PICS: ‘Hawaii Cocktail Sessions’ at the Kahala

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PHOTOS BY KAT WADE / Special to the Star-Advertiser

Jim Beam master distiller Fred Noe was on hand to judge the “Hawaii Cocktail Sessions: Battle for the Ali’i Cup” at the Kahala Hotel & Resort on Thursday, May 23. Ten local bartenders competed for a VIP trip to Kentucky, $1,000 cash and a six-month reign as holder of the coveted Ali’i Cup.

Aiko lives on his terms

Gary Aiko performs with the Royal Hawaiian Band at Iolani Palace on May 10. (Star-Advertiser photo by Cindy Ellen Russell)

BY JOHN BERGER / jberger@staradvertiser.com

Seen on stage, Gary Aiko looks the part of a traditional Hawaiian singer. And, yes, he is a cultural icon who represents a grand era in island music. He is one of the great Hawaiian baritones of the 20th century and, with the evolution of Hawaiian and hapa-haole music in recent decades, perhaps the last.

Aiko, who turns 78 next month, is certainly the last great Hawaiian male singer whose career began in Waikiki in the years before statehood who still performs there on a regular basis today.

But he also is famously remembered for his choice of leisure wear — a pair of boots and a leopard-print, Speedo-style bikini bottom, whether cleaning the yard, riding a horse or jogging. A photo of Aiko in boots and bikini bottom appeared on the cover of one of his early albums.

36th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Presented by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts » Where: Kalakaua Ballroom, Hawai’i Convention Center » When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 25 » Cost: $125-$150; includes dinner and awards show » Info: (808) 593-9424 or www.nahokuhanohano.org

When Aiko, a 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Award finalist for male vocalist, isn’t singing the classic Hawaiian and hapa-haole songs of the Territorial Era, he lives life on his own terms.

Lynn Cook, who wrote the liner notes for Aiko’s newest album, “Poina ‘Ole ‘Ia (Unforgettable),” calls him as an entertainer who “plays Hawaiian music with Hollywood style.”

“From early Waikiki gigs to the weekly Keawe Ohana shows at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, fans describe his velvet baritone voice as somewhere between Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, only Hawaiian,” she said.

Harry Soria Jr., a Hoku Award-winning musicologist who specializes in Hawaiian music from the first half of the 20th century, said Aiko “stole the show” during live broadcasts of his radio program “Territorial Airwaves,” which started in 1979.

“At just the right moment in the show, we’d let him loose on a vintage sultry love ballad and Gary would become the embodiment of the ultimate Territorial Alfred Apaka Era torch singer. His deep, rich tones and clear enunciation would melt every heart — both in the room and those listening on the radio,” Soria said.

“Poina ‘Ole ‘Ia (Unforgettable)” — funded with money Aiko won gambling in Las Vegas — is a beautiful showcase for the singer and a celebration of his heritage. The title song, recorded in Hawaiian and English, is one of Aiko’s favorite pop standards. “Behold La‘ie” honors his birthplace. “E Maliu Mai” is a song he to used sing as a duet with his mother, legendary Hawaiian falsetto singer Genoa Keawe, in Waikiki; it’s heard here as a duet with his niece, Pomaika‘i Keawe Lyman, bringing the family’s musical traditions forward another generation.

Aiko’s younger brother, Eric Keawe, was persuaded to be the featured vocalist on “Lately,” another of their mother’s favorite American pop songs. Other selections recall Aiko’s friendship with the late Benny Kalama, time spent working with the late Randy Oness, and family ties to other Hawaiian entertainers.

It’s easy to get the impression that his mother, who died in 2008, may have considered the first born of her 12 offspring something of a problem child. (His father was Edward Puniwai Keawe-Aiko.)

Scotty Furushima, Palani Vaughan and Gary Aiko sing with the Royal Hawaiian Band at Iolani Palace. (Star-Advertiser photo by Cindy Ellen Russell)

Aiko started working while he was still in elementary school — delivering newspapers and shining shoes — to help support the family, but when it came to her religion he wasn’t interested. “My mom gave me the Book of Mormon. ‘Here, son, read this.’ I said, ‘Mom, in my own time,’ and gave her the book back. I wasn’t into that,” he said. “And the time still hasn’t come yet.”

Many years later, even though Hawaiian groups have been using the big contrabass as a rhythm instrument for almost a century, Aiko decided an acoustic bass guitar would suffice — even when he was playing bass for his mother, a staunch traditionist.

“She made some comments but she had to accept it,” Aiko said. “I told her I was tired of bringing this big (upright bass) upstairs and downstairs. When my brother, Sam, was playing bass for her, he played an electric bass (guitar) and she didn’t say anything.”

Aiko and his 11 siblings grew up with music in their lives, but only he followed in his mother’s footsteps in making music a career.

He was an eighth-grader at Central Intermediate when he won a local radio station’s talent show three times — singing pop ballads and accompanying himself on ukulele — and was asked not to come back. He said he made an early choice to perform as Gary Aiko “to be different from my mom,” but also because “it was shorter than Gary Puniwai Keawe-Aiko.”

He graduated from McKinley High School in 1953 because he got kicked out of Kaimuki in the middle of his senior year. “I told the principal, ‘You’re supposed to save the Hawaiians, not kick ‘em out,’” Aiko said with a chuckle, but he got kicked out anyway. McKinley, the school he’d attended as a sophomore, let him complete his senior year and get his diploma.

Gary Aiko. (Star-Advertiser photo by Cindy Ellen Russell)

He got married shortly afterward — “My wife was six months’ pregnant” — and a family friend got him a job on an aku boat. Three months later a friend of his father-in-law got him a better job with Hawaiian Electric Co. (He would marry two more times.)

Eric Keawe, 57, says his big brother “never cared what anybody said” — even when it came to making a fashion statement by stripping down to his bikini bottom.

“He said, ‘If the haole guys can do ‘em, I can. too,’” Eric recalled.

“Almost every summer during my middle school years and my high school years we would head on down to Makaha. He would go in his bikini and he had his big 10-foot long board. It was fun going out with him. You know how Waianae can get but all the guys respected Gary.”

By the time Eric was old enough to pal around with his oldest sibling, Aiko was a well-known entertainer and his unconventional attire just a part of his persona.

AIKO began his musical career entertaining at the Waikiki Sands Restaurant in 1957, a nightspot near where the Duke Kahanamoku statue is now. He says he lost the job because he came to depend on having a drink or two to boost his confidence.

“I drank too much,” he said. “I got to depend on it too much. I lasted almost a year and then I got kicked out.”

Aiko fared better when his cousin, Tony Bee, took him over to Kaneohe and introduced him to Don Ho. Ho had an upright bass and needed a bass player for the group he was forming with Bee, Sonny Chillingworth, Gabby Pahinui and Mike Garcia. Aiko could play bass but didn’t have one. For the five years they played music together at Honey’s, Ho let Aiko use his.

Like most Hawaiian entertainers of his generation Aiko worked a nonmusical “day job.” He spent “43 years and two months” at Hawaiian Electric and planned to work several years more until he was told in 1997 that he’d have to work nights.

“I told them, ‘I don’t want to work nights. I want to work days so I can sing nighttime.”

His hobbies included horses. One of his brothers, the late Arthur Keawe-Aiko, was a roper but Aiko preferred polo. He left Waikiki for a 3-acre place he bought in Kahaluu where he could keep horses. Aiko played polo for six years but when Al Lopaka, a friend and fellow entertainer, was fatally injured playing the sport in 1985, “it wasn’t fun (any more).”

“I played another year ’cause I didn’t want to quit just because he died. I gave it a run one more year, and then I was going on a trip to Japan so I told my wife, ‘When I come home I don’t want to see (these horses) around.’ When I came home the horses were gone, the horse trailer was gone, the saddle and all that. I had to move on.”

THURSDAY evenings at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, Aiko plays and sings the Hawaiian and hapa haole classics of the Territorial Era as part of the Keawe Ohana, which includes Lyman, steel guitarist Alan Akaka and guitarist Kaipo Asing.

He is also a featured vocalist with the Royal Hawaiian Band, having joined the city-sponsored group in 2004. “Singing with a 34-piece band — nothing like it,” he said.

Bandmaster Clarke Bright said Aiko is an important asset who is “not above himself and his gifts.”

“He never hesitates to support us and the band, moving equipment, picking up my podium, and always willing to do whatever we need. From somebody of his gifts — the authentic baritone voice that he has — it’s rare to see,” he said.

Gary Aiko performs at Iolani Palace. (Star-Advertiser photo by Cindy Ellen Russell)

During a recent Friday noon performance at Iolani Palace, many of the tourists enjoying the show didn’t notice that along with his band uniform — a bright red-and-yellow aloha shirt and white trousers — Aiko was wearing white cowboy boots with ornate metal tips.

“Rules are made to be broken,” Aiko said afterward, climbing over a “keep out” chain to pose for photos. When asked if he still wears leopard-print bikinis, he smiled and referenced the Sheb Wooley novelty song, “I Just Don’t Look Good Naked Anymore.”

ALONG with Aiko, the Na Hoku finalists in the highly competitive male vocalist category are Kuana Torres Kahele, Manu Boyd, Nathan Aweau and Weldon Kekau­oha. “Poina ‘Ole ‘Ia (Unforgettable)” is a finalist in three other categories: island music, graphics and liner notes. Despite his long career, Aiko has never won a Hoku as a solo performer. The winners will be announced Saturday at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

Win or lose, Aiko will be leaving for New York and a concert with Nina Keali‘iwahamana, Danny Kaleikini, Ho‘okena, Maila Gibson and a Japanese halau hula May 28 in Carnegie Hall.

In the meantime, Aiko said, he is thanking God for a prayer that wasn’t answered.

“There were times I used to pray to God, ‘Take my voice and give me hair.’ I’m glad he wasn’t listening!”
———
John Berger has been a mainstay in the local entertainment scene for more than 40 years. Contact him via email at jberger@staradvertiser.com.

This Week in TGIF: Of Montreal

Of Montreal’s creator opens up to collaboration

It’s been a little more than seven years since Kevin Barnes and his flamboyant musical project Of Montreal first performed in Honolulu, when he and his band did two nights at a now-defunct Chinatown venue.

• The Sounds of Aloha Chorus celebrates USS Missouri legacy
• Pau Hana Patrol: Tropics finds inspiration in ‘Five-0′ drinks
• Quick Bites: Dining in season at Hiroshi, more
• Pulse Top 5: Champions’ Fifth Anniversary, ‘Today’ in Waikiki, more
• At the Movies: Blue Sky’s Epic, Fast & Furious 6
• Out ‘N’ About: Memorial Day, Na Hoku, 37th Raku Hoolaulea, more
• Do It: 50th State Fair, Mice Parade, Floating Lanterns, Orchestra, more
• To Do: The English Beat, Deftones; Rainbow Film, Republik, and Piano Fests

Of Montreal opens up to collaboration

(Courtesy Polyvinyl Records)

By Gary Chun / gchun@staradvertiser.com

It’s been a little more than seven years since Kevin Barnes and his flamboyant musical project Of Montreal first performed in Honolulu, when he and his band did two nights at a now-defunct Chinatown venue.

