John Berger | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Iam Tongi’s holiday list includes family, fireworks and shows

John Berger — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

‘American Idol” winner Iam Tongi will be home for Christmas this year, and, unlike the lyrics of that bittersweet holiday classic, it won’t be only in his dreams.

World-class speciality acts delight in ‘‘Auana’ in Waikiki

John Berger — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Cirque du Soleil is known internationally for the mesmerizing aerialists and world-class specialty acts that make its show audience favorites.

Brittni Paiva releases 4-song Christmas EP

John Berger — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Soft-spoken ukulele virtuoso Brittni Paiva follows up on her 2024 Na Hoku Hanohano Award win in August with “A Cozy Christmas,” a four-song instrumental EP that is a welcome soundtrack for the Christmas season.

‘Tina’ musical tickets on sale Friday

John Berger — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Tickets for 2025 performances of “Tina — The Tina Turner Musical” go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the Blaisdell Center box office and online at broadwayinhawaii.com. Ticket prices start at $50.

Frank De Lima celebrates 50 years of comedy

John Berger — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Frank De Lima promises he’ll be doing some of his most popular comic characters when he takes the stage Dec. 15 at the Blue Note Hawaii in Waikiki for a show celebrating his 50th anniversary in local entertainment.

Holiday entertainment highlights season in Hawaii

John Berger — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The annual Christmas countdown has begun and the rush is on, with only 24 days before Dec. 25 to take in all the holiday happenings that make the season lighter and brighter.

Hawaii comedian Tumua gifts fans with free ‘Strictly Aloha’ special

John Berger — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Hawaii stand-up star Tumua is celebrating the year-end holidays with an early gift for his fans: “Strictly Aloha,” Tumua’s first comedy special, went live at 5 p.m. Hawaii time Tuesday as free-to-view entertainment on YouTube.

New Choy cookbook full of show’s recipes

John Berger — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Just in time for holiday gift giving, iconic island chef Sam Choy and KHON2 are releasing “Sam Choy’s in the Kitchen Family Recipes,”a collection of favorites from Choy’s long-running KHON2 television series, “Sam Choy’s in the Kitchen.” Now in its ninth season, the show has welcomed celebrity guests to the studio, transported the television audience to local kitchens across Hawaii, and shown how everyday items can be the ingredients of extraordinary meals.

Kalani Pe‘a earns 4th Grammy nom

John Berger — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Three-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Pe‘a will represent Hawaii for the fourth time when the winners of the 67th annual Grammy Awards are announced in February.

List: Upcoming Hawaii ballet, opera and chamber music events

John Berger — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:08:00 +0000

The 2024-2025 season is offering discerning fans of ballet, opera, chamber music, contemporary dance and the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra many delights to chose from. The calendar includes performances by stars from Europe, Asia and the mainland, as well as spotlight performances by some of Hawaii’s best.

Artist, filmmaker Martin Charlot left his mark

John Berger — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Martin Charlot — a Hawaii resident for more than 40 years who described himself as “painter, muralist, writer, actor, filmmaker, iIllustrator and educator” — died Oct. 2 at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Hilo. He was 79.

Film festival honorees are announced

John Berger — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The 2024 Hawai‘i International Film Festival announced awards recently at the Halekulani Hotel.

HPR executive Michael Titterton expanded reach, listener support

John Berger — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Michael Titterton, whose 17 years as president and general manager of Hawai‘i Public Radio from 1999 to 2016 saw the nonprofit broadcaster grow to reach radio audiences across Hawaii, died Oct. 4 at his home in Honolulu. He was 76.

Multitalented entrepreneur Cione redefined Hawaii entertainment

John Berger — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

His willingness to let the people of Hawaii see whatever prudish public officials said should not be seen made him a legend in Hawaii’s entertainment history. His belief that it was better to do something and ask forgiveness than to ask permission and be denied was legendary as well. Jack Cione — entrepreneur, nightclub and showroom owner, cabaret show producer, dance instructor, author and creator of Hawaii’s original naked waiters revue — died Oct. 1 in Honolulu. He was 97.

