Entertainment

One of the biggest acts in music circa 2009 The Black Eyed Peas returns to Hawai’i at 8:30 PM on August 15 2009 as the headliner for that evenings’ entertainment at the increasingly popular BAYFEST at the Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. Since their 2006 appearance at the Neal Blaisdell Arena The Black Eyed Peas have continued to rocket into the music stratosphere their rep cemented by the recent release of ‘The E*N*D*’on June 9 2009 and the hit single ‘Boom Boom Pow’ and the buzz swirling around their rendition of ‘I gotta feeling.’

The Black Eyed Peas appearance at BAYFEST cements the festivals reputation as a World Class event one that will from here on out begin to draw visitors from around The World. More about BAYFEST in a future article but here & now The Black Eyed Peas are in the house.

Founded in 1995, there have been a few changes in the composition of the band but two names remain stable.  will i. am & apl. de.ap, while a third, Fergie, have become synonymous with phunky-pop.  The newest member, Taboo has equally earned a place in the hearts of a growing legion of fans. Though once ‘tagged’ as a hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas have moved beyond easy labels and have become true musical pioneers. Their shows are lively & entertaining transcending the usual concert experience.

Tickets for The Black Eyed Peas are available through TICKETMASTER “Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, and at all Ticketmaster outlets including Macy’s and Blaisdell Box Office. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000.” One can also scope out http://www.bayfesthawaii.com/tickets.htm for both admission to BAYFEST and concert tickets which show an advanced price of $45 and a gate price of $55 for what promises to be one of the most entertaining shows Summer 2009.

(For those who are not into music, check out http://www.foodreference.com/html/a-black-eyed-0408.html)

Memo to AlohaUpdate writer Taryn Wong: It’s time to hitch up the beagles for a walk through the Honolulu Arts District Friday evening July 18, 2009 for the highly anticipated ‘Pets On Parade.’ A fun fundraiser for ‘The Hepatitis Support Network of Honolulu,’ this is an excellent opportunity for canines and other furry friends to bond with their humans while checking out all the cool art galleries & congenial watering holes in downtown Honolulu.

“Koa the Mauser in collaboration with the Arts District Merchants Association and Hawaii Pet Magazine Invites ALL PETS to be part of the Pets on Parade July 18 2009 at 4PM at the beautiful Hidden Chinatown Courtyard, 1126,” next to Ramsey’s Gallery. All Pets means that Dogs must have their humans on a leash, and dogs must wear a collar with current ID. Cats are welcome, though they must be in a carrier or (a word I dislike) a cage, along with other pets, thus birds, iguanas, crickets, rats, etc are more than welcome.

What is even better is that dogs or cats or rats or etc and their humans are encouraged to make a pledge of $$$ for each block that you walk. The Parade route is 10/ten blocks through the historic heart of Honolulu, the Chinatown Arts District, and funds raised will help ‘The Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii.’ A weaselly $1 per block times 10 will raise $10, a Pekinese $2 will net $20, a Siamese sized $5 snags $50, while a pit-bullish $10 per block will generate a $100 donation. These are suggested guidelines, though, no one is suggesting that you cannot pledge a polar bearish $1,000 per block!

Before and after Parading through Historic Honolulu with your Cherished Human, pets are encouraged to visit the Hidden Courtyard where they will find Entertainment, Treats for Pets, Refreshments for Humans, and booths exhibiting animal care tips, pet supplies, and more!

Those pets wishing a blessing will be pleased to note that the Reverend Moki Hino of St Andrews Cathedral will provide “a spiritual celebration to honor our loyal companions who love us unconditionally.”

Much of the fun will be exposing your pet to the works of art at various galleries, all of which encourage everyone to drop in more often, one reason they stay late and keep their doors open on occasions such as this, and first Fridays, to share their love for art, something pets truly appreciate (my Puma Cat’s favorite book was a collection of Cat Paintings from the New York Museum of Art).

Sign up early, contact Jackie Walden via 585-7200 or Melanie Yang via 524-1160. For mo’ info go to http://www.hawaiipetnetwork.com/events/pets-on-parade and http://artsdistricthonolulu.com/artsdistrictevents1.html …

Oahu, the nation, and the world are all in mourning today after hearing the shocking news of Michael Jackson found dead in his Los Angeles, California home after an apparent cardiac arrest.  Jackson was pronounced dead yesterday (June 25, 2009) afternoon at the age of 50.  He leaves 3 young children, 2 sons and a daughter all under the age 13.