The theatrical stage show in celebration of an eternal party reflected Barnes’ creative sense at that time. With Of Montreal’s 2005 album “The Sunlandic Twins,” Barnes’ said his music was the expression of “my foray into 21st century A.D.D. electro cinematic avant-disco.”

Barnes received critical and fan acclaim a year after those first Honolulu shows with the psychedelic pop of 2007′s “Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?” He and the band returned to the islands in 2009 to play NextDoor.

The talented multi-instrumentalist from Athens, Ga., a prodigious songwriter since he was 15, usually records by himself, and takes a supportive band on the road, as he will do on Tuesday’s visit to the Republik. In 2010, however, he made an interesting foray to Los Angeles to get production help from the talented Jon Brion on the album “False Priest.”

Barnes would return to solo recording with last year’s “Paralytic Stalks,” which showed him at his most introspective. The songs are confessional in nature and emotionally raw in tone.

And now, at this point in Barnes’ musical life, it seems he wants to actively collaborate with other musicians.

In January the 38-year-old spent three weeks in San Francisco writing and soaking in the Bay Area bohemian vibe for Of Montreal’s next album, “Lousy with Sylvianbriar,” slated for a fall release.

He returned to Athens to work with musicians, old friends and new, to demo and record. That was done at a relatively quick rate, considering how laborious Barnes is usually when he’s by himself recording.

“I’m definitely developing that side of my music a bit more,” he said by phone from his Athens home last month, acknowledging that he’s taking a more active role in collaborating with other musicians,

Another factor in his musical development has been his relationship with his 8-year-old daughter. “It’s helped me become more focused,” he said. “It helps with relationships. … It’s exciting to see her positive outlook, but it’s sad when I have to go away from her.”

IT WILL be curious to see if Barnes and the band depart from previous practice and tone down Of Montreal’s typically extravagant theatricality onstage Tuesday night. (An upcoming documentary of the life and history of Barnes and Of Montreal, “Song Dynasties,” should be out by year’s end, if you want to see the full evolution of his artistry.)

“When I travel this far from the States, I can’t bring the whole circus,” he said, “but it’s fun to put on a different show. The music is a little more naked in a way; there’s nothing to distract from it. But it’s always fun for me to have a big group around, having grown musically in a weird art collective (Elephant 6) here in Athens.

“The way I approach art and music in general, I feel like I’m organically following my muse. … It’s a natural progression, where I usually take an abstract concept, find its reference points and dive in.

“I always wanted to have a commercially successful record on a certain level,” Barnes said. “‘Hissing Fauna’ sold the most, and it’s still the best record to translate live in concert. But I remember being excited by 20th-century avant-garde music when I worked with Jon on ‘False Priest,’ soaking in the compositions of Charles Ives, Gyoergy Ligeti and Krzysztof Penderecki.

“Now I want to prove to myself to I can also do, like, outlaw country music.”

Barnes is definitely a Renaissance man, also drawing inspiration from art, films and photography.

“It’s hard to quantify and explain exactly my creative process. I read a lot, and the spirit of something like the poetry of Sylvia Plath — imagining what her life was like — can be part of it. I’m also a big Ingmar Bergman fan, and I’m currently in a phase of watching his films, so that encourages and motivates me.

“I’m always excited for the future. I carry no baggage. It dissolves into the past.

“I love doing the weirdest s— possible with friends and family,” he said. “I just want to keep producing art.”

The TGIF cover of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for Friday, May 24, 2013.

Sounds of Aloha celebrates USS Missouri

(Courtesy Sounds of Aloha Chorus)

By Steven Mark / smark@staradvertiser.com

You could head out to Pearl Harbor, walk beneath the bright, hot sun and learn about the Mighty Mo, the historic USS Missouri battleship docked there.

Or you can sit in the cool, comfy confines of the Leeward Community College Theatre on Saturday evening and take a cruise down memory lane with “USS Missouri: A Musical Tribute,” the latest show by the Sounds of Aloha Chorus.

“It’s a particularly good time these days because the country is full of patriotism,” said Hank Drayton, a Sounds of Aloha spokesman.

The men’s chorus, which over its 60-year history has included such notable members as former Hawaii Gov. William Quinn and noted architect Vladimir Ossipoff, specializes in barbershop quartet-style songs for both large and small ensembles, often grouping tunes under a single theme with a script or skit joining them together. The group recently did a show about Oahu’s rail project.

Other than the generally patriotic culture of the moment, proximity was the other reason the chorus decided to devote its latest production to the USS Missouri, Drayton said.

“The Missouri is pretty close to where we’re going to have our show at Leeward Community College,” he said. “They just said, ‘Why don’t we do a tribute to the Missouri? And to her history, and the people who served on her, and to the things that she represents?’ So that’s how it got started.”

The show features a series of vignettes about the ship as told through the eyes of a man and his son visiting the battleship. Film clips will show scenes of the major historic events in which the Missouri participated, such as the battle for Iwo Jima, the signing of the instrument of surrender that formally ended World War II, the Korean War and the first Persian Gulf War.

“Her history spans that long a time frame,” Drayton said. “Interspersed with that will be patriotic songs … and things that are pertinent to the sea, to the Navy and World War II.”

Among the tunes on the bill will be the classic “White Cliffs of Dover” and “What’ll I Do?” another song about “hardship for lovers,” Drayton said. As one might expect, service anthems will close out the show.

The second half of the performance will feature the internationally recognized barbershop quartet Vocal Spectrum. The group, which has won major barbershop quartet contests including the international championship in 2006, sings a variety of music ranging from traditional tunes to classical music, Disney songs and rock ‘n’ roll.

“They will have some standard barbershop songs, and they’ll have some really funny songs,” Drayton said.

Vocal Spectrum started out in 2003 as a collegiate group. Its success has been recognized as part of the revival of barbershop quartet music, which is distinctive for its four-part harmony and a ringing quality created by the mixing of the voices at just the right tuning.

Joining Vocal Spectrum for the second half will be local quartets Aloha Spirit, Resonance and Funny Bones, as well as the male youth chorus 8zero8.

Some of the ticket sale proceeds will go to the USS Missouri Memorial Association’s music education programs.

Pau Hana Patrol: ‘Five-0′ inspires at Tropics

Discounted food items offered during Tropics Bar & Grill’s happy hour include a margherita pizza, pork and vegetable potstickers, Tropics Chicken Wings and Tropics Kalua Pork Nachos. (Bruce Asato / basato@staradvertiser.com)

By Nina Wu / nwu@staradvertiser.com

If the sprawling beachfront lanai with umbrellas, tables and chairs at Tropics Bar & Grill looks somewhat familiar, it’s because you have probably seen it on CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0.”

The “Five-0″ crew has reserved the lanai for some of its scenes. Fittingly, Tropics, at Hilton Hawaiian Village, has just rolled out a new menu of “Hawaii Five-O” cocktails.

Even if you don’t watch the show, you’ll appreciate the signature Hawaii Five-O — a refreshingly cool, tart and gorgeous drink, with red raspberry vodka, berry puree and blue curacao with some sweet and sour. It’s topped off with a pineapple wedge and an orchid for garnish.

Mixologist Christina Maffei concocted the new cocktail menu, bringing her “liquid artistry” philosophy to Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Maffei, winner of the “World’s Best Mai Tai” competition in 2011, said she’s trying to bring back vintage tiki drinks of earlier eras like the ’50s and ’60s.

She’s rolling out some classics in tribute to Harry Yee, creator of the Blue Hawaii ($9 during happy hour, $11 on the regular menu). Yee was a Hilton bartender in the 1950s and was said to hold up the Blue Hawaii to the ocean, matching the water’s color.

But back to the Five-O drinks. If you’re not into fruity, a few other drinks not on the happy-hour menu are available — including the sophisticated Kono’s Kokonutz ($13.50), featuring 1800 coconut tequila, Solerno blood orange liqueur and KonaRed Hawaiian Superfruit juice.

If you like fruity-nutty, then the Danno Banano ($11.50) should suit you with its combination of Old Lahaina Gold Rum blended with banana, pineapple and coconut, then swirled with Kona Gold coffee liqueur.

Need a hangover cure? The McGarrett on the Mend comes with Bacardi Oakhart spiced rum, banana, vanilla cream and rock-candy syrup.

The entrance to Tropics Bar & Brill. (Bruce Asato / basato@staradvertiser.com)

THE MENU for happy hour, available in the lounge and at the bar counter, offers substantial options at $1 to $6 off regular menu prices.

Tropics Kalua Pork Nachos ($8 during happy hour, $9 at lunch) are hearty fare, with pineapple salsa, sour cream, guacamole, a cheddar cheese blend and jalapenos.

Select tropical drinks are $9 during Tropics’ happy hour. “Hawaii Five-0″-inspired drinks include the Kono’s Kokonutz. (Bruce Asato / basato@staradvertiser.com)

The pizzas are also pretty tasty and come with a good crust. The margherita is always good, and during happy hour it’s discounted to $9 from $15 during lunch hours.

If you like meat, you’ll enjoy the Portuguese sausage and pepperoni pizza, also just $9; it’s $17 on the lunch menu.

Most memorable were the Tropics Chicken Wings ($7, $12 dinner), which can be ordered with just the right touch of Chef Kapo’s Hawaiian Chili Sauce and also come with blue cheese dressing.

My first feeling upon walking through the resort and past the swimming pool to the bar was envy because everywhere I looked, people were on vacation.

It was such a beautiful, sunny day that I really wanted to jump into the pool on one side or into the ocean fronting the lanai.

If you do go to Tropics during happy hour and sit on the lanai, be sure to bring shades and dress cool because it can get hot in the afternoon sun (and it might be a good idea to bring a swimsuit so you can head to the beach afterward).

If you’re inclined to nurse your cocktails and stay beyond happy hour, then you can catch the sunset over the ocean. On Fridays you can catch Hilton’s fireworks show.

Overall, this place is a great escape, and it will make you feel like you’re on vacation. Why should tourists have all the fun?

The Pulse Top 5: Champions, ‘Today’ in Waikiki, more

By Jason Genegabus / jason@staradvertiser.com

(Brian Tseng / Special to the Star-Advertiser)

PICS: CHAMPIONS’ FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
1. Champions Sports Bar & Grill celebrated five years in business on Saturday. See more pictures from the anniversary party at honolulupulse.com/?p=103701.

(Krystle Marcellus / Star-Advertiser)

‘TODAY’ SHOW VISITS WAIKIKI
2. NBC’s popular “Today” show arrived in Waikiki on Monday to kick off a special series of live broadcasts from various locations around the country. The Hawaii stop included appearances by Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Jake Shimabukuro, hula lessons courtesy of Tihati Productions and poi pounding by Daniel Anthony. Read more on the taping at honolulupulse.com/?p=103725; see more photos at honolulupulse.com/?p=103756.

