FLASHBACK: Show Biz 2006, like any other year, had its ups and downs, the highlights as well as the lowlights. And so we present The Waynies. Decided by a committee of one (moi), the awards attempt to sum up the past 12 months. No ceremony, no trophy, no hoopla. Nonetheless, drum roll, puh-leeze:

Star of the Year: Jake Shimabukuro. Not only did he score with his "Gently Weeps" CD, he played with Jimmy Buffett abroad, did movie music and ran in the Honolulu Marathon. In the process, he acquired a new look, without the specs, without the buzz 'do. We miss the old look, but hey, what's growth without change?

Biggest concerts: U2 at Aloha Stadium, Billy Joel at Blaisdell Arena.

Biggest disappointments: The cancellation of The Rolling Stones at the stadium — no make-up date; the unexplained pull-out of "Movin' Out" at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Surprise of the Year: Don Ho's marriage to his longtime associate and show producer, Haumea Hebenstreit. They didn't exchange rings, but did they sip the bubbly?

Unsurprise of the Year: The Honolulu Symphony's fans who decry the city's decision to hand prime 2007 dates to a touring production of "The Lion King," ousting the orchestra in prime fall play dates. Can you feel the unlove tonight?

Male Singer of the Year: Keali'i Reichel. His late-year "Maluhia" Christmas album shot to No. 1; his good deeds in partnership with Borders, donating proceeds from his first CD, "Kawaipunahele," helped the Red Cross raise $60,000 to aid flood victims of Hawai'i's record 42 days of rain.

Female Singer of the Year: Amy Hanaial'i Gilliom. Achievements: "Generation Hawai'i" CD ... and mommyhood, which started with the arrival of Madeline Austin.

Group of the Year: The Society of Seven. Based in Las Vegas, the original SOS, led by Tony Ruivivar, earned a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, and its show at the Flamingo has emerged as the gambling capital's No. 1 matinee act.

Most Enterprising Launch: The Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawai'i's "Return to Romance" CD with an ambitious series of March concerts featuring a bevy of stars. If only the Honolulu Symphony had that kind of breadth and zeal.

Broadway achievement — on the Great White Way: Honolulan Jason Tam, landing the Paul San Marco role in the revival of "A Chorus Line."

Broadway achievement — on the road: Honolulan Chris Jones, cast to play Frankie Valli, in the national tour of "Jersey Boys."

Newborn of the Year: Pearl, the restaurant/club/hot spot at Ala Moana Center.

Demise of the Year: The closure of Tower Records marked the end of an era and a sign of the impact of downloading music and video.

Best thinking outside the box: Augie T's decision to abandon his Honolulu radio base and hook up with a Maui station, enabling freedom to do his "show" from a computer from wherever he travels.

Best pairing of two acts: Ho'okena with Keali'i Reichel. They support each other, on stage, on recordings.

Worst prices beyond the gas pumps: The soaring admission for big-ticket shows. It was $165 for Bono and company — before handling charges.

Best recap of two Island misfortunes: Frank DeLima's (thanks to lyrics writer Patrick Downes) parody of "Bad Day," recalling the challenges of those Sunday earthquakes and that workday drive home toward Leeward and Central O'ahu after a backhoe damaged a pedestrian freeway overpass.

Paradise lost: The cast of "Lost" and the growing list of off-camera misfortunes, from speeding tickets to home fires.

There goes the Nabor-hood: After a decade of holiday cheer, "A Merry Christmas With Friends & Nabors" comes to an end at the Hawai'i Theatre. Christmas may never be the same; but Hawai'i has found a friend for life in Jim Nabors, a Diamond Head resident.

And that's Show Biz, 2006. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.