Kudos to Melveen Leed, who was visibly moved and emotionally thrilled to earn a lifetime achievement award from the Pan Pacific Southeast Asia Women’s Association of Hawaii March 24 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
‘Twas a mixed bag, however — a gathering of South Seas cultural leaders, politicos, entertainers, ethnic officials representing a patchwork-quilt of accomplishments — with uneven results. Some expected performers didn’t show up and the program was far too lax, like a ship without a rudder, considering the serious and honorable agenda at stake.
Still, Leed soldiered on. She was alternately the tita, the diva, the wife, the mother, the tutu, the buddy and the songstress. With glittery makeup and a cheerful attitude, she hugged and sang and spoke and listened, since she was the centerpiece. The salute was hers, for being herself, and no one could deny her that laurel.
We’ve all adored the multi-Mel: a chanteuse of Hawaiian, country and jazz who can sing/speak in 18 tongues; a former Miss Molokai who still upholds the simplicity of the Friendly Isle in her daily outlook; a beloved wahine who can shout “shut up” and elicit laughter not anger; and a career entertainer who still manages to command attention and deliver her magic.
Leed was rock-solid when she joined fellow Molokai singer Raiatea Helm in rendering “Molokai Nui A Hina,” but astounding and amazing and truly at her peak — and wow, such pipes! — when she rendered Jay Larrin’s “The Snows of Mauna Kea” in his presence. He would’ve been at the keyboards while she sang, but there wasn’t one available. Hmmm.
In husband Mike Reyes she finally found her late-in-life match. He is the wind behind her wings. She often jests about her exes (she has as many as there are fingers on one hand), but he’s the one and only now. No wonder there was a joyful lilt in her voice and amour in her smile. …
WILLIE’S BACK!
Singer Willie K took the Blue Note Hawaii stage on Tuesday for the first time in two months, while still undergoing chemo and radiation treatments in his struggle to beat lung cancer. What a homecoming! SRO! Ovations!
The performance was somewhat therapeutic, but risky. But a new Willie emerged. He’s lost 45 pounds and wore a baseball cap to shield his hair loss; his goatee also is history.
And he periodically shared revelatory thoughts: “The power of prayer is amazing.” “Radiation is amazing; the buggah never hurt.” “It’s a battle, but it’s fun.”
Wife Debbie is his devoted caregiver and Willie’s discovered the strength of faith, adopting songs with earnest messages: “In This Life,” “Change the World” — all so confessional and courageous.
But happily, the old Willie K still thrives. His “You, Kuuipo” remains a jaunty thrill, and he does opera plus the wonderfully nostalgic and old Hawaiian songs his grandma used to sing, as well as a rousing tongue-tying “Hawaiian Cowboy” delivered yodel style.
For the full review, check my Facebook page. …
TRADE WINDS
Bruno Mars is one of the headliners — the others include Jack White, The Weeknd and Arctic Monkeys — at the 2018 Lollapalooza, Aug. 2 to 5 at Grant Park in Chicago. Hawaii no ka oi! …
According to son Martin Nievera, there won’t be any services for the late Roberto Nievera, the former Society of Seven balladeer who died March 26 in Las Vegas.
“Dad requested no viewing or funerals, just a celebration of life, which will happen April 27 in Las Vegas,” said Martin in an email. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