(Kat Wade / Special to the Star-Advertiser)

PICS: ‘NIGHT MARKET’ IN KAKAAKO
3. “Honolulu Night Market” returned to Kakaako on Saturday with another evening of fashion, art, music and food. See the Pulse gallery at honolulupulse.com/?p=103702.

(Kat Wade / Special to the Star-Advertiser)

PICS: MISS HAWAII USA SEND-OFF PARTY
4. Miss Hawaii USA 2013 Brianna Acosta held a send-off party at Pearl on Sunday before leaving for the national pageant. For more photos, visit honolulupulse.com/?p=103719.

(Kat Wade / Special to the Star-Advertiser)

PICS: ‘ALCHEMY’ AT ALOHA BEER CO.
5. Adamatic Productions kicked off “Alchemy,” a new Friday night party, at Aloha Beer Co. on May 17. The night featured an all-female lineup of DJs including Dawn, Dirty Secret, Betty and Superstar Nikki. Go to honolulupulse.com/?p=103642 for more pictures.

Quick Bites: Hiroshi, Umaizushi

Looking ahead: “The Joy of Sake” event takes place Friday, August 16 at the Hawaii convention center. For more information: www.joyofsake.com (Courtesy photo)

Compiled by Nina Wu / nwu@staradvertiser.com

Live Maine Lobster Fest: Lobster lovers can indulge at Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas today.

Enjoy live Maine lobster baked with lemon aioli, grilled and brushed with truffle butter, steamed with drawn butter and a lemon wedge or fried in Chef Hiroshi’s tomalley batter.

Cost is $23.50 per pound of lobster. Hiroshi is at Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Call 533-4476 or email Sara at svilliers@dkrestaurants.com; mention you are having the lobster.

Van Williamson dinner: Vino diners on Tuesday can enjoy “An Evening with Van Williamson.” Williamson will bring his new Witching Stick wines from Anderson Valley, Calif., to pair with a four-course menu.

Start with beef tartare topped with shaved Maui onion and a sunny-side quail egg paired with Rosato, followed by fish dore served with homemade linguine served with Chardonnay “Durrell Vineyard.”

The main course is red wine-braised Mary’s chicken with gnocchi and roasted root vegetables with Zinfandel “Fashauer Vineyard” and “Gianoli Vineyard.”

Dessert is a surprise.

Cost is $78 per person. All wines are served in 3-ounce glasses. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. at Vino, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Call 533-4476 or email Sara at svilliers@dkrestaurants.com.

Umaizushi now open: Umaizushi Bistro Bar, offering classic Japanese cuisine with a contemporary flair, is now open at Honolulu Airport.

Check out the Hawaiian Roll made with soy paper, fresh tuna, yellowtail, salmon, mango and avocado, or the Black Dragon Roll made with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, unagi (eel), tobiko (flying fish roe) and unagi sauce.

Umaizushi Bistro Bar is in the airport’s main terminal.

Email “quickbites” news to nwu@staradvertiser.com.

At the Movies: ‘Fast & Furious,’ ‘Epic,’ more

Vin Diesel returns in “Fast & Furious 6,” the latest sequel in the popular series. (Universal Pictures)

OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 24

‘Epic’
In this animated feature, a teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and evil is taking place. She bands together with a ragtag group of characters in order to save both their world and ours. (PG, 102 minutes)

‘Fast & Furious 6′
The latest sequel of this high-energy action franchise finds Agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) enlisting Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his team to bring down former Special Ops soldier Owen Shaw (Luke Evans), leader of a unit specializing in vehicular warfare. Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carano, Sung Kang, Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris co-star. (PG-13, 130 minutes)

LIMITED RELEASE

‘The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawaii’
Ryan Kawamoto’s documentary about the little-known story of the Hawaii internees and the confinement sites located in the islands. At Pearlridge West 16 (R, 100 minutes)

NOW PLAYING

’42′
The life story of Jackie Robinson, the first black Major League Baseball player, and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. As with Robinson himself, the movie is a class act, though not always an engaging one. It’s such a familiar story that any faithful film biography almost inevitably will turn out predictable, even a bit routine. But it does feature an earnest performance by Chadwick Boseman in the title role and an enjoyably self-effacing turn by Harrison Ford as Rickey. (David Germain, Associated Press) (PG-13, 88 minutes)

‘The Croods’
The world’s first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world. This colorfully vibrant feature from DreamWorks Animation is a familiar mix of generational clashes, coming-of-age milestones and generally relatable laughs. (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) (PG, 98 minutes)

‘From Up on Poppy Hill’
Goro Miyazaki works from a screenplay from his father, Hayao, to tell the animated story about a group of Yokohama teens who look to save their school’s clubhouse from the wrecking ball in preparations for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This is a sweet and honestly sentimental film. The fantastical element present in the senior Miyazaki’s films is not a factor here, but the father’s ability to transport us to other worlds is very much echoed in the son’s work. (Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times) (PG, 91 minutes)

‘The Great Gatsby’
A Midwestern war veteran finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his millionaire neighbor. Director Baz Luhrmann is the latest to adapt F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic book, and it’s a glitzed-up effort that is dishwater dull. Because Luhrmann has an eye for spectacle but is deaf to emotional detail, he has turned an exquisitely told story of doomed romance into a 3-D production with all the depth of a pop-up book. The movie plods on like a sixth-period American Lit class. (Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune) (PG-13, 143 minutes)

‘The Hangover Part III’
The Wolf Pack and nemesis Leslie Chow are back for this final movie in the popular franchise, as they travel back to Las Vegas two years after the initial mayhem of the bachelor party. Along with the expected number of outrageous lines and sight gags, the filmmakers have tried to create something bold and new here while simultaneously remaining true to the trilogy and wrapping it all up in a satisfying way. And thanks to the performances of Zach Galifianakis and Ken Jeong in particular, the movie is a huge improvement over ‘Part II.’ (Christy Lemire, Associated Press) (R, 100 minutes)

‘Iron Man 3′
When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. Meticulously crafted to be a box-office juggernaut, the movie rises above its naked ambitions thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s sly charm in the title role and Ben Kingsley’s too-short and ultimately hilarious turn as the villain. (Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) (PG-13, 130 minutes)

‘Lore’
A teenager and her younger siblings set out on a harrowing journey across a devastated Germany at the end of World War II to reach their grandmother in the north. This is a dark coming-of-age saga about the trauma of war, about legacy and about collective guilt. (Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer) (NR, Germany, 109 minutes)

‘Mud’
Two teenage boys encounter a fugitive (Matthew McConaughey) and form a pact to help him evade the bounty hunters on his trail and to reunite him with his true love. One of the best films of the year, it has the feel of a novel that’s rooted deep in American soil. McConaughey brings depth to a character who at first seems merely brashly macho, and Reese Witherspoon is nearly unrecognizable as the fugitive’s troubled girlfriend who has made many bad decisions in her life. (Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) (PG-13, 130 minutes)

‘Na Ali’i of Comedy: Da Movie’
The documentary follows longtime local comic favorites Andy Bumatai, Mel Cabang, Frank De Lima, Ed Kaahea and Augie Tulba as they embark on a tour around the state. (NR, 144 minutes)

‘Oblivion’
Tom Cruise stars as a veteran assigned to extract Earth’s remaining resources who begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself. Stitched together from spare bits of other, often better films, this is the Frankenstein’s monster of science-fiction movies. It stumbles awkwardly in story and plot, shuffling toward the predictable explosions and fireballs of the final act. Yet, despite all that, this is surprisingly well acted and so beautiful to look at that what at first seems like a cinematic monster is actually a handsomely compelling creation. (Cary Darling, Fort Worth Star-Telegram) (PG-13, 126 minutes)

‘Pain & Gain’
Three bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong. Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie star in the new movie from Michael Bay, which uses all the shock and awe and noise and bluster one expects from the director. It’s a two-hour onslaught of dizzy, drunken cuts, hot bodies in empty poses, shifting perspectives (with a babble of alternating character voice-overs to accompany) and often sickening images. (David Germain, Associated Press) (R, 130 minutes)

‘Pieta’
In this Korean drama, a loan shark is forced to reconsider his violent lifestyle after the arrival of a mysterious woman claiming to be his long-lost mother. Provocative director Kim Ki-duk’s new film is expectedly gruesome in some of its details, but it’s the explicitness about capitalism’s emotional wreckage that gives this micro-budgeted drama a gut-punch heft. (Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times) (NR, 104 minutes)

Bradley Cooper, left, Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong and Ed Helms appear in “The Hangover Part III.” (Warner Bros. Pictures)

‘Renoir’
A lushly atmospheric drama that explores a pivotal time in the lives of master painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir and his war-wounded son, Jean. Handsomely mounted but dramatically anemic, Gilles Bourdos’ film offers some modest rewards, though its treatment of artistic endeavor, the lure of the flesh and generational issues finally feels lightweight. (Walter Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle) (R, 111 minutes)

‘The Sapphires’
Four young, talented Australian Aboriginal girls in 1968 learn about life, friendship and war when their vocal group entertains U.S. troops in Vietnam. The movie sparkles with sass and Motown soul, and unapologetically aims for mass-audience appeal. It reduces the war, rampant racism, love troubles and showbiz chicanery to minor hurdles in this irrepressibly upbeat story. (Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star-Tribune) (PG-13, Australia, 103 minutes)

‘Star Trek Into Darkness’
The anticipated sequel finds the crew of the Enterprise finding an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, with Captain Kirk leading a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction. Director J.J. Abrams has sacrificed a lot of Trek’s idiosyncrasy and, worse, the large-spirited humanism that sustained the original, to put this movie squarely in the conventional revenge-driven action genre. (A.O. Scott, New York Times) (PG-13, 132 minutes)

‘Tai Chi Hero’
The sequel to Stephen Fung’s “Tai Chi Zero,” our hero is still trying to find his place in a village filled with martial arts masters, even though he helped save the town from a frightening steam-powered machine. The production quality is top-notch, and there’s undeniably an entertainment value to it, albeit an empty one. (G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle) (NR, Hong Kong, 144 minutes)

SPECIAL

Summer Movie Express: ‘The Three Stooges’ and ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’
10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Windward Stadium 10, $1
A schedule of kid-appropriate movies through July 24, priced at just a dollar per movie. (The two movies will screen both days.)

