Do It: ‘Midsummer Night’s Gleam’ at Foster Garden
July 16, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, For the Family
By Elizabeth Kieszkowski
ekieszkowski@staradvertiser.com
Foster Botanical Garden opens its gates tomorrow for an evening celebration of community and outdoor beauty with Midsummer Night’s Gleam, its annual free event.
The garden, a green oasis in urban Hono lulu that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will be turned into a “magical wonderland,” organizers promise, with special offerings for children and live music for adults.
From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., attractions for kids predominate, with games, magic, arts and crafts, bubbles, balloon-making and interactive demonstrations by martial artists of the Golden Horde.
As the sun sets, the sounds of singer Skylark, jazz from the Chris Yeh Quartet and harp music will drift over the park, and 2,500 luminaries will glow along the garden paths, lighting the way for an Enchanted Forest Walk. “The ambience!” exclaims Foster Garden recreation specialist Joyce Spoehr.
Perennial attractions include the Wishing Tree, a collection of child-pleasing “critters” formed from natural materials and, of course, the garden’s extensive collection of flowering plants and historic trees. Wear mosquito repellent, and bring a blanket to sit on while enjoying performances.
» Where: Foster Botanical Garden, 50 N. Vineyard Blvd.
» When: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. tomorrow
» Cost: Free
» Info: 522-7064
Do It: ‘Smooth Jazz’ series features pianist Benoit
July 16, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It
Star-Advertiser Staff
tgif@staradvertiser.com
The “Smooth Jazz Nights” concert series continues this weekend with pianist David Ben oit, one of the steadiest keyboard players around, with more than three decades of recording, including several Grammy award nominations.
His latest album, released this year, is “Earthglow,” another accessible effort that adeptly mixes genres. On the closing track, “Freedom at Midnight (The Schroe der Variations),” Ben oit continues to honor Vince Gua ral di’s memory, combining a previous hit with his “Peanuts” muse with Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.”
Hawaii-born saxophonist and co-promoter Michael Paulo is also on the bill.
» Where: Royal Hawaiian Theatre, Royal Hawaiian Center
» When: 8 p.m. tomorrow
» Cost: $45, $85 and $125
» Info: 550-8457 or www.smoothjazznights.com
Do It: Pacific Roller Derby
July 16, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, For the Family
Star-Advertiser Staff
tgif@staradvertiser.com
Saturday! Saturday! Saturday! It’s Bout 6 of the Pacific Roller Derby in the late afternoon sun in Hawaii Kai! Thrill to a mixed-team red vs. black scrimmage featuring your favorite female skaters from the Villains, Mischievils and Maui’s Crazy 808s.
Cheer on such Villain-ous ladies as BeatHer Bailey, Cass Knuckles, Kult Kitty, Loco-Kine-Grinz and Slam Musubi; the Mischievils’ Ena Pro pri ate, Horrorjuku, Mean Eggs N Spam, Miso Rowdy Pulp Vixen and Tadbit Nasty; and Maui’s False Cracks, Frida Loca, Go! Shi Shi, Lil’ Bo Beat Down and Yo Mama Bin Laden.
If you want to join the ladies for a brew (or two) afterward, there’s an after-party at Anna O’Brien’s, 2440 S. Bere ta nia St.
» Where: Kamiloiki Community Park, 7750 Hawaii Kai Drive
» When: 4:30 p.m. tomorrow
» Cost: Free
» Info: 848-0147 or www.pacificrollerderby.com
Do It: ‘Once Upon One Time’
July 8, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, For the Family, Stage
Star-Advertiser Staff
tgif@staradvertiser.com
The popular pidgin musical comedy “Once Upon One Time” is in revival.
Written by the late Lisa Matsumoto, with a libretto by Paul Palmore and Roslyn Catracchia, the production adapts and intertwines familiar fairy tales into a fun Hawaiian-kine fantasy for the whole family.
The action takes place in a mythical local kingdom where outrageous characters meet for one crazy, kapakahi adventure.
Characters include Noelani an da Six Menehunes, Kekoa and Maile, Red Rose Haku, Da Keed Who Wen Cry Mongoose, and many more. Featured actors include Pomai Lopez, Tesia Worley, Jessica Kauhane, Daryl Bonilla, KoDee Martin and Leilyn Lui.
Catracchia is guest music director, Elitei Tatafu Jr. guest director, and Kat Jones guest choreographer.
» Where: Manoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Manoa Road
» When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 8
» Cost: $35 general admission, $30 for seniors and military, $20 for those under 26 years old
» Info: 988-6131 or www.manoavalleytheatre.com
» Note: All seats are non-reserved
Do It: Comic Dom Irrera returns to Hawaii
July 6, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, Nightlife
Star-Advertiser Staff
tgif@staradvertiser.com
After a seven-year absence from Hawaii, one of the best stand-up comics around, Dom Irrera (pictured), makes his return.
He’s fitting in a visit to Honolulu’s Pipeline Cafe in between a gig at the Playboy Comedy Club at the Palms in Las Vegas and an appearance at the prestigious Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal.
Nominated six times for an American Comedy Award, Irrera honed his stand-up material in a multigenerational Italian household in South Philadelphia with his mother, sister, grandmother, uncles and cousins all under one very big roof.
When he’s not on stage, he presides over the “Supreme Court of Comedy” for DIRECTV, where litigants with real disputes are represented by stand-up comics.
» Where: Pipeline Cafe, 805 Pohukaina St.