Sharon Thomas Yarbrough, prominent promoter of women, dies at 71

John Berger — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:04:00 +0000

Sharon Thomas Yarbrough — a prominent member of the Black culture and arts community in Hawaii for more than 30 years — died Sept. 23 at Kaiser Hospital in Honolulu. She was 71. Yarbrough was the founder and president of Sisters Empowering Hawaii, an organization dedicated to uplifting, motivating, educating and empowering women. Sisters Empowering Hawaii produced speakers programs, hosted luncheons, and presented book signings, art shows and poetry readings.

Hawaii music teacher reflects on lengthy career and legacy

John Berger — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Gary Shimabukuro sat at his computer in the immaculate home studio where he composes, records and teaches music, reflecting on his life’s work.

Georgette Deemer, tireless film industry promoter, dies at age 71

John Berger — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Georgette Deemer — whose 16 years as Hawaii film commissioner launched the islands’ international film and television industry — died Sept. 1 in Honolulu after a long battle with cancer. She was 71.

List: Hawaii theater performances to attend for the 2024-2025 season

John Berger — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:30:00 +0000

Hawaiian language, history and culture are prominent as Hawaii’s vibrant community theater groups announce their 2024-2025 schedules. The University of Hawaii at Manoa opens its season with “Puana,” an original hana keaka (Hawaiian language theatrical production) on the Kennedy Theatre Mainstage, and Honolulu Theatre for Youth has scheduled plays about the cultural importance of salt, the many winds of Hawaii and the invention of the Hawaiian steel guitar, as it celebrates its 70th season.

Na Hoku-winning musician Teresa Bright was popular in Hawaii and Japan

John Berger — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Teresa Bright, a multitalented Native Hawaiian entertainer known for her sweet and sultry vocal style and innovative blending of Hawaiian, Japanese and Okinawan music, died Sept. 1 after a period of declining health. She was 64.

Fundraiser for Lahaina to recall Jimi Hendrix’s Maui concert

John Berger — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The first anniversary of the Lahaina wildfire has been observed and the 102 lives lost memorialized. But as the historic seaside town moves toward a new future, the basic needs of many residents still need to be met.

Kapena is back for a 40th reunion concert at Waikiki Shell

John Berger — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:05:00 +0000

It’s been nine years since the three original members of Kapena — Kelly “Kelly Boy” De Lima and brothers Tivaini “Tiva” Tatofi and Teimomi “Timo” Tatofi — last played a concert at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell. That makes the trio’s 40th Reunion Tour concert Saturday at the outdoor venue a major milestone in local entertainment.

Poundstone to perform at Hawaii Theatre

John Berger — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Have you ever called on your phone and then realized when someone answered that you didn’t know who you were talking to? Paula Poundstone can relate.

Slack key festival to benefit aquarium

John Berger — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Slack key guitarists representing several generations of this uniquely Hawaiian musical tradition will share the stage Aug. 31 when Milton Lau, the Ki-ho‘alu Foundation and the Waikiki Aquarium present the 42nd annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival “Waikiki Style” at the Waikiki Aquarium.

Maui concert to ‘heal through music’

John Berger — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Local artists playing songs about Lahaina and West Maui will take the stage for “Puana Aloha no Lahaina — A Concert for Lahaina,” starting at 6 p.m. Friday in the Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium. Promoters anticipate three hours of traditional and contemporary songs that share the history of the community through generations.

Raiatea Helm wins big at 2024 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

John Berger — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:05:00 +0000

“A Legacy Of Hawaiian Song & String Volume One,” Raiatea Helm’s glorious tribute to the music of the monarchy era, took top honors Saturday night as the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts announced the winners of the 47th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bars, celebrates its 50th anniversary

John Berger — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The nightclub business isn’t easy. Popular entertainers get better offers. Top-draw groups break up. Owners may decide it’s time to sell. Corporate “suits” may choose to a replace a successful format with something they think will work better. A high-powered developer may come in and bulldoze everything en route to long-term megaprofits.