People all over the world have been remembering Michael Jackson and his amazing musical career.  From The Jackson 5, “Thriller, “Beat it,”  ”Black or White,” and “Scream” Jackson leaves decades of music to reminisce.  Jackson was a talented individual that some may call eccentric, but in the end his contributions to music is what millions of fans will cherish.

Yesterday and today there were gatherings all over the world to honor and mourn the late pop star.  Fans gathered last night and into the morning in front of the Jackson family compound in Encino, California to bring flowers, signs, and show their support for the family.  Other gatherings were held in different cities across the nation and the world, including one here on Oahu.  A candle light vidual was held last night at Magic Island to honor Michael Jackson.

Here on Oahu, radio stations also celebrated Jackson’s music.  Radio station Hot 93.9 played Michael Jackson songs all afternoon and evening.  They took Jackson song requests and listener comments on air to remember and celebrate the pop icon.

There aren’t many people in this world that don’t know who Michael Jackson is.  His music has touched us all and influenced musicians and performers and will continue to in the future.  Not only his songs, but Jackon’s performances and music videos are imprinted in fans’ memories.  From his dance moves to his forward outfits and costumes that he wore, the world copied and revere Michael Jackson’s unique style.

Despite Jackson’s age and rumors of retirement, he was still performing.  Jackson was scheduled this July to start his one year performance of 50 sold out concerts to more than 1 million people at Londons’ O2 Arena.

We are all saddened by the recent death of this musical legend that will never be replaced.  I feel lucky to have experienced Michael Jackson’s music in my lifetime and will continue to enjoy his music and honor his legacy.

Beat the summer heat by retreating to the cool embrace of the Neil Blaisdell Arena where the Sheraton Waikiki Resort will present ‘Beauty & The Beast on Ice’ featuring ‘The Russian Ice Stars.’ A treat for the entire family this narrated presentation of the classic tale features former Olympians as well as European & World champions many of whom are veterans of the renown Moscow Circus, all of them flying here to perform on ice, their first time before an American audience following a World tour that has seen them delight audiences throughout Europe & Asia.

The Neil Blaisdell Arena at 777 Ward Avenue is a terrific venue, centrally located, with ample parking, well served by The Bus. ‘Beauty & The Beast On Ice’ opens at 7:30PM Wednesday July 29th continuing thru Sunday August 2nd, adding a special matinee on Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM.

Praise for ‘Beauty & The Beast on Ice’ has been heard from all across the Globe, here are two excerpts from England: http://www.wildroseltd.co.uk/news.html “Beauty and the Beast, is recreated as a dazzling ice show by the world-renowned Russian Ice Stars. This enchanting ‘ballet on ice’ tells the story of Beauty, the intelligent and beautiful young woman kept prisoner in the castle of a mysterious beast whose destiny depends on winning her love. Beauty and the Beast on Ice is a wonderful show to enjoy with the family. Audiences will be captivated by the skill and dexterity of the Russian Ice Stars as they skate upon a stage of ice!” AND “The Russian Ice Stars are back with another hugely enjoyable show. They reached Oxford as they approach the halfway stage in a long tour that began in November and continues around the country until July, but the performance was as fresh as if they’d only just started. It’s the traditional story of the Prince turned into a beast who is eventually redeemed by the love of a young woman who sees the good behind the daunting exterior. However, the first act belongs primarily to the heroine Belle’s father, touchingly played by Mikhail Stifounine. After a darkly dramatic opening in which we see the Prince turned into a beast, we follow Belle’s father as he loses his money, and then loses his way in the Beast’s garden. He picks a forbidden rose, and is sentenced by the Beast to die, unless he sends one of his daughters to the Beast’s palace. You can guess the rest.

Apart from a very lively scene in the market square, and the final wedding party, this is a tale set in gothic gloom, with a touch of Cinderella or even Lear in the situation of the good-hearted father with two selfish, grasping daughters, and one who is simple and faithful. The whole thing is brilliantly realized, with effective sets moving seamlessly one into another. But, of course, at the centre of all this is some terrific skating, which unfolds the story at great speed – literally – and is also very beautiful to watch. I saw at least three triple jumps tossed off effortlessly without the long run-up available in competitions, but Guiseppe Arena’s choreography gives us far more than some showy skating. He knits the whole thing together with great charm and drama, and fills the stage with exuberant movement as the story unfolds.”