Dwayne Johnson, left, Mark Wahlberg and Anthony Mackie star in “Pain & Gain,” Michael Bay’s film about a trio of bodybuilders turned criminals. (Paramount Pictures)

ARTHOUSE

MOVIE MUSEUM

3566 Harding Ave. (735-8771): $5, $4 members; reservations recommended

‘Side Effects’
Noon, 2 and 8:30 p.m. today, and 1:45, 3:45 and 5:45 p.m. Sunday
The lives of a successful New York couple unravel when a new drug is prescribed by the wife’s psychiatrist to treat her anxiety. Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum star. (90 minutes)

‘Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops)’
4 and 6:15 p.m. today and Thursday
Based on a popular novel, the film follows a group of schoolboys and their inspirational teachers as they struggle with poverty and develop hopes for the future of their village. (2008, Indonesia, 124 minutes)

‘Stand Up Guys’
Noon, 1:45, 3:30 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday
A pair of aging stickup men try to get the old gang back together for one last hurrah before one of the guys takes his last assignment to kill his comrade. Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin star. (2012, 90 minutes)

‘Balibo’
5:15 and 7:15 p.m. Saturday, and noon and 7:15 p.m. Monday
As Indonesia prepares to invade the tiny nation of East Timor in 1975, five Australian-based journalists vanish. Anthony LaPaglia and Oscar Isaac star in this political thriller. (2009, Australia, 111 minutes)

‘The Red Awn’
Noon and 8 p.m. Sunday
A father and son meet after five years of the father’s absence, and they go on a trip to rebuild their relationship. (2007, China, 101 minutes)

‘Empire of Silver’
Noon, 2 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday
In 1899 a carefree young man must prepare to take over his family’s Chinese banking empire. The son, however, wants nothing to do with the business, and still pines for the woman who is now his stepmother, his first love who was stolen from him by his father. (2009, China, 113 minutes)

DORIS DUKE THEATRE

Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St., entry on Kinau Street (532-8768): $10, $8 museum members (tickets also available online at www.honolulumuseum.org)

Ballet in Cinema: ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ from the Royal Ballet, London
1 and 6 p.m. Sunday ($25, $20 museum members)
Ballet takes a fun, visually dazzling turn in this production from choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, deftly performed by principal dancers Sarah Lamb and Federico Bonelli (150 minutes, plus one intermission)

Fifth Annual Filipino Film Festival: ‘Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings’
1 and 7:30 p.m. today
An angry drag queen puts a curse on a ladies’ man, turning him gay overnight. A serial killer stalking the town’s gay citizens with a homemade laser gun and an army of flesh-eating drag queen zombies also figure into this outrageous camp comedy, which was a smash hit back in the Philippines. (2011, 96 minutes)

‘Sta. Nina’
1 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and 1 p.m. Wednesday
Years after a volcanic mud flow covers a father’s town, he and his co-workers dig up the coffin of his 2-year-old daughter, where her remains don’t show any signs of decay. He then begins a crusade to get his daughter beatified. (2012, 105 minutes)

‘The Bladed Hand: The Global Impact of the Filipino Martial Arts’
7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday
A close look at Filipino martial arts as a global phenomenon, now the top choice for movie fight choreographers. This indigenous martial art, neglected in its home country, has long been considered the most effective weapon-based fighting system by the military and law enforcement. Director Jay Ignacio will attend all three screenings. (2012, 90 minutes)

Do It: 50th State Fair, Mice Parade, more

(Bruce Asato / basato@staradvertiser.com)

FRIDAY, MAY 24-JUNE 30

50th State Fair: Watch a circus, see pigs race, take a scary ride, play games, eat fun food and have a great time

It’s time for the 50th State Fair again. Time for cotton candy, hot dogs, deep-fried anything and a hair-raising ride on a roller coaster or bumper car.

The fair, held in Aloha Stadium’s lower parking lot, opens tonight and runs weekends through June.

Aside from rides, the fair features old-fashioned entertainment like the Amazing Anastasini, a 140-year-old family circus, pictured. One of its prime acts is Luciano’s Pound Puppies, which uses rescue dogs doing amazing tricks. The dogs have toured with major circuses, appeared on television — Whoopi Goldberg had them on “The View” for her birthday — and been the subject of a book. The circus also features a roller-skating act and an impressive hand-balancing act.

A new attraction this year is the Crazy World 5D Adventure, a walk-through experience staged in a huge tent equipped with projection devices and screens. Visitors wearing 3-D glasses will have the feeling that objects are traveling at and around them from all angles. Five different adventures, such as the “Creepy Castle” and “Freaky Forest,” will be presented during the run of the fair.

Returning to the fair will be Hedrick’s Racing Pigs. The Kansas Exotic Animal Farm is sending 12 pigs to race around a dirt track, all vying for an Oreo cookie.

Musical entertainment will be provided throughout the run of the fair and will include military and school bands, dance bands and individual artists, such as Duncan Kamakana from “The Voice.”

Where: Aloha Stadium, lower parking lot
When: 6 p.m. Fridays and June 6; 4 p.m. Saturdays; noon Sundays and Monday (closing between 11 p.m. and midnight)
Cost: $3-$5 admission; $2 June 6; children shorter than 40 inches are free; rides $3-$7.50 in coupons
Info: www.ekfernandez.com or 682-5767

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Mice Parade to scamper through The Republik

(Courtesy photo)

If you switch around the letters of Adam Pierce’s name, you get the words Mice Parade, which is the moniker for his electronic instrumental music. Pierce and his two musical compatriots return to play its ethereal poppy post-rock at the Republik. The live version of Mice Parade will mix up traditional and electronic instruments.

Formed in the late ’90s by the multitasking Pierce in upstate New York, Mice Parade has always had a worldly and eclectic view in its music (not surprising considering Pierce’s formal ethnomusicology background), freely incorporating Latin, West African and Brazilian elements in its polyglot soundscape.

Mice Parade’s latest album, “Candela” (named after a flamenco bar in Madrid, Spain), is arguably Pierce’s most engaging effort. In particular, the track “Currents” starts off with some pretty electric piano that transitions from fuzz guitar into a hard groove played on a drum kit that breaks down and builds up again, all with a dreamy vocal by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Caroline Lufkin floating over it.

This is all smart and appealing stuff, and in a live setting, Mice Parade should get the crowd moving.

Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $15 advance, $20 day of show
Info: www.groovetickets.com or 855-235-2867

–Gary Chun

MONDAY, MAY 27

Lanterns to drift upon the ocean in stunning event

(Bruce Asato / basato@staradvertiser.com)

The solemn yet spectacular Memorial Day event known as Lantern Floating Hawaii takes place Monday evening as more than 5,000 candle lanterns are set afloat at the Magic Island side of Ala Moana Beach Park.

The lanterns bear prayers and remembrances as a memorial to those who have passed and as an expression of hope for a peaceful, harmonious future. They wil be written on special paper provided by the Shinnyo-en Hawaii Temple, which along with Na Lei Aloha Foundation organizes the event. The head of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Order, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, is traveling from Japan to preside over the ceremony, which in previous years had crowds of up to 40,000 people from Hawaii and around the world. The ceremony includes music and the lighting of a ceremonial Light of Harmony.

For those wishing to send prayers and remembrances on individual lanterns, they may be submitted to the temple online at lanternfloatinghawaii.com until midnight Sunday.

People may also submit remembrances for collective lanterns starting at 10 a.m. Monday at the event site.

Floating lanterns will be distributed at the event site starting at 10 a.m. Monday. Lanterns will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with one lantern per family recommended.

Where: Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday
Cost: Free
Info: www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com or 942-1848.

Glenn Miller Orchestra shares its big-band sound

(Courtesy photo)

Nearly 70 years after bandleader Glenn Miller died helping in the war effort, the authentic sound of his big band swings its way to Hawaii on Monday with the debut of the Glenn Miller Orchestra at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

The orchestra is devoted to re-creating Miller’s unique sound and will perform all of his familiar hits, such as “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “In the Mood,” said musical director and trombonist Rick Gerber, a childhood fan of Miller’s.

“We play the authentic, original Glenn Miller arrangements,” he said. “We do not ‘modernize’ the music. We play it the way it’s written.”

Or, in some cases, as it was played and recorded. Many of the solos that band members improvised during recordings were not written down, so Gerber and other band members listen to the recordings and transcribe what they hear.

The group uses Miller’s orchestration: five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, percussion and vocals. That sound, with an unusually deep sonority, came in 1938 after Miller, who had failed with one band, took an exercise that had clarinet leading over trombones and developed it into a tune that became “Moonlight Serenade,” Gerber said.

Miller aficionados also might appreciate some of the less famous songs that Gerber works into the set. “I can always tell the died-in-the-wool Miller fans,” he said. “They will whistle or applaud one of the lesser-known tunes.”

In 1942, at the peak of his career, Miller persuaded the Army to allow him to enlist, even though at 38 he was well beyond draft age. In 1944 his plane mysteriously vanished over the English Channel.

Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave.
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Cost: $69-$99
Info: www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000

–Steven Mark

Out ‘N’ About: Memorial Day, Raku Hoolaulea, more

Saturday, May 25: Waterfront Jam, Jake Shimabukuro (pictured), Brother Noland, Manoa DNA, Kutmaster Spaz and the Kenny Endo Ensemble headline this benefit concert for Lions Club community service projects and local youth scholarships. 6-1

WEEKEND OF FRIDAY, MAY 24

50th State Fair, E.K. Fernandez midway of rides, games and food with new European-style circus show, Luciano’s Pound Puppies, Hedrick’s racing pigs, backyard circus and giant puppet parade, live entertainment stage and Crazy World 5D Adventure multimedia show; 6 p.m. today, 4 p.m. Saturday, noon Sunday-Monday; Aloha Stadium. $3-$5; kids under 40 inches free. 682-5767, ekfernandez.com

Two Museums and A Royal Palace Weekend, two-day admission into all three for one discounted price with special events such as the Native Hawaiian Arts Market (at Bishop Museum, part of Maoli Arts Month); varying hours Saturday and Sunday at Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art and Iolani Palace. $10; $19.95 nonresidents. 532-8701, honolulumuseum.org; 847-3511, bishopmuseum.org; 522-0822, iolanipalace.org

Memorial Day weekend Pearl Harbor Historic Boat Tours, National Park Service ranger-narrated cruises around Ford Island with stop at USS Arizona Memorial presented by the Navy, National Park Service and Pacific Historic Parks, 1:15 and 2:30 p.m. today-Monday, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. $30 (donation to USS Arizona Memorial restoration fund). Reservations: recreation.gov, 877-444-6777

Hawaii Self Storage- Kapolei West craft fair and flea market, 30+ vendors, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. today-Saturday, 2009 Lauwiliwili St. (behind Costco). 953-9312

Vintage Rose & Friends vintage and garden sale, pop-up market 5-8 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Waioli Tea Room lanai and Ginger Room. Free admission. 226-7119

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Na Hoku Hanohano Music Festival Workshop, courses on ukulele, slack key and radio play, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ala Moana Hotel. $25 all-day pass; $10 single workshop. 593-9424, melemei.com

City’s Memorial Day lei sewing, for veterans’ graves, with entertainment by Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club and appearance by 2013 Lei Queen and court, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Honolulu Hale. Finished lei donations welcome. 768-6666

