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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, April 25, 2008

MUSIC SCENE
A 'Lei of Stars' for 7 music veterans

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Eddie Kamae, above, and Marlene Sai, right, are among the inductees to the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.

Advertiser library photos

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HAWAIIAN MUSIC HALL OF FAME 'LEI OF STARS'

7 p.m. Saturday

Hawai'i Theatre

$35, $40

528-0506 www.hawaiitheatre.com

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Seven Island music-industry veterans will be inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame at a concert themed "Lei of Stars 2008," Saturday at the Hawai'i Theatre.

The inductees are:

  • Bill Kaiwa, a baritone best known for his "The Boy From Laupahoehoe" hit and his paniolo roots and lifestyle at Kipu Kai, on Kaua'i.

  • Jesse Kalima, deceased wizard of the 'ukulele and an early advocate of male falsetto singing.

  • Eddie Kamae, founder of the Sons of Hawai'i and an award-winning singer, 'ukulele player and filmmaker whose seven movies focus on legacy artists from Hawai'i's rich cultural past.

  • Don McDiarmid Jr., founder of Hula Records and a pioneering producer who helped jump-start the careers of Alfred Apaka, Mahi Beamer, Nina Keali'iwahamana and even Frank DeLima.

  • Peter Moon, a key member of The Sunday Manoa and The Peter Moon Band, and an instrumental player in the renaissance of Hawaiian music among the younger generation in the 1970s.

  • Marlene Sai, a contralto best known for her "Waikiki" and "I Love You" hits and for her portrayal on stage of Queen Lili'uokalani.

  • John Pi'ilani Watkins, deceased composer-entertainer who popularized tunes such as "Green Rose Hula" and "Mahalo E Hilo Hanakahi."

    "Clearly, Hawaiian music would not be as popular as it is today at home here in Hawai'i or abroad if it were not for the contributions of our honorees," said Kimo Stone, president of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.

    The concert will feature performances by the Jesse Kalima 'Ohana, a re-formed Peter Moon Band, Na Palapalai, Owana Salazar, Cyril Pahinui, Ken Makuakane, Ku'uipo Kumukahi and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders.

    Emcee duties will be shared by Karen Keawehawai'i and Harry B. Soria Jr.

    The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to honor and recognize the musical achievements of significant composers, singers and performers of Hawaiian music. A selection committee, headed by Kahauanu Lake, decides on the honorees, and the choices are not based on peer review, record sales or mere popularity but on achievement linked to performance, perpetuation of Island culture and the use of language.

    Concert proceeds support the organization's educational programs, such as the E Mele Kakou (Let's All Sing) project that brings Hawaiian music education to fourth- and fifth-graders, and a partnership with the Hawaii Opera Youth Chorus in providing Hawaiian choral music instruction for public school students.

    Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.