‘Beauty & The Beast On Ice’ ought to be an exhilarating treat for Island residents and visitors alike, tickets are a modest “$ 60.00 / $45.00 / $30.00 Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster Alll Ticketmaster outlets including Selected Macy’s (Ala Moana, Windward Mall, Pearlridge, Kahala Mall);

Blaisdell Arena Box Office; (Information: 591-2211)

On Line at: Ticketmaster.com

Charge by Phone: 800 745-3000

Further info about the many stars of the show can be found via http://www.wildroseltd.co.uk/index.html.

There is so much to do at the Honolulu Zoo it takes two articles to list all the fun things that the Honolulu Zoo Society has to offer in addition to the all right by itself activity of simply visiting the residents during the normal zoo hours of 9 AM to 4:30 PM Daily except Christmas Day when the animals are busy playing with their new toys & such. Admission is modest: General Admission (13 years and older) $8. Kama’aina (13 years and older with local I.D.) $4.Children (6-12 years with adult 18 years and older) $1.Children (5 years and under with adult) free.FamilyPass$25. (Local I.D. required for kama`aina price).

First a wee bit of history. In the year of the American Centennial, 1876, King David Kalakaua made available royal lands near Diamond Head for the establishment of Grand Park for the people of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. Two hundred subscribers formed the Kapiolani Park Association and in 1877 Queen Kapiolani Park, named in honor of Queen Consort Julia Kapiolani, opened to the public. King Kalakaua had always had a collection of exotic birds and horses and they stayed, joined over the years by even more exotic creatures, holdovers from the many fairs & carnivals held in the park to honor King Kamehameha Day (see article http://www.alohaupdate.com/2009/06/08/to-honor-a-king-king-kamehameha-day-june-2009/) .

Perhaps the most famous animal to join the growing collection was an elephant named Daisy, she arrived on 1916 aboard a steamship. Administrator of Parks & Recreation and Queen Kapiolani Park, Ben Hollinger pleaded with the City & County of Honolulu to purchase Daisy, which they did, and with an elephant along with several lion cubs, a monkey, and a honey bear, the Honolulu Zoo was born. Maintaining a Zoo is never easy and throughout the decades that followed the Zoo has had to be reborn, most notably in 1949, again in 1974, and since the 1990s a concentrated on going effort was set in motion one which keeps the Honolulu Zoo alive & vital to this day due to the unceasing efforts of the Honolulu Zoo Society whose mission is “—to preserve and appreciate the diversity of wildlife.”

One can contact the Honolulu Zoo Society via 808-826-3191 and find out how to become a member or a volunteer or whatever. http://www.honoluluzoo.org/visitor_info.htm

Now for more fun stuff to do at the Zoo! Set aside Friday Nights June 19th, or July 24th, or August 21st for Star Gazing at the Zoo with the University of Hawai’i Institute of Astronomy. “Discover Animals that are out of this world, as well as those that are more down to earth in our exciting new education program. Join us on an evening tour of the zoo in addition to exploring the night sky above Hawaii.”

6:30 short animal tour

7:00 Starlab presentation by the UH Institute of Astronomy (group 1)

7:30 Make your own constellation activity and snacks (group 1)
(group 2 will do these last two in reverse)

8:00 Star Gazing with Telescopes 8:30/9:00 pau.

Reservations are strongly recommended via 808-971-7195.

Ongoing activities include the Zoo’s popular Twilight Tours from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, “For families: (strollers are welcome) Let us be your guides for a magical evening adventure as we discover what happens at the Honolulu Zoo when the sun goes down and the gates close. Held every Friday and Saturday Night at the Zoo! Guests meet at the front of the zoo at 5:15 for check in, payment and assignment to their knowledgeable and friendly Education guide. Recommended for adults and kids ages 4 and up School and scout groups welcome to schedule additional dates. Cost: $14 per adult, $10 per child ages 4 to 12 Members: $12 per adult, $8 per child ages 4 to 12 “

Perhaps the coolest on going activity, one that is available during the Summer June 26th, July 10th, August 7th, September 4th and October 2nd, is the Snooze in the Zoo an overnight camping adventure from 5:30PM to 9AM the next morning. Recommended “For Families: Discover who is roaring and who is snoring at night at the Honolulu Zoo! Pizza, tours, and campfire time with s’mores, plus breakfast and a morning stroll. Pack up your tent and give us a call!” 808-971-7195 “RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, Cost: $50 for ages 4 and up or Members: $45 for ages 4 and up”

There is actually plenty more including a ‘Vacation Adventures Day Camp’ but space limitations draw the curtain across this article so scope out the Honolulu Zoo you will be amazed at all the fun that you and your friends & family can explore.