Royal Hawaiian Band, noon-1 p.m., Iolani Palace. Free. 922-5331

Dominique Wilkins meet-and-greet, NBA hall-of-famer and type-1 diabetic speaks, signs autographs and takes photos with fans, presented by the Hawaii Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 3:30-5:30 p.m., McCabe Gym, Saint Louis School. Free. RSVPs: 988-1000. fb.com/JDRFHawaii

Family Fun Fair, games, craft fair, bouncer, food, face painting, balloons and shave ice, 5-8 p.m., Good Shepherd Preschool, 638 N. Kuakini St. Free admission. 533-3088

“Honor Flight: One Last Mission” Hawaii premiere, reception honoring veterans and screening of acclaimed documentary tribute to World War II veterans, 5:30 p.m., Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. $25; free for museum members. Reservations closed. Repeat screening 2 p.m. Sunday. 441-1007, pacificaviationmuseum.org

Relay for Life Koolauloa, overnight American Cancer Society benefit and 100th birthday celebration with activities, entertainment and food, 6 p.m.-6 a.m., Kahuku District Park. relayforlife.org, 432-9144

Pacific Roller Derby home championship bout, Leahi Diamond Dolls defend their title against newest team Tropic Thunder, 7 p.m., Palama Settlement gym. $5-$7; kids 12 and younger free. pacificrollerderby.com

“Magic Tree House Space Mission,” full-dome show based on the popular children’s book series educating about the solar system and space travel, 7 p.m., Hokulani Imaginarium, Windward Community College. $5-$7; free for kids under 4. 235-7433

Ho’okena in concert, presented by the Hawaii Theatre Center Hana Hou! Series, 7:30 p.m., Hawaii Theatre. $27-$32. hawaiitheatre.com, 528-0506

Military Appreciation Comedy Night, featuring Jose Dynamite, Patrick Tyrrell, C. Powell, David K. Jones, Elroy Ruiz and Markende Pierre, 7:30 p.m., O’Toole’s Irish Pub, Celtic Room. Cover: $10. Ages 21+. 391-5673

Aloha Roots Fest, featuring Likkle Mai and Father Psalms, 8 p.m., The Republik. $20-$30. Ages 18+. flavorus.com, 855-235-2867

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Used book sale, also DVDs, CDs, office furniture and book shelves, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. 685-4460

Spring plant sale, featuring fragrant, native Hawaiian and unusual plants, haku lei, fresh flower adornments and garden tours, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Foster Botanical Garden. Free admission. 537-1708

State’s Memorial Day lei sewing, Department of Agriculture invites all to help make lei for veterans cemeteries, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Plant Quarantine Branch, 1849 Auiki St., near Sand Island. Flower donations welcome. hdoa.hawaii.gov, 973-9560, 832-0566

Community Health Fair, with free vision exams and eyeglasses, diabetes and obesity workshops, children’s mood screenings, free hepatitis testing and free lunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 3950 Paine Circle, Honolulu. Free. 422-8622

37th Raku Hoolaulea, community kiln by Hawaii Craftsmen featuring tea bowl glazing, raku pottery sales and demos, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Camp Mokuleia. $5 admission. 637-6241

Kanikapila in Kailua: Jon Yamasato and Herb Ohta Jr., award-winning island musicians in free concert series by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, 4-5:30 p.m., Kailua parking garage behind Longs Drugs. Free; chairs, mats, food welcome. 263-7073, castlefoundation.org

36th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, annual music-industry recognition, with performances by Kuana Torres Kahele, Kalei Gamiao, Taimane Gardner, Brittni Paiva, Anuhea, Manao Company and others, 5-10 p.m., Hawai’i Convention Center. $135-$150 (includes dinner). 593-9424, melemei.com

Waterfront Jam, concert featuring Jake Shimabukuro, Brother Noland, Manoa DNA, Kutmaster Spaz, the Kenny Endo Ensemble, silent auction and door prizes, a benefit for Lions Club community service projects and local youth scholarships, 6-10 p.m., Aloha Tower. $45-$75. 282-5577, 528-1073, waterfrontjam.com

Southern Fried Fundraiser Show #1, first of two shows helping to send a Hawaii team to Southern Fried Poetry Slam in New Orleans, featuring hip-hop, drama, music and poetry by Sterling Higa, Harrison Ines, William Giles, Hannah Matsunaga and Jocelyn Ng, 7-9 p.m. (meet-and-greet 6 p.m.), The Creative, 1120 Smith St. Tickets: $10, 782-7868.

“Dance Over Taiwan,” Taiwanese folk dance and scholarship awards presented by the Taiwanese Association of America Hawaii chapter for Taiwanese American Heritage Week, 7 p.m., Orvis Auditorium, University of Hawaii at Manoa. Free. 354-3084

Folk dance, folk dances and music from around the world with instruction by Mandala International Folk Dancers, 7-9 p.m., Atherton YMCA. $3-$5 donation. 227-8033

Bill Cunliffe and Denise Donatelli, Grammy-winning jazz artists in concert, with Bruce Hamada on bass and host Don Gordon, 7:30 p.m., Studio 909, 909 Kapiolani Blvd. $35, $45. musicianshawaii.com/studio-909, 596-2121

Chris Vandercook Band: “Blues — the Common Ground,” singer-guitarist and his band return to Hawaii Public Radio for a concert exploring the many shades of the blues, 7:30 p.m., Atherton Performing Arts Studio. $15-$30. 955-8821, hawaiipublicradio.org

Last Saturday Roots in Jazz: Subtonic Orchestra: earcandy, DeShannon Higa’s jazz ensemble performs in Honolulu Museum of Art concert series hosted by Don Gordon, 7:30 p.m., Doris Duke Theatre. $30-$35. 532-6097, honolulumuseum.org

Mice Parade, New York indie/shoegaze band in concert, 8 p.m., The Republik. $15-$20. All ages accompanied by adult. flavorus.com, 855-235-2867

In Yo Face Improv show, sendoff for IYFI player Elexis Draine with short- and long-form improv comedy, 8-10:30 p.m., Ong King Arts Center. Cover: $5. fb.com/IYFIFYI

24th Annual Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival kickoff party, show featuring the Cherry Blossom Cabaret, Derek Daniels Productions, drag performances, pole dancing, singing and more, 9:30 p.m, Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand. $10 advance. honoluluboxoffice.com, 550-8457

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Hawaii Polo Club’s Military Appreciation and Country Western Day, polo matches with KHCM Hawaii’s Hot Country 97.5 FM, barbecue, cowboy, cowgirl, lasso, themed tailgate party and keiki contests, and music by Hooligan’s Harp (5-7 p.m.): 2 p.m. (gates open 11 a.m. for picnicking, beach use), Hawaii Polo Club, Waialua. $10; $25 clubhouse. 226-0061, hawaii-polo.org

“Honor Flight: One Last Mission” screening, acclaimed documentary tribute to World War II veterans, 2 p.m., Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. Free with museum admission ($8-$30). Reservations: 441-1007, pacificaviationmuseum.org

“Winging It 3!,” POW Jam Band jam session and Prayers on Wings charity benefit celebrating 40th birthday of founder Devin Nakasone with dinner, raffles and entertainers including Level III with the Elements, H2O, Xcite, Pineapple Squeeze and Mojo, 3 p.m.-midnight, Dot’s, Wahiawa. $15-$30. 341-5820, prayersonwings.org

Ogo’s Concert Luau, Mele Mei event featuring Waipuna, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Mark Yamanaka, Christian Yrizarry and Pali, luau dinner and drinks, 5-7:30 p.m., Bishop Museum. $60 with Hawaii or military ID. 593-9424, email@nahokuhanohano.org

Hula i ke Kai, Mele Mei performances, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Waikiki Hula Mound. Free. melemei.com

“Give + Take” featuring Jake Shimabukuro and Paula Fuga, fundraising dinner for nonprofit Hands in Helping Out, 6 p.m., The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong. $150. giveandtake.bpt.me

The Hammer Slam Bam, Daughters of the King International summer series event featuring speakers Gregg Hammer and his wife, Shawnee, live music and plate lunches for purchase, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Island Pacific Academy, Kapolei. Free. 636-8936, dokinternationalinc.org

Swing Dance Club Hawaii dance, free lesson followed by open dancing with music by Bert Burgess and snacks, 6:30-9:15 p.m., Palladium Ballroom, Ala Wai Golf Club. $8; $5 for members. swingdanceclubhawaii.org, 255-6095

Holy Trinity vespers, featuring world premiere of “Trinity Dancing” cantata by New York-based composer Robinson McClellan, with church choir and Bach Chamber Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou St. Free; goodwill offering taken. lchwelcome.org, 941-2566

MONDAY, MAY 27

Schofield Barracks Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, public invited to join Army in honoring veterans and fallen service members, 10 a.m., Schofield Barracks Post Cemetery. Free. Enter via Lyman Gate, off Kunia Road, with driver’s license and vehicle registration, insurance and safety check. 656-3159

Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony, address by Gov. Neil Abercrombie with musical prelude, parade of flags, presentation of lei and wreaths, rifle salute, 1 p.m., Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe. Free. Aloha attire for civilians; Class B or service equivalent for military. 233-3630

15th Annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, with Shinnyo-en Hawaii, taiko, hula and 5,000+ lanterns set afloat in remembrance of loved ones or in hope for peace, 6 p.m., Magic Island. Free. Lanterns free or by donation (tent opens 10 a.m.). Free event parking at Hawai’i Convention Center 9 a.m.-midnight. Remembrance submissions: lanternfloatinghawaii.com

Glenn Miller Orchestra, in concert with the Moonlight Serenade Singers and Broadway Swing Dancers, performing music of the ’30s and ’40s including big-band hits, original Miller arrangements, Andrews Sisters and the Frank Sinatra songbook, 6 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall. $69, $99. 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com

TUESDAY, MAY 28

Pearlridge Connect!Kids Tuesday: Waikiki Aquarium, storytelling and crafts, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Pearlridge Center, Uptown Center Court. Free. 488-0981, pearlridgeonline.com

“Can You Dig It!”, state library system (librarieshawaii.org) kicks off children’s summer reading program with free events:

» 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Kapolei Public Library (693-7050). Gardening and worm composting demos and activities, take-home kits, book displays, refreshments and door prizes for children pre-kindergarten to grade 6, accompanied by parent/caregiver.

» 6 p.m. at Kahuku Public & School Library (293-8935). Dinosaur parade, crafts, activity stations and treats.