» When: 8 p.m. tomorrow
» Cost: $20 general admission, $40 VIP priority seating
» Info: (877) 714-7668 or www.pipelinecafehawaii.com
Do It: ‘Moonlight Mele’ at Bishop Museum
July 2, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, For the Family, Music
Star-Advertiser Staff
tgif@staradvertiser.com
The Brothers Cazimero and Kaumaka‘iwa Kanaka‘ole headline the second Moonlight Mele on Bishop Museum lawn, part of its summer concert series.
Aerial performers from Samadhi Hawaii will perform ring, silk and trapeze numbers from a large free-standing rig next to the main stage during specific times in the Cazimeros’ and Kanaka‘ole’s sets.
Other guest artists include Cyril Pahinui and hula halau Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima.
The concert gets its theme from the second level of the newly restored Hawaiian Hall — “Wao Kanaka,” representing the realm where people live and work. The evening’s events will focus on the importance of the land and nature in daily life. There will be a Night Arts Market featuring artisans demonstrating their skills in traditional Hawaiian crafts, and unique pieces will be on sale.
Audiences will be encouraged to explore the Hawaiian Hall Galleries during the first part of the evening, with entertainment offered in the courtyard as well as the main stage on the lawn.
Food on sale will include healthy Hawaiian plates from Hale Kealoha Ai Pono, Mexican cuisine from Cha Cha Cha Salsaria, and Vegetarian Thai fusion cuisine from Happy’s Hawaii Green Catering, as well as paletas (popsicles) by Onopops and snacks made on site by Kettle Corn Hawaii.
Beach mats will be provided free of charge and guests are also encouraged to bring blankets or low beach chairs. (Coolers or outside food and drink are not allowed.)
» Where: Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St.
» When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 3
» Cost: $20 general ($25 day of event), and $15 museum members and military
» Info: 847-3511 or www.bishopmuseum.org
Do It: ‘Auli’i: The Last Menehune of Nu’uanu’
July 1, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, Stage
Star-Advertiser Staff
tgif@staradvertiser.com
Spend an evening reliving old Hawaii with Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus as they present “Auli‘i: The Last Menehune of Nu‘uanu.”
Written by Herb Mahelona, this two-act opera, based on a Hawaiian legend, is the end product of “OPERAtunities,” a three-week intensive opera course of students in grades 4 to 12.
» Where: Sacred Hearts Academy Auditorium, 3253 Waialae Ave.
» When: 7 p.m. tomorrow; also 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday
» Cost: $10 general admission, $8 for students and seniors (advance tickets available online)
» Info: 521-2982, www.hyoc.org
Do It: Hair band music spins at Bar 35
June 25, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, Nightlife
By Gary Chun
gchun@staradvertiser.com
It’s the last Saturday of the month, so it’s time for DJs Nocturna, Modboy and guest spinner Shadowfaxxx to put on another ’80s Pop Muzik night, this time taking its cue from a certain AC/DC song.
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” steps away from that fashion-conscious new wave stuff to feature flashy hair, tight Ts and metallic rock from the likes of Van Halen, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Poison (above left) and Twisted Sister (above) — all to get stoopid with. Dress the part and get ready to bang your head … (metal health will drive you mad!)
» Where: Bar 35, 35 N. Hotel St.
» When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. June 26
» Cost: $5, 21+
» Info: 537-3535 or www.djnocturna.com
Do It: ‘Boy Beauty’ pageant is on
June 25, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, Stage
By Gary Chun
gchun@staradvertiser.com
“The Ultimate in Boy Beautiful” steps up to the Hawaii Convention Center with the 27th Annual Universal ShowQueen Pageant.
Every year, a large audience gathers to recognize the drag queens and female impersonators who pull out the stops to compete in categories of couture cocktail, evening gown, Las Vegas showgirl and a talent extravaganza.
More than $10,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs, but the title of Universal ShowQueen is the one everyone vies for. The always vivacious Cocoa Chandelier (aka Sami Akuna) was last year’s winner.
» Where: Kalakaua Ballroom, Hawaii Convention Center
» When: 7 p.m. June 26
» Cost: $50, available at Diamond Head Video, 1745 Kalakaua Ave.
» Info: 372-9350, 927-2327 or www.universalshowqueendvd.com
Do It: Final weekend for ‘Topdog/Underdog’
June 25, 2010 by Star-Advertiser Staff
Filed under Do It, Stage
By John Berger
jberger@staradvertiser.com
Theater lovers have a final opportunity this weekend to catch one of the best offerings from the 2009-2010 theater season, as The Actors Group presents playwright Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Topdog/Underdog,” directed by Harry Wong III.
Moses Goods III and the actor currently known as Q — two of the top talents currently performing on the local stage — are perfectly matched in this gripping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of two highly competitive brothers trying to work their way out of poverty and street crime. One is trying to go straight; the other wants his brother to help him hone his criminal skills.
Nothing drags. Nothing happens that seems inconsistent with what we know of the characters. Nothing artificial or illogical is thrust into the story to end our interest in what will happen next.
Expletives fly in realistic inner-city style. The humor is rough — sometimes bawdy, sometimes poignant. It’s one great one-line quip or put-down after another.
For anyone who can handle the language this is “don’t miss” theater.
» Where: The Actors Group Theatre, 1116 Smith St.
» When: 7:30 p.m. June 25 and June 26; also 2 p.m. June 27
» Cost: $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and $12 for students, military and groups of 10 or more
» Info: 722-6941 or www.taghawaii.net