For those who haven’t been to Aiea Bowl lately they don’t know what their missing. Located on 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive in Aiea, Aiea Bowl is a great place for the seasoned bowler, kids, nightlife lovers, and foodies.  Aiea Bowl and its 24 lanes of bowling is open from 9 am to 2 am Monday thru Sundays and 9 am to 1 am on Wednesdays.

Aiea Bowl is unlike other bowling alleys on the island, thanks to brothers Gregg and Glenn Uyeda who bought Aiea Bowl in 2005 and completely remodeled the facility.  From the new computerized bowling scoreboards to the inside of the bathrooms, this is not your dirty old bowling alley.  In fact Aiea Bowl is clean, innovative, comes with amazing food at their in house restaurant called The Alley, and features cosmic bowling with loud dance music and black lights on some special event nights.  Aiea Bowl also has a full bar for those 21 and over.

“Moonlight Mondays” and “Her Way Thursdays” are 2 events that go on weekly.  They start at 9:30 pm for cosmic bowling and feature drink specials, giveaways, Djs, and emcees.  Event nights here turn into a nightclub with bowling.  This place gets packed and has become the new “place to be” on the leeward side during event nights.

For me, the best thing about Aiea Bowl is their in house restaurant The Alley that serves high quality and delicious comfort food.  They have plate lunch dishes gourmet style, sandwiches and burgers, salads, homemade pizza, fresh baked desserts, and they even serve breakfast.  The Alley is open from 7 am to 2 am Monday thru Thursdays and Sundays and 7 am to 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The last time I was there I wolfed down their local moco with flame broiled choice ground hamburger meat, over-easy eggs, homemade brown gravy, brown rice, and macaroni salad.  I also had a side of their crunchy garlic fries to go with it.  Honestly, I think their food is to die for and my boyfriend even caught me licking the gravy off my plate.  The portions here are enormous and their dishes will delight your taste buds.  Don’t leave The Alley without trying one of their desserts.  I recommend their cake-like blueberry cream cheese scones.  Have one and you’ll be addicted!

I actually go to Aiea Bowl for the food at The Alley.   For me the bowling is an extra perk.  For more information call 808-488-6854 (bowling), 808-486-3499 (restaurant), or check out www.aieabowl.com.  This website has bowling times, prices, reservation numbers, event nights, The Alley’s full menus, and even a photo gallery to view pictures.

One of Honolulu’s undisputed treasures is The Honolulu Zoo nestled between Kapahulu Avenue & Monsarrat Avenue & Paki Avenue at 151 Kapahulu Avenue. Tiny by many measurements it is none-the-less chock full of fun stuff and exhibits with a wondrous collection of critters literally of every stripe & hue. You can always entertain yourself by visiting the various residents but that doesn’t keep the Honolulu Zoological Society from scheduling an amazing array of additional activities all year long but for the sake of this article we will concentrate on the Summer of 2009.

Island residents eagerly await the Summer Concert Series, ‘The Wildest Show In Town’ features an awesome array of top flight talent along with a special prize drawing for keiki (children) most often a ukulele, each and every Wednesday, for a special admission price of $3, the gates open at 4:35PM, the show runs from 6PM to 7PM.

• Simplicity kicks off the series off on June 10 2009, along with a Kala Ukulele Drawing.
• Maunalua and a Kala Ukulele Drawing are schedule for June 17 2009,
• John Cruz June 24 2009 plus a Pono Ukulele Drawing,
• Mr Ukulele himself Roy Sukuma & Friends drop in on July 1st with a Ko Aloha and a Pono Ukulele Drawing,
• on July 8th The Hot Club of Hulaville performs, there will be a Kala Ukulele drawing.
• Manoa DNA are on the sked for July 15 along with a drawing for a Ko Aloha Ukulele.
• It is Salsa Time July 22 with Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawai’I, along with a Bugs Gear Drawing.
• On July 29 ‘Music is Good Medicine’ presents another Ukulele Legend, Jake Shimabukuro, and a Kamaka Ukulele drawing.
• August 5th the lovely Natali Ai Kaimuu ‘s angelic voice will be heard, there will be a Kanilea Ukulele Drawing.
• The Summer Concert Series winds up on August 12th with a big splash, the classy and equally lovely Jimmy Borges & His All Star Band perform, plus a drawing for a Kala Ukulele.