Halekulani Presents the New Generation: Na Hoa, free Mele Mei performance, 7-9 p.m., Halekulani Hotel. melemei.com

Of Montreal, indie pop band in concert, 8 p.m., The Republik. $25-$40. All ages accompanied by adult. flavorus.com, 855-235-2867

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

National Senior Health & Fitness Day, featuring fitness classes, health screenings, speakers and exhibitors, 8-11 a.m., Central YMCA, 401 Atkinson Drive. Free. Photo ID required of nonmembers. 440-9372, attentionplus.com

YWCA Oahu Benefit Clothing Sale, new and used women’s clothing and accessories, a benefit for economically disadvantaged women re-entering workforce, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Laniakea YWCA lobby, 1040 Richards St. Free entry. 538-7061

Tiare Hawaii & Noelani Designs summer trunk show, with the designers, desserts, wine tasting, DJ Neeks and prizes, 1-7 p.m., Aloha Aina Boutique, Royal Hawaiian Center. Free. 924-4333, royalhawaiiancenter.com

Movie Night @ the Library: “Brave,” PG film screening for all ages with free popcorn, 6 p.m., Kaneohe Public Library. Free. 233-5676

“Led Zeppelin,” full-dome show featuring classic rock music and mood-provoking graphics, suitable for all ages, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., Hokulani Imaginarium, Windward Community College. $5-$7. 235-7433

THURSDAY, MAY 30

“Celebrating the Military Family” breakfast, Armed Services YMCA of Honolulu tribute to and benefit for military families and wounded warriors, 7:30-9 a.m., Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. $250. 473-3398, asymcahi.org

YWCA Oahu Benefit Clothing Sale, new and used women’s clothing and accessories, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Laniakea YWCA lobby, 1040 Richards St. Free entry. 538-7061

Traditions of the Pacific lecture: “A Young Man And The Stars,” Nainoa Thompson with Sam Low, 6-7:30 p.m., Bishop Museum, Atherton Halau. $10; free for members. RSVPs: 847-8296, bishopmuseum.org

Lanai & Augie’s Comedy Laugh Shack, with host Lil’ Guy and music by Mike Tulba, 8 p.m., Coral Creek Golf Course, Pueo Restaurant. |$12. All ages. augiet.com, 479-0576

To Do: English Beat, Deftones, more

(Courtesy photo)

JUNE 1
Dave Wakefield and The English Beat should get the crowd happily dancing to its lively British 2-Tone sound.
8 p.m. / The Republik / $25 & $35 / 855-235-2867, flavorus.com

(Courtesy photo)

JUNE 2
Deftones, the wildly popular alternative metal band, makes its anticipated appearance at the Republik.
8 p.m. / The Republik / $37.50 / 855-235-2867, flavorus.com

(Associated Press)

JUNE 4-9
The annual gay- and lesbian-themed Hawaii Rainbow Film Festival will showcase films like “Any Day Now,” starring Alan Cumming and Garret Dillahun, pictured.
Various times / Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art / $9-$15 / 675-8428, hglcf.org

(Associated Press)

JUNE 15
The Jamrock Edition of the Republik Music Festival will feature Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and, for the first time in Hawaii, Santigold, pictured.
7 p.m. / Kakaako Waterfront Park Amphitheater / $42.50 & $90 / 855-235-2867, flavorus.com

(Courtesy photo)

JUNE 16-22
Audience favorite Jon Nakamatsu is one of several featured musicians at this year’s Aloha International Piano Festival.
Various times / Hawai’i Convention Center / $10-$30 / alohapianofestival.com

TICKER
Blue Man Group: Those enigmatic musical humanoids make a stop at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, June 18-23; $40-$85, ticketmaster.com.
Brian Regan: The comedian’s comedian and a favorite of Jerry Seinfeld’s plays the Blaisdell Concert Hall on June 28; $39.50 and $49.50, ticketmaster.com.
Bishop Museum, the Honolulu Museum of Art and Iolani Palace at a discount. Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $19.95, $10 kamaaina, age 17 and under free. www.honolulumuseum.org or 532-8701.

Grind Time: Collaboration at the Cave

From left, chefs Flynn McGarry, Chris Kajioka and Matt Tinder pose for a portrait at Vintage Cave on Wednesday, May 26. The three will collaborate on a 14-course dinner this weekend at the restaurant. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jamm Aquino)

BY JASON GENEGABUS / jason@staradvertiser.com

Toiling away in a cave can have it’s perks — especially if your name is Chris Kajioka and your underground lair is Vintage Cave at Ala Moana Center.

When you have the keys to a $20 million dollar kitchen and access to the best ingredients imaginable from around the globe, it’s no surprise Kajioka wants to spread the aloha amongst his culinary peers and share his sandbox with other creative chefs.

On Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, he’ll host California cooking prodigy Flynn McGarry and Kauai’s own Matt Tinder in the third series of chefs collaboration dinners at the Cave. Seatings will be at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. both nights.

“We all have different styles, obviously,” said Kajikoka on Wednesday, May 22. “It just so happens all of our styles are very seafood and vegetable based, so I think, like, 95 percent of the menu is going to focus on vegetables and seafood.

“Within that, Flynn has his style, we have ours, and Matt has his. How we laid out the courses, it’s works really, really, well. I’m really excited.”

Chef Flynn McGarry. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jamm Aquino)

AT JUST 14 years old, McGarry is steadily creating a bigger name for himself and collaborating with some pretty impressive names. His biography already lists an apprenticeship under chef Kris Morningstar (Ray’s, Los Angeles) and collaborations with chefs Grant Achatz (Alinea and Next, Chicago), Maxime Bilet (Modernist Cuisine, Seattle) and Chef John Sedlar (Playa, Los Angeles). He also hosts his own monthly pop-up supper club called Eureka at his parent’s home in Los Angeles.

But it wasn’t his credentials that spurred Kajioka to offer him a gig at the Cave. It was McGarry’s Instagram feed.

“Social media is crazy,” said Kajioka. “I think we both admired what each other was doing. I’m not saying he’s an amazing chef yet, but there couldn’t be a better start to his career, for sure. The mentors he’s had, there’s no way he’s not going to be a great chef.”

McGarry is eager to showcase his style of cooking, which he described as “Progressive American Cuisine.”

“The reason I call it progressive is because if you look at my food six months ago and my food today, it’s completely different,” he said. “I’m constantly changing. My food is progressing with me.”

He was also excited to put on his chef’s apron and get into the kitchen at Vintage Cave. McGarry will be responsible for one “snack” and two courses on this weekend’s 14-course degustative menu.

“This place is ridiculous,” he said. “It’s every chef’s dream, with this crazy dining room with only 35 seats, amazing bright kitchen with all the toys in the world and plates I can only dream of having. And the staff is really great.”

Chef Matt Tinder. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jamm Aquino)

FOR MATT TINDER, this weekend is both a homecoming and a showcase of the cooking talents he’s picked up over the last eight years of working in restaurants on the mainland.

Boasting a resume that includes working for chefs like Boris Portnory and Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena) and Joshua Skenes (Saison, San Francisco), he currently works with chef/owner Daniel Patterson at Coi in San Francisco.

All that hard work came at a price, however — Tinder hasn’t been home to Kauai once since he left in 2005, and hasn’t seen his mother since then, either. That will all change on Saturday, when Tinder will celebrate a belated Mother’s Day with his mom in the house at Vintage Cave.

“It’s a trip to be back because there’s not that many kitchens like this,” he said. “For me, I wanted to see how far I could go. It’s nice here, but you don’t know what it’s like out there.

“I think it’s exciting to see what Chris has going on here.”

Chef Chris Kajioka, left, consults with chefs Matt Tinder and Flynn McGarry, right, in the kitchen at Vintage Cave on Wednesday, May 22. (Star-Advertiser photo by Jamm Aquino)

Kajioka is quick to turn the spotlight back on his guests, however, explaining how he’s been trying to get Tinder to Oahu ever since the restaurant opened, but it was only now that his schedule allowed him to get away.

“Honestly, I’m super excited for Matt to be here,” he said. “No one in Hawaii has any idea who he is. In San Francisco, everyone knows Matt Tinder. In New York, everybody knows. He’s one of the top five pastry chefs in the country, bar none.”

Can’t make it to this month’s collaboration dinner? Start saving up now for June — “Top Chef” competitor and Vintage Cave veteran Sheldon Simeon will be back in the kitchen working alongside Kajioka and his crew. More details on that meal will be released in the coming weeks.
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“Grind Time” is always looking for the latest places to get your grub on. Email Jason Genegabus with restaurant, bar or any other food/drink-related item at jason@staradvertiser.com.

From dance floor to the sea

Ingo Rademacher and his partner Kym Johnson made it all the way to the semi-finals of “Dancing With the Stars” this season. (Courtesy ABC)

BY GARY CHUN / gchun@staradvertiser.com

It was one last dance and out for soap opera star and Hawaii resident Ingo Rademacher and his partner, Kym Johnson, on Tuesday’s season finale of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Speaking by phone from Los Angeles between rehearsals for that night’s final show, the 42-year-old German-born actor and 16-year veteran of ABC’s “General Hospital” said he was happy he made it as far as last week’s semifinals as one of the last five couples on the popular ballroom dancing contest.

(Country singer Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough took the “Dancing with the Stars” title.)

Now he can turn his attention back to life on the North Shore with his Hawaii-born wife, Ehiku, and their sons, 5-year-old Peanut and baby Pohaku, who turned 1 on May 13, and preparing for the Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard World Championships on July 28.

Both he and his wife are elite stand-up paddlers representing the YOLO Board company, based in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and San Diego. It’s a sport he took up in 2006.

After buying property here seven years ago and moving to Hawaii last year from Los Angeles, Rademacher is committed to making a life in the islands. Although his celebrity increased thanks to “DWTS,” “the fact that I now live in Hawaii full time shows how I feel about acting,” he said. “It’s a lot harder to do it while living (in Hawaii).

“My wife has started an active­wear line, Mahiku, so we’re dedicating some time to that.”

On “General Hospital” the actor played suave tycoon and serial bridegroom Jasper “Jax” Jacks, last seen on the show in April. Rademacher’s television credits include roles on “Hawaii Five-0,” “Titans,” “Veronica’s Closet” and “According to Jim.”

Rademacher works on his stand-up paddling near the YOLO board East Coast headquarters in Florida. (Courtesy Chandler Williams/YOLO Board)

A lifelong athlete in a range of year-round outdoor and motor sports, Rade­macher moved to Australia with his family when he was 10. As an adult he has competed at high levels in beach volleyball, triathlons and stand-up paddling, and is a three-time winner of the celebrity division of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon.

Rademacher has been a regular visitor to Hawaii since the late 1990′s, participating in the multisport Outrigger Waikiki King’s Race.

Since he’s made stand-up paddling his passion, “I told my manager and agent I will take the occasional job or role here and there. I did one for ‘Hawaii Five-0’ two years ago, and ‘General Hospital’ can have me any time it wants.”

His grueling rehearsals with Johnson on “DWTS” this season helped with his preparation for the challenging open-ocean Molokai 2 Oahu race, which traverses 32 miles across the Kaiwi Channel.

“The dancing has certainly built up my leg strength, but because of the stand-up paddling, I’ll have to work on my upper body and endurance. I had a decent result last year (taking fifth in his age division with a time of 5 hours, 33 minutes and 38 seconds), but since I’ve done a simulation run, I think I know the channel well enough. It’s certainly fun, and because I still want to be competitive into my late 40s, I figure this is now or never.”