Multifaceted musician Aaron Mahi inspired generations

John Berger — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Aaron Mahi, a musician, composer, conductor, recording artist, kahu and bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band for 24 years, died Saturday. He was 70 and had been in declining health for several years.

Hawaiian music legend Aaron Mahi dies at 70

John Berger — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 21:38:00 +0000

Aaron Mahi — musician, composer, conductor, recording artist, kahu and bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band for 24 years — died Saturday just days before his birthday. He was 70 years old and had been in declining health for several years.

Renowned gender identity researcher Milton ‘Mickey’ Diamond to be remembered

John Berger — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The life and work of Milton “Mickey” Diamond, renowned for his work on gender identity and advocate for gender equality, will be celebrated Aug. 3.

Hayley Cheyney Kane is crowned Miss Hawaii 2024

John Berger — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Hayley Cheyney Kane had good reason to celebrate as she did her first interview as the newly crowned Miss Hawaii 2024 moments after receiving her title, sash and tiara on stage Sunday at the Hawaii Theatre. In 2023 she was first runner-up. On Sunday, competing as Miss Waimanalo, Kane beat 15 other candidates to become the 79th woman to hold the title of Miss Hawaii.

Ng comes full circle with ‘Happily Eva Afta’ at MVT

John Berger — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The late Lisa Matsumoto wrote and produced her first pidgin fairy tale musical, “Once Upon One Time,” as a theater-class project at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1989.

Taylor Wily, who played Kamekona in ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ dies at age 56

John Berger — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Taylor Wily — television and film actor beloved for his work on producer Peter Lenkov’s reboot of “Hawaii Five-0,” but also known as a former sumotori and mixed martial arts fighter — died Wednesday. He was 56.

Broadway veteran, mentor Jade Stice dies in hiking accident

John Berger — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Jade Stice — a Broadway veteran who returned home to share her knowledge and experiences with new generations of Broadway hopefuls — has died in a hiking accident on the mainland, a family spokesperson reported Thursday. She was 53.

‘Kamau Trilogy’ makes history at Kumu Kahua Theatre

John Berger — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Alani Apio wasn’t thinking “trilogy” when he began writing a play about things he saw Hawaiians experiencing in the early 1990s. Apio was in his early 20s and said he wanted to share what he was feeling in his “gut.” He titled his play “Kamau” (“to carry on”).

‘Ka Moana Lu‘au’ fires up Aloha Tower

John Berger — Sat, 25 May 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Television producer Al Masini believed that the best name for something describes what it is. The mega-hits “Entertainment Tonight,” “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and “Star Search” were three of his creations. The producers of “Ka Moana Lu‘au” have followed suit with their aptly named visitor attraction at Aloha Tower.

Kapena 40th-anniversary tickets on sale

John Berger — Fri, 10 May 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Tickets go on sale today for the Original Kapena 40th Anniversary Celebration — a reunion of Kapena founding members Kelly “Kelly Boy” De Lima, Tivaini “Tiva” Tatofi and Teimomi “Timo” Tatofi — Aug. 31 at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell.

Helm, Na‘auao, Ekolu and Waipuna lead Hoku Awards finalists

John Berger — Fri, 10 May 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Four veterans of the Hawaii music industry — Raiatea Helm, Sean Na‘auao and the groups Ekolu and Waipuna — are front- runners with nominations in major categories as the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts announces finalists for the 47th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

View the list of 2024 Na Hoku Hanohano Award finalists

John Berger — Fri, 10 May 2024 10:05:00 +0000

ALBUM OF THE YEAR (AWARD TO ARTIST AND PRODUCER)

‘Freckles’ Smith grew family tour business into Kauai legacy

John Berger — Thu, 09 May 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Walter James Smith Jr. — known to family, friends and colleagues as “Freckles” — died April 19 at his home in Kapahi, Kauai. He was 89.

‘Major shift’ may have affected renewal of ‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’

John Berger — Sat, 04 May 2024 10:05:00 +0000

As television fans were counting down the days to the official announcement of CBS Entertainment’s fall 2024 season, a fourth season for “NCIS: Hawai‘i” seemed like a slam dunk.