Wow what a concert series! One can call HZS at 808-926-3191 for more info.

New for 2009 is a Dinner Safari. “Join us for an evening of tours and delicious food as we explore the Zoo first at twilight and then with red-filter flashlights. The program begins at 6 pm and ends at 10 pm. The pre-dinner tour will give you a glimpse of the Zoo, followed by a more thorough look after dinner.

Dinner is buffet style and includes salad, fruit salad, rice, chicken, vegetarian pasta, pizza, and cookies. The evening concludes with camp fire time where we roast marshmallows, make S’mores, and have the chance to see and touch some animal skulls, skins, feathers and eggs. This program is geared to those who do not wish to Snooze at the Zoo, but are looking for a fun evening adventure instead. Dinner Safari is recommended for adults and families with children ages 4 and up.”

Dates, Friday June12, Friday .July 17, Friday.Aug.14, Friday. Sept .18, Friday .Oct.9.

Time:6 PM-10PM

Cost :$40 per person ages 4 and up Or For Members: $35 per person ages 4 and up

RESERVATIONS REQIRED For information please call:971-7195.

Email: education@honzoosoc.org

There is more to do at The Honolulu Zoo and you can check out their calendar via http://honzoosoc.org/calendar.htm or even better check back with ALOHAUPDATEdotCom for Part Two of Summer at the Honolulu Zoo.

Many locals are rediscovering and many more military personnel and visitors are discovering the wonders of downtown Honolulu. The Honolulu Arts District AKA Chinatown plays host to more than sixteen/16 art galleries, more than a dozen bars & restaurants, about a dozen specialty shops, and is an easy walk to the Fort Street Mall and Bishop Square each with its own array of shops & eateries. The Arts District is a truly magical place well worth a visit most any day of the week.

The First Friday of each & every Month in the Arts District has become a favorite activity for many a terrific excuse to circulate through Chinatown checking out the assorted galleries & shops as well as congenial watering holes many of them serving great food getting everyone in the mood for the weekend. Officially First Friday kicks off at 5PM and runs to 10PM but in truth the parties go on into the night.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of ‘The Summer of Love’ and the 51st Birthday of ‘The Peace Sign’ the Honolulu Arts District will play host to a Hippie Holliday on Friday June 19 2009, “A celebration of Love & Peace,” from 5PM to 10PM though once again the bars & nightclubs will stay open on into the night.

What should one expect?

• Vintage VWs (vans, beetles, and more, maybe even a classy Karman Ghia) lining the Streets.
• Art Galleries filled with symbols of Peace.
• Psychedelic Rock DJS and Free Musical Performances at Galleries, Bars, Street Corners and Parks.
• Twirling Hippies selling flower for Your Hair.
• Thousands of Hawai’i Hippies with Stars in their Eyes.

There is also a promise, “Heaps of Cash & Prizes awarded.”

So wear Hippie Attire and Visit Galleries & Bars for your chance to Win.

First Fridays and events such as the upcoming ‘Hippie Holiday’ provide a terrific excuse to visit various galleries where one can find that certain something missing from your home’s décor, among the galleries well worth exploring are Pacific Traditions Gallery at 19th North Pauahi Street which often has music playing just outside its door on First Fridays as well as a Tarot Card Reader and other neat stuff (check out the cool & fashionable T-Shirts benefitting the Chinatown Protective Association!), the madly eccentric Studio of Roy Venters at 1160 Nuuanu Avenue or a few doors further down at 1164 the Peggy Hopper Gallery, rRed Elephant at 1144 Bethel Street, the Louis Pohl Gallery at 1111 Nuuanu Avenue, 1159 Nuuanu is home to The Arts at Marks Garage, while next door at 1161 is The Nuuanu Gallery at Marks Garage, and many more.