When he’s not out on the water, Rademacher said he intends to get more involved with the local community, admitting he’s kept a relatively low profile since his family moved here.

“Plus, I’ll continue to work on the property, with the chickens and the acreage with avocado and coconut trees,” he said. “And where we live, it’s just a short walk down to Shark’s Cove.”

Social Encore: ‘Walking’ with Baby Lyssa

BY JERMEL-LYNN QUILLOPO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

Lyssa Rae Chapman II — also known as “Baby Lyssa” — became famous through A&E’s “Dog The Bounty Hunter.” As she reveals in her newly released memoir, “Walking On Eggshells,” her road to fame was far from easy.

Chapman confesses in her book she moved between Colorado, Alaska and Hawaii while dealing with a lot of family dysfunction. The book reveals her perspective on the many stories that her father, Duane “Dog” Champan, had touched on in his book, “You Can Run But Can’t Hide.”

Chapman starts her book chronologically, talking about her parents and how their marriage eventually ended in a divorce. Even at the tender age of four, her memory about the events that proceeded after the divorce incorporates so much detail. Her first strong memory involves her mother and father’s new girlfriend and secretary getting into a huge fight, leaving her and her brothers in her father’s care.

As she states in her book, the concept of mother did not resonate with her since her father had so many relationships with women throughout her childhood. Since her father worked a lot, he hired nannies to take care of her and her siblings. However, each nanny eventually became her father’s girlfriend and was eventually replaced every so often.

Despite her problems at home, Chapman found comfort in school and excelled but found it hard to make friends, especially when she moved to Hawaii. She mentions in the book how she was bullied because she was Caucasian. Even a teacher of hers contributed to the bulling, making it even harder for her to adjust.

Much of her personal moments include her father’s drug addiction and her own drug addiction. She walks through how successful her father was as a bondsman and knowing in her heart how much her father loved her and her siblings. Although he was often consumed with work and the many women in his life, she says that his priorities were clouded when he became addicted to drugs. Because of his drug addiction, his business created a financial hole, leading the family into poverty. When her father was on drugs, his violent outbursts and fights where considered normal to her.

Since both of her parents were battling their own addictions, Chapman says that she and her siblings did not have much parental guidance growing up. She was exposed to drugs when she in the fourth grade by her older siblings and eventually started to drink, smoke and do heavy drugs.

It’s a hard thing to share your personal and deepest moments with the world. Even though her book exposes her family, she says her family was very supportive during the writing process of the book.

“They were fine with it,” she said, “my dad, family and friends were very helpful in confirming dates and times.”

The Chapman family: Duane Lee, Beth, Duane “Dog,” Leland and “Baby” Lyssa. (Courtesy A&E)

One of heaviest burdens that she carried growing up was being molested by a family friend while she was in the fourth grade. Chapman admitted life experiences like this are hard for anyone to understand at such a young age.

“Writing this book and coming out about became a sort of therapy for me,” said Chapman. “During the process of writing this book, I had a lot of sleepless nights and it brought up old emotions.

“I realize that these experiences controlled a lot of my relationships, trust, and relationships with children. This book helped me put an end to things and put an end to those chapters.”

When Chapman made her first appearance on “Dog The Bounty Hunter,” she was still battling drug addiction but realized in 2011 after getting arrested that she needed to change.

“When I was arrested and was locked up with a person that was my friend, I really understood my calling in life and that was to help others that were just like me,” she said.

Lyssa Chapman. (Courtesy photo)

While working with her dad bounty hunting, she often was responsible for dealing with the children during the process, which she says reaffirmed her calling in life. Chapman hopes that that by telling her story, she can help other people that are in similar situations.

“My main motivation is to really help young girls and young men who have been in similar situations as me with abusive, drug addicted parents,” she said.

Chapman has started a non-profit organization, Proper Choices Inc., to help young teen girls by providing resources she wished she had when she became a teen mom. By providing shelter, classes and somewhere to turn to, Chapman said she wants girls to knows there are people out there that care.

“I want to be able to shelter these young girls and educate them,” she said. “I believe that education and knowledge of what is out there is very important. I want these young women to become successful and become a productive part of society.”

A portion of her book sales will go towards benefiting homes and programs for her non-profit.

Looking forward, Chapman is currently on a book tour, owns a tanning business in Hawaii Kai and also is developing a show with American television producer Jonathan Murray. The show will focus on girls who have reached out to her through social networking sites regarding their hardships being a teen mother. She hopes to spend a week with these girls and help change their lives.

After reading this book from cover to cover, I feel this could actually be a great storyline to a movie. Having experience in television production, this book really provides an inside look at Chapman behind the glitz and glamour, exposing the obstacles she had to overcome in order to become successful. For someone to be courageous to admit to their mistakes in life is already an overwhelming experience, but to admit to the world is a whole other level — and I commend her for it.

To learn more about her book, visit Chapman’s Facebook page.
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Jermel-Lynn Quillopo is a multi-faceted, energetic individual with experience in both print and broadcast journalism. “Social Encore” aims to tell diverse stories about Hawaii’s food, events and people; share your tips with Jermel via email or follow her on Twitter.

Food La La: Going big at Gyuta

I have a confession to make. I used to be a pescetarian (someone that eats only seafood) for almost half my life. It has only been about three years since I started eating red meat again. I’m glad to be a born again carnivore because I was totally missing out on all-you-can-eat places like this new Japanese hot pot restaurant called Gyuta. Gyuta is located at 758 Kapahulu Ave. where the former Pyramids restaurant was.

Their specialty? All-you-can-eat plates of meat and vegetables to go with their shabu shabu and sukiyaki!

They are two choices of meat here – the beef and pork course or the fine beef and pork. My friends and I chose the regular beef and pork which comes with brisket, pork loin, pork ribs and chicken. The only difference between the regular course and the fine course is that the latter comes with rib eye instead of brisket.

Next, you decide whether you want shabu shabu or sukiyaki. My friends and I couldn’t decide so we got the combo which comes with both ($22.80 per person with the regular beef and pork course or $27.80 for the fine beef and pork course).

If you want either the shabu shabu or sukiyaki alone here are the prices:

The quality of the meat is good for the price. The meat is cut very thin (for quick cooking) and presented as beautiful as raw meat could possibly look.

Pork and chicken plate. (Courtesy Brandon Yoon)

Brisket. (Courtesy Brandon Yoon)

The vegetables are typical of Japanese hot pot — the only strange thing was the romaine lettuce. It was brown. Our server was apologetic and was willing to bring out more, but we declined as we didn’t want lettuce in our soup (we needed to save space for more meat!).

(Courtesy Brandon Yoon)

Each person gets their choice of four pieces of either pork or shrimp gyoza to cook inside of the broth. This is the pork.

(Courtesy Brandon Yoon)

Getting the combo is great because the shabu shabu is on the light while the sukiyaki is on the saltier side so they balance each other out nicely. You can ask for water to dilute the sukiyaki to get your desired flavor. I know this is not the proper way to eat hot pot but my friends and I were starving so we dumped everything in all at once.

(Courtesy Brandon Yoon)

There are two types of sauces — a creamy goma (sesame) and a tangy ponzu. The raw (organic) egg is for the sukiyaki.

(Courtesy Brandon Yoon)

You swish the piece of cooked meat into the egg right after you take it out of the hot pot.

(Courtesy Brandon Yoon)

After gorging on unlimited plates of meat (there is a 90-minute time limit), you get a choice of either ramen noodles or udon to cook inside the broth.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert, because the meal is completed with a scoop of ice cream.

Between my three friends and I, we had seven plates of meat. I think we got our money’s worth!

‘Five-0′ finale draws 9 million

BY MIKE GORDON / mgordon@staradvertiser.com

CBS ended its third season of “Hawaii Five-0″ Monday night with a cliffhanger for its lead character Steve McGarrett and its largest audience since February, according to Nielsen ratings released by the network.

The show drew 9 million viewers to win the hour over ABC’s new crime series “Motive,” which drew 6.55 million viewers and NBC’s “Revolution,” which drew 5.64 million viewers.

“Five-0″ hasn’t topped the 9-million-viewer mark since Feb. 18 for an episode that featured former “Magnum, P.I.” star Larry Manetti. That episode drew 9.11 million viewers.

Among adults 18-49, a coveted audience, “Five-0″ drew 2 percent of the total viewing audience Monday and 6 percent of those watching TV at the time, CBS said. Those were the second-highest demo­graph­ics since the March 25 episode.

“Five-0″ is now done with Monday nights. CBS announced last week that it will be moving the show to Friday nights and also to a time slot that’s one hour earlier. In Hawaii it will air at 8 p.m. between “Undercover Boss” and the cop drama “Blue Bloods,” which stars former “Magnum, P.I.” star Tom Selleck.

Loyal fans will no doubt remember previous “Five-0″ season finales: The first season saw McGarrett — who is played by Alex O’Loughlin — carted off to prison on murder charges, and last year he discovered in the closing seconds that his long-dead mother, Doris … was alive.

On Monday he was paired with arch nemesis Wo Fat — played with polished evil by Hawaii native Mark Dacascos — as an unknown number of machine gun-wielding bad guys with a torch were forcing their way into Wo Fat’s fortified cell.

Outtakes Online: ‘Mad Men’ to BIFF

Vincent Kartheiser, right, stars as Pete Campbell on AMC’s “Mad Men.” (Courtesy AMC)

BY MIKE GORDON / mgordon@staradvertiser.com

When Vincent Kartheiser sheds the Brooks Brothers suit that belongs to Pete Campbell, his uptight character on the AMC series “Mad Men,” he turns into a pretty simple guy.

The Los Angeles actor lives in a bungalow that’s barely 600 square feet. He drives a small car. He doesn’t own a lot of clothes.

“In a lot of ways I am still not a minimalist,” he said. “I travel a ton. I just don’t own a lot of possessions. I don’t have the space for them. And I don’t covet them.”

But as low-key as he is, the Kartheiser “Mad Men” fans expect when he appears this week at the Big Island Film Festival is the one who gives life to the ambitious and arrogant Campbell.

“I like playing him,” the 34-year-old Kartheiser said in a phone call last week from L.A. “Being that character is fun.”

Vincent Kartheiser as Pete Campbell. (Courtesy AMC)

Kartheiser is a guest of the festival and will be honored on Sunday, May 26, with a reception and video retrospective. Fans will be treated to a question-and-answer session — and hopefully will not have forgotten to have set their DVRs to record the “Mad Men” season six finale the same night.

The festival, now in its eighth year, will be held at the Mauna Lani Resort. Drawing only from the narrative format, it features 54 films from Hawaii and around the world.

Kartheiser hopes to meet young filmmakers and talk about the craft of making movies, he said.

“I like the small film festival format because it gives young filmmakers a chance to support each other and to talk to filmmakers who have gone through the process and hopefully learn something,” he said. “And there is great stuff at these festivals.”

