If you haven’t yet noticed, the Brothers Cazimero are on an extended hiatus of sorts.
With Roland struggling with bouts of pneumonia, along with health issues associated with diabetes, Robert is carrying on as a solo artist, performing this past Christmas with his halau ohana but sans Roland.
Roland’s absence has triggered some rumors — at worst, that the Caz were splitting or disbanding — but that’s not true. If you recall, Roland took ill during a Maui gig and had to be hospitalized for five weeks, including some critical days in ICU. That episode has placed him in sick bay for months since.
In January, Roland had another hospital stay, due to pneumonia, according to Leah Bernstein, president of Mountain Apple Co., which manages the Caz. "Doctors have prescribed continuing rest for Roland," said Bernstein, so he can recuperate, likely for the rest of the year.
Happily, Roland’s making progress, shedding some pounds, with support from his wife, sister and friends. "He’s also using the (recovery) time to write new music," said Bernstein. And doing some guitar teaching. Meanwhile, Robert has been modifying Caz shows in gigs large and small. "An Evening With Robert Cazimero," coming up at 7:30 p.m. March 21 at the Hawaii Theatre, will find Robert sailing solo, augmented by hula dancersto help fill the void. Fans of the bros (as well as show presenters) figure one Caz is better than none till Roland is ready to return. …
AROUND TOWN: Ka‘imi Hanano‘eau and his band, HiRiZ, held a CD launch party recently at Hawaiian Brian’s, where a $700 KoAloha Ukulele was given away. On Friday, the group heads to Wailuku’s First Friday event, after which a Maui CD release party will be held at Diamond’s. At that time, another instrument will be given away: a $500 Les Paul guitar. Hanano‘eau, a budding lead guitarist, vocalist, composer and arranger, is in the midst of working on a solo CD that will drop in June. …
Applause, please, for Mahea Tulba-Sims, new Miss Junior Teen Hawaii United States. She’s the daughter of comedian and radio personality Augie T. …
CALENDAR CUES: George Benson, 10-time Grammy winner, returns to Hawaii for shows at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center’s Castle Theatre and at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. For Maui reservations, go to www.mauiarts.org; for Honolulu, visit www.ticketmaster.com. …
Jack Cione and his Arcadia gang are in rehearsals for this year’s "Follies," themed "Everything Old Is New Again," bowing April 10 for invited guests and residents, and playing Fridays through Sundays through April. Director Cione has assembled a tribute to Irving Berlin, with Bill Doherty costuming the seniors in froufrou and glitz. If you know anyone at the Arcadia, ask to be invited, because only residents and 15 Craigside residents can attend — for free! …
Vanita Rae Smith‘s Windward Readers Theatre launches its third production of its third season, Dan Gordon‘s "Irene’s Vow," at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and at 2 p.m. March 8 at Pohai Nani Retirement Community in Kaneohe.The reading cast will include Shari Lynn, Jim Tharp, Lorna Mount, Stu Hirayama and Marjorie DeSantis.
The play, set in Nazi-occupied Poland, is about a about a Polish nurse, employed by a German army major, who risks her life to save 12 Jews during the early days of the war. Donations to cover royalties may be made at the door; for reservations, call Judy Rantala (436-4578), Jane Campbell (254-4885) or director Smith (261-2150). …
And that’s "Show Biz." …
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Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist; reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com; read his “Show and Tell Hawaii” blog at www.staradvertiser.com.