Dining is never a problem in Chinatown aka the Honolulu Arts District with close by Ruby’s, Mei Sum Dim Sum (both reviewed on this site), the ever popular My Village, the World famous Indigo, the delightful Soul de Cuba, the double Irish whammy of O’Toole’s Irish Pub and Murphy’s Bar & Grill, the incredible Epic, too name but a few eateries. Oh, how could I not mention HASR Wine Company with its quaint courtyard location at 31 North Pauahi, readers encouraged to scope out their website via http://www.hasrwineco.com/home.

So mark your calendar for Friday June 19th and make every First Friday a day to visit Chinatown aka The Honolulu Arts District. More terrific info can be found via http://www.hawaiiartsalliance.org/index.php/marks and via http://artsdistricthonolulu.com/index.html

In 1871 King Kamehameha proclaimed June 11th to be King Kamehameha day in honor of his Great Grandfather Kamehameha the Great who united the Hawai’i’an Island in 1810 and since 1872 several days in June are set aside to celebrate with floral parades, concerts, arts and crafts, and feasting on all of the Hawai’i’an Islands. It can be rather dizzying digesting the diversity of events involved since each Island has its traditions while each Island is aware that people can’t be in two places at once and so one has plenty of excuses to visit all the islands in search of that perfect way to honor King Kamehameha the First.

First up, appropriately enough on the Big Island of Hawai’i Thursday June 11th offers a variety of treats; “Come to the northern tip of the Big Island to honor the legendary Hawaiian king in his North Kohala birthplace. A day long cultural festival with floral parade, ceremony draping the King’s statue in lei, hula, food booths and musical performances mark this special day. 8 a.m – 4 p.m. in Kapaau and Hawi. Call (808) 884-5840 or 895-3168.”

Then on June 11th 2009 it is off to Hilo for The Kamehameha Festival which “features a ho‘olaule‘a with top Hawaii recording artists, hula halau, and various cultural presentations. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Moku Ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo. Free. A drug, alcohol and smoke-free event. For information contact Pua at (808) 989-4844 or visit www.kamehamehafestival.org.

Friday June 12th land on O’ahu and find your way to the Honolulu Hale for a concert by The Royal Hawai’i’an Band followed by the draping of The King Kamehameha 1st statue “with 13-foot floral tributes, which are created on site throughout the day by volunteers. Music and Hula performances add to the colorful display; a photographer’s delight.”

Saturday June 13th poses a few logistical complications forcing you to choose between flying to Kailua-Kona on The Big Island or to Lahaina, Maui for their wonderful parade & party or opting for O’ahu and its colorful festivals.  A colorful floral parade through Lahaina Town at 10 am features Pa`u riders on horses decorated with exotic island flowers representing each major island. The community parade includes marching bands, floats and more, all honoring King Kamehameha the Great’s families. An awards ceremony and arts festival take place at Banyan Tree Park with island food and crafts, pa`u dressing and riding demonstrations, plus Hawaiian entertainment. Free admission; 9am to 5pm.”

Honolulu’s World famous celebration begins downtown at ‘the statue’ with a parade at “9:30 A.M. – 93rd Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade.  Colorful floral floats, glamorous Pa`u riders, outstanding marching bands traverse the streets of Honolulu beginning at King and Richards Streets, Punchbowl Street, onto Ala Moana Boulevard, merging into Kalakaua Avenue, ending at the Queen Kapiolani Park. Parade awards presentation to follow.”

Those that choose to skip the parade (“aw, why”) can start celebrating at 9AM at Queen Kapiolani Park with “Na Hana No`eau o Ka Pākīpika – Artistic Endeavors of the Pacific, where you’ll find entertainment, food booths, arts, crafts demonstrations and displays of Polynesia.”

Naturally there is a third option; stay on The Big Island and enjoy a parade through the heart of Kona followed by one heck of a Ho’alaule’a in Kona check out this site for further info: http://paieakamehameha.org/

Finally why pau partying on Saturday June 13th when there is perfectly plausible reason to fly off to The Big Island on Sunday June 14th: “Hulihee Palace Concert. This historic Kona landmark presents a free concert featuring the Hulihee Palace Band and the Merrie Monarchs chorale, remembering King Kamehameha I who established the Hawaiian Kingdom. Post-concert, stroll Kailua village enjoying cafes, restaurants, local musicians and artists. Starts 4 p.m. on the lawn overlooking Kailua Bay. (808) 329-1877 or www.huliheepalace.org.”

