began with Kapono, clad in informal black top and grey jeans with a backward-worn baseball cap, making the first pitch – a new tune, “Sweetheart of Mine,” with a pop/country-western demeanor. He segued into a hip new arrangement of “Home in the Islands” (always fund to tweak an oldie and give it new sass) and revealed that he composed the tune late one night while in San Francisco back in the day.

He assumed the role of a troubadour, with one of his staples, “Friends,” telling one and all, “always keep your friends,” and yes, the audience knew this classic musical hand-shaking of sorts. Sing, and they sing-along, too.

Soon thereafter, the evening’s format focused on guest Jerry’s growing up days, and there was a consensus on who inspired them in composing music; an ensuing duet on Kui Lee’s “Days of My Youth” was part of the trek down memory lane. Turned out that both gents adored and admired the prolific Lee, whose compositions put Don Ho on the map.

We also learned that Kapono once played at the New Frontier and Toppe Ada Shoppe

Henry Kapono and Jerry Santos in an Artist 2 Artist outing at Blue Note Hawaii.

in Waikiki, Jerry at Gauguin and Black Angus in Waikiki , when they were not yet part of the glittery galaxy of island stars.

Jerry was asked how he came to create his best-known tune, “E Ku’u Home O Kahaluu,” and it also turned out that he wrote this one in San Francisco while he was homesick for his island home.

Kamuela Kimokeo

The song then was performed, with audience members invited to chime in, with trusty support for Jerry from Kamuela Kimokeo, his longtime partner in gigs outside of the Olomana umbrella. Not only has he learned all of the Olomana repertoire, he is a master of ki ho alu, Hawaiian slack key guitar.

Jerry and Kamuela provided the bulk of the evening’s riches, showcasing titles not commonly dusted off from the Olomana lifespan of the late Robert Beaumont, which included recollections of that song about rainy Hilo and how the sound of rain made it into the recording, along with a bountiful medley of Olomana treasures including “Seabird” and “E Ku‘u Sweet Lei  Poina Ole,” the composition by Emma DeFries, which was a must-perform title during Beaumont’s tenure with Olomana, and for many years after his passing – 40 years ago. Clearly, this also was an homage to the late entertainer.

Indeed, because Jerry has not been so visible during the pandemic, these oldies dusted off for this gig, provided stirring memories from the group’s discography. Jerry seemed to get misty-eyed, too, reviving Henry Mitchell’s anthem for Kahoolawe, when Hawaiian activists were pushing for the island to be returned to the populace here after years of being a military target practice island.

To break up the solemnity of Kahoolawe, Jerry and Kamuela ventured into the double-entendre song “Tewe Tewe, about fishing, with also implications of a sexual nature, depending on how much you understand about this Hawaiian classic.

As the show neared its end, Kapono returned to the stage to render “Teach Your Children Well,” as well as a new composition, “Sailors of Fortune,” a lovely entry advocating the validity of dreams to make things happen, with Jerry doing counterpoint backup vocals.

What the world needs is not only dreamers, but lovers, so “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” was a handy sing-along, too.

And because the audience hollered “hana hou,” Kapono came back to share one more for the road, one of his C&K classics, “Sailing,” written for his dad who was not a sailor.

So, yes, there were little nuggets of information throughout the serenades right down to the final blackout.

Kapono has another Artist 2 Artist show featuring the Makaha Sons, set for April 28. …

And that’s Show Biz. …