Question: Whatever happened to Hawaii Pops, the new music organization announced by Matt Catingub in April?
Answer: Last week, Hawaii Pops announced a schedule of monthly performances showcasing a broad range of pop music featuring some of the biggest names in pop music.
When Catingub announced the formation of Hawaii Pops last spring, he emphasized it was not intended as a competing organization to the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, which plans to present a pops series in the spring of 2014.
Hawaii Pops will present music in a variety of forms, from orchestral to big band to small ensemble.
The season opens on Sept. 14 and runs through May 31, and incorporates everything from country to jazz.
Hawaii Pops will present an Orchestra Series at the Hawai‘i Convention Center ballroom, which will include guest artists, dinner and dancing, and Live at Lewers concerts, which are billed as intimate evenings of music at the Halekulani Hotel’s jazz lounge.
An Orchestra Series concert kicks off the season with country music singer Jo Dee Messina, who has had nine No. 1 singles on Billboard’s country music charts and has sold more than 5 million records.
That will be followed in October by a James Bond-themed concert that will bring singer Sheena Easton, vocalist on “For Your Eyes Only,” to the convention center. The orchestra series also includes a holiday season performance with Amy Hanaiali‘i, Jim Nabors and Emma Veary; a January concert with Keali‘i Reichel; a dance-oriented concert in March with pop star Taylor Dayne; and an evening of smooth, soulful tunes with legendary singer Al Jarreau in May.
The Live at Lewers concerts open Nov. 15 and 16 with classic pop star Jack Jones and continues with Robert Cazimero performing from the Great American Songbook in February. Singer Tierney Sutton rounds out the series in April.
Ticket prices for the Orchestra Series range from $35 for theater-style seating; $60 for a cocktail table; and $75 for a table of 10, with discounts available for group purchases. Tickets are available for purchase at hawaiipops.com, honoluluboxoffice.tix.com and by calling 550-8457. Live at Lewers prices were not announced. They will be available on Sept. 1. Check the Hawaii Pops or Halekulani websites for information.
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This update was written by Steven Mark. Suggest a topic for “Whatever Happened To …” by writing Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu 96813; call 529-4747; or email cityeditors@staradvertiser.com.