So, Honor King Kamehameha The First all throughout June 2009 and remember, FLOWERS are a RENEWABLE RESOURCE so Lei Someone Each and Every Day!

Image courtesy of http://www.pbase.com/aukipa/kingkamehameha

Hawai’i’s lively Puerto Rican community kicks up its heels during the annual fundraiser for The Hispanic Center of Hawai’i and what is truly terrific is that the celebration is open to everyone who enjoys music & dance as well as tasty food and beer and margaritas. Summer Salsa in Paradise offers up a variety of entertainment for adults only as well as families beginning Thursday, June 18 and ending well into the evening of June 20^th.

On Thursday June 28 2009 there is a kick-off party at the C’est Si Bon Ballroom at the famous Pagoda Hotel (1525 Rykroft St) from 8PM to 2:00 AM. This event features the preliminary competition and dance showcase. Then on Friday June 19^th the action moves on to Planet Hollywood (2155 Kalakaua Avenue) from 8PM to 2AM for the 1^st Night of Competition and Dance Showcase. These events are for those age 21 or older.

Saturday June 20^th 2009 is an all day all family event from 11AM to 7 PM at the McCoy Pavillion at Ala Moana Beach Park. This is the day of the final Salsa Competition plus all sorts of fun activities. There will be local & international artists (see below), DJs, Dance Instructors and Dance Workshops, Crafters, Food Booths, Specialty Vendors, a Silent Auction, and plenty of fun activities for children. As for those adults who need a wet there will be a beer & margarita garden.

Among the featured artists; “Son Caribe is one of Hawaii’s top recording artist. Quiet Storm Records CD release “Son Caribe: Salsa From Hawaii II” marked the first time ever that a Latin music recording became a Hawaii #1 Best Seller! Son Caribe also received ©GRAMMY Award consideration for 2004 Best Salsa/Merengue Album Of The Year! Son Caribe has shared the stage with every top Latin music recording artist visiting the islands: Luisito Rosario, Johnny Polanco, Tito Puente Jr, Albert Torres, Poncho Sanchez, Tito Puente, Frankie Morales, Ray De La Paz, & Celia Cruz. www.soncaribe.com.”

“Johnny Polanco is one of the most sought-after band leaders in the U.S. He has gained the distinction for making the type of contagious Latin Music that is truly appreciated by salsa dancers worldwide. Empowered by the extensive knowledge accumulated throughout nearly 35 years of professional musicianship, the leader of L.A.’s Conjunto Amistad is an autodiatic artist who has achieved a high degree skill of 13 instruments which include the tres and cuatro guitar, trombone, vibes and many more. www.johnnypolanco.dimelorecords.com.”

“Vocalist Mirley Espinoza, known by his fellow musicians as “Chino El Sonero,” was born in the city of Alajuela, Costa Rica, on July 22, 1967. In 1990 he joined the Opa Opa International Orchestra with which he recorded his first CD for Warner Brothers in 1995. Chino then took advantage of the many offers he received to become a member of other top musical groups, including the Malibu Salsa All Stars, The L.A. Jazz All Stars, The RMM All Stars Band of the west coast and tribute to Tito Puente with the Eddy Palmieri Orchestra. Chino currently resides in Los Angeles and together with Dimelo! Records have assembled a new big band salsa orchestra named “Los Dueños Del Son”. www.duenosdelson.com “”

These artists are but a small sample of the entertainment to be enjoyed at this event which wraps up with an adults only after party at the renowned Hard Rock Café at 1837 Kapiolani Blvd from 9 PM to 2 AM on June 20^th 2009.

Tickets for all three days, and four events are a modest $50 for early bird purchase by May 15 or a still modest $75 thereafter to June 18^th via http://summersalsainparadise.com/tickets.html or call (808) 247-7453, (808) 285-0072 or (808 )234-0772 Tickets also available for purchase at: Mercado de la Raza (808) 593-2226 1315 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814. Tickets will also be available at the door for each event, the adults only events Thursday, Friday and evening Saturday, $20 each venue, and $25 Saturday June 20^th for those ages 12 and older (those under get in for free!).

Albert Torres, #1 World Salsa Promoter & Co-Sponsor of this event, hosting the grand opening of last year’s event at Planet Hollywood.