Kartheiser grew up in Minneapolis, Minn., and returns often to see his family. Unlike in L.A. and New York, in Minneapolis he can slip into a crowd of Christmas shoppers at the Mall of America and no one will recognize him.

He drew from family to bring Campbell to life. The timbre of Campbell’s voice was inspired by Kartheiser’s late grandfather, a former saxophone and clarinet player who died last year at 89. The actor was there in his grandfather’s final months helping with his hospice care.

It reminded Kartheiser that time is precious.

“I had kind of made up my mind a couple of years before that I was going to spend more time with my family,” he said. “I had lived out here 15 years and I realized I had really started to change and I missed them and I wanted to be closer to them.”

Shooting will begin sometime this fall on the seventh and final season of “Mad Men.”

What Kartheiser will do after the show’s successful run isn’t clear yet. He does not have an actor’s wish list.

“I am opportunist,” he said. “I see what is out there. I see what inspires me. I am not dying to do a one-man show or something Elizabethan or a Shakespearian project that I have coveted for decades. That has never been me.”

He’s open to more TV, films and live theater. In July, Kartheiser will star as Mr. Darcy in a production of “Pride and Prejudice” at the Guthrie Theater in Minnesota.

“It is the most rewarding and the most powerful experience you can have as an actor,” he said of being on stage. “You are interacting with your audience. When you go to a TV or film set, you are surrounded by a hundred people who are not watching your performance. They know what will happen and you are doing segments of the story.”

And the actor is not in charge.

“In theater what you get is complete control,” Kartheiser said. “On that night, for that performance, there is one person in charge of your character and that is you.”

He also has marriage plans, though he has not made the date public. Kartheiser is engaged to former “Gilmore Girls” star Alexis Bledel, who was on several episodes of “Mad Men.”

When it’s time to leave Pete Campbell behind, Kartheiser doesn’t expect it will be difficult. It’s what actors do, even when they have to give up a part that has defined them.

“We play characters,” he said. “There are a couple of weeks right after a role where you are diving into a new character, where you find yourself looking back at old characters. But if you are really doing the work that you should be as an actor, which is a pretty intense and focused ritual, at least for me, then that will all get thrown away.”

The Big Island Film Festival starts tomorrow, May 23, and runs through Sunday. Get details at www.bigislandfilmfestival.com.

Truth from Dare: Another long weekend

BY DERIN DEREGO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

Sometimes I think a lot of the things that make living in Hawaii great also contribute to the lack of innovation we find here.

The same spirit that fosters treating everyone with aloha and advocates not sweating the small stuff is also responsible for a lack of constructive criticism. The same nurturing environment that allows people to develop professionally makes it easy for those people to be content with mediocre success and afraid to branch out beyond what’s safe. I’ve lived in a lot of places and nowhere does the “big fish in a small pond” mentality flow more freely than in Hawaii.

Mice Parade will perform at The Republik on Saturday, May 25. (Courtesy photo)

I’m not bagging on our island home in any way, and I’m sure I sometimes come off as someone who thinks they’re more important than they are. Perhaps I’ve seen so many things that are completely average being called amazing lately that I’ve become hungry for witnessing actual creativity. Taking someone’s concept — whether it be a party theme, ad campaign, art installation, etc. — throwing some glitter on it, then calling it your own doesn’t make you awesome.

Rather than citing specific examples I’ll just put it out there as food for thought. Besides, it’s a holiday weekend and there’s a lot going on.

Tomorrow, May 23, check out Skam Artist DJ Jerzy from Chicago ripping the decks at Addiction Nightclub in the Modern Honolulu. If you’re intimidated by the whispers of long lines and steep drink prices then Thursday is the night to head to Addiction.

Friday, May 24, will see the launch of a new Friday weekly at Nextdoor in Chinatown. Just in time for summer, HiFiveHNL (the fellas who brought you the infamous “Color Me Bad Paint Party”) kicks off “Good Fridays.” With electronic dance as the soundtrack and laser lights galore, let’s hope the party lives up to its name.

Saturday, May 25, change it up by catching New York shoegaze band Mice Parade. “Shoegaze” is the nickname for the genre made popular by emo-british bands in the 1990’s who often stopped mid-verse and stared at the floor. This show at The Republik is an all-ages affair.

Sunday, May 26, sees the return of the “Phoenix” party to RumFire at the Sherarton Waikiki. The sunset party takes place poolside and will serve as a fundraiser for the Rainbow Film Festival in June.

Later that night, head back to Addiction for another edition of “ME2″ with promoters Flash Hansen and Blaise Sato. Another Skam Artist heavyweight, DJ sKratchy, serves up the beats at this one.

Finally, Monday brings the “Bacardi Pool Party” back to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. Capacity is limited, so don’t think you can saunter in at sunset — no matter who you think you are!
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When he’s not out and about at the hottest parties and other events in Honolulu, Derin “Dare” Derego works as an account executive at a local radio station group. Reach him via email at derinderego@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter.

‘Family Ingredients’ follows food

Hawaii-based celebrity chefs Ed Kenney and Alan Wong went to Japan to film the pilot for “Family Ingredients,” which will air on PBS Hawaii tomorrow, May 23. (Courtesy photo)

BY JOLEEN OSHIRO / joshiro@staradvertiser.com

There’s a whole world in a dish of tamago kake gohan (raw egg over hot rice) or a bowl of miso soup with tofu. Just ask Alan Wong and Ed Kenney. The two Hawaii-based celebrity chefs traveled from their restaurant kitchens in Hono­­lulu to Wong’s hometown of Wahiawa, and then on to Japan, to explore the dishes he grew up on.

The duo visited two family businesses that supplied Wong’s mother, Terry Yamamoto, with the staples she relied on to feed her family. She didn’t have to travel far. Petersons’ Upland Farm and Honda Tofu were and still are right in the town.

Alan Wong, left, and his mother, Terry Yamamoto. (Courtesy photo)

“I moved to Wai­pio in 1965 when I was in the fourth grade, and every weekend we visited Peterson farm to get eggs for the week,” Wong recalled. His mother moved to Hawaii from Japan, while his father was still stationed there for the U.S. Army, to give her children the opportunities America could offer. “I was classmates with one of the Honda children. Kids from the Peterson family were also classmates.”

Today, as a chef and restaurant owner, Wong sources all his tofu from Honda and his eggs from Peterson.

“It’s a cool thing to support the businesses in your hometown,” he said.

Wong’s story perfectly illustrates the ties of family, food, community and culture, and this makes him the perfect first guest on a new television show, “Family Ingredients,” a locally produced program examining ethnic roots through food that Kenney hosts. The hourlong episode is a pilot for what its producers are hoping will become a half-hour series.

“Family Ingredients” delves deep into the origins of Wong’s beloved tamago kake gohan with the visit to Japan, where his mother was born and raised. Wong and Kenney, part of a nine-member team, spent nine days in Japan, where they were met with a culture steeped in tradition.

“We visited farms and restaurants hundreds of years old. An oyako-don restaurant was 250 years old, run by eight generations,” said Kenney of Tama-hide, which has served the egg-and-chicken dish since 1760.

“Japan is a nation obsessed with food and ingredients, from three-star Michelin restaurants to train station holes-in-the-wall,” said Wong. “It’s a paradise for food lovers because they take pride in everything they do.”

The highlight of the trip for Kenney was the crew’s visit to Hachisu Farm, an organic family farm that practices the locavore values Kenney promotes in Hawaii.

Alan Wong in the kitchen at Hachisu Farm in Japan. (Courtesy photo)

“I had the best time at the Hachisu home,” he said. “The family has been a part of the community for 400 years. They source their food and fish locally. This place is what the show is all about — the people you meet eating and sharing together.”

The current generation running the farm is Nancy Singleton Hachisu and Tadaaki Hachisu. Nancy Hachisu, originally from California, is the author of the popular cookbook “Japa­nese Farm Food,” which chronicles her lifestyle in rural Sai­tama prefecture.

“The Hachisu farm grows rice and vegetables and is also an egg farm, so it was perfect to visit them. It was all-in-one,” said Wong with regard to profiling the components of tamago kake gohan.

In fact, Tadaaki Hachisu’s preparation fascinated Wong, whose fine cuisine is often inspired by humble comfort dishes.

“I’ve never seen it done that way before, but his kake gohan was light, airy and foamy on top. When he stirs it, he moves the bowl to aerate it,” Wong said. “Watching him gave me a point of origin. Now I have a different perspective on the egg-rice thing. Now I’m thinking about how I’m going to pre­sent this dish.”

The passion in front of the camera was matched behind the scenes.

“Family Ingredients” was the brainchild of executive producer Heather Giu­gni, an independent filmmaker who has built a career telling stories about and for Hawaii. But this series about food, travel and family will appeal to a much broader audience, and Giu­gni believes that because Hawaii’s diversity puts it ahead of the cultural curve, the islands have something to offer other communities.

“I thought, Hawaii looks like what the mainland will look like soon. Right now, ‘immigration’ is a bad word on the mainland, but here we honor our immigrant history. It’s what multiculturalism is all about,” she said.

Alan Wong, left, and Ed Kenney, right, at Honda Tofu in Waipio. (Courtesy photo)

Giugni’s production team includes food advocate Dan Naka­sone, who serves as producer and researcher, and Ty Sanga, who took on directing duties. Sanga is a prolific young filmmaker whose 2011 Hawaiian-language short film, “Stones,” was presented at the Sundance Film Festival.

As for Kenney, Giu­gni approached him to host the show after hearing him speak at a dinner.

“I saw his tats (tattoos) and thought, this is someone who could step into both sides of the food community. He was mentored by Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs but could also tap into the new movement,” she said. “He’s amazing — very generous, very humble, great politics and great passion.”

With a solid team behind it, Giu­gni believes “Family Ingredients” has the legs to become a successful series. She’s set her sights on profiling local folks with food origins in the Philippines, Korea, China and Okinawa.

“There are European backgrounds, too,” she said in pondering Season 2.

“There’s also the Hawaiian story …”

Since returning from Japan, Sanga has been busy scouring the hours of video shot for the pilot.

“In finding the story, I’ve also been creating the style of the show,” he said. “First, going back to Japan to learn about the dish and the different ingredients means we have a lot of foodie sections. Next, there’s Alan learning about who he is. Weaving these sections together is the main goal. As we were filming, I was already seeing the connections, so it pretty much happened organically.”

Aside of that footage, Sanga said he wanted the chefs to be themselves on camera. “After all, this is reality TV,” he quipped.

Their authentic curiosity provides the audience with a deeper understanding of the ties between Japan’s food and communities.

“Ed and Alan are so knowledgeable, when we sent them out to restaurants and to meet important people like farmers, they took away so much,” Sanga said. “They see the farming and the culture, and how communities are dependent on one another. As their awareness of this grows, so does ours. They’re surrogates for all of us.”