A well-deserved surprise musical tribute luncheon for Harold Chang, 86, one of Hawaii’s top drummers, was held Aug. 3 at the Musicians Association of Hawaii Local 677 facility. About 175 people — many of them musicians and singers, along with drummers he has taught — packed the place to honor Harold, who hasn’t lost a beat. The Harry’s Music Store employee still teaches and has band gigs.

It was up to trumpet man Stanton Haugen to get Harold to the party under the guise of using him for a gig. Harold was blown away when he walked in: "It was the biggest surprise of my life," he said. "I thought I was there for a gig, but then I saw all my old friends and students, my family from the Big Island and Maui and some old friends from the mainlandcome toward me with leis."

Harold’s girlfriend, musician-singer Debbie Yeoh, who sang "Ode to Harold" with the Hawaii Five Yeohs and Uncle Eric, was instrumental in organizing the tribute. Among the performers was sax great Gabe Baltazar, whose rendition of "All the Things You Are" was beautiful. Singer Shari Lynn knocked out a swinging version of "I’ve Got the World On a String" with the 17-piece Monday Night Band led by Wayne Kawahara; it was dubbed the Chang Bangers for the afternoon.

Harold was with Arthur Lyman‘s group for 18 years and before that was with Martin Denny along with Arthur. Percussionist Lopaka Colon, son of Denny percussionist Augie Colon, and bassist Alika Lyman, Arthur’s grandnephew, performed with Randy Wong‘s Waitiki. Bird calls that Arthur and Augie made famous flew on "Yellow Bird" thanks to young Colon. Other performers included Ginai, Pierre Grill, Benny Chong, Robert Shinoda, RayKaneyama, Noel Okimoto, Helen Liu Wong and George Chun …

WHAT A SHOCK it was Monday to learn that Robin Williams, 63, the comedian and actor who brought so much laughter to millions, was driven to suicide by his depression. Williams had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. On a visit to San Francisco about 20 years ago, I saw Williams and friends enjoying themselves on Maiden Lane. He was carrying a child — perhaps his — on his shoulders and he appeared happy and playful. That picture always stayed with me. What a terrible loss …

OH BABY: Kristian Lei presents her 10th Broadway Babies concert, "AWOL (Art Without Limits)," at Leeward Theatre Thursday and Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m, and Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. Besides Kristian, a fab singer, the show will include performers from Broadway touring companies and musicals that have played in Europe. Several local performers will take part. The concert is dedicated to supporting and raising awareness for Best Buddies Hawaii, a program committed to building friendships for youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Haumea Ho chairs Best Buddies. Call 979-6679 for tickets …

Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.