If you’re a jazz buff, the place to be on Sept. 8 is “Sunset Jazz: A Sentimental Journey,” which marks the 20th anniversary of the jazz fest held on the Great Lawn of La Pietra (aka the Hawaii School for Girls), in the shadow of Diamond Head in Waikiki.
A stellar roster will have the crowd jumping and jamming:
>> Shari Lynn, a founder of the annual Sunset Jazz program and a respected and resourceful jazz stylist. Lynn has been keeping the Great American Songbook alive through research and programs on the club and concert circuit. She also happens to be a music teacher at La Pietra.
>> Kip Wilborn, a regular partner in song with Lynn and a seasoned trouper in musicals and operas. He’s also the new producing director at Manoa Valley Theatre
>> Ginai and Annie Renick, soloists active in the jazz genre.
>> Son Caribe, the firecracker combo on the Latin music circuit.
>> Saloon Pilots, an inventive bluegrass-Americana group still putting its imprint on the local scene.
>> The Sunset Jazz All Stars, a combo comprising Jim Howard, Dean Taba, Darryl Pellegrini and Scott Villager, who plan a musical tribute to the beloved saxophonist Gabe Baltazar.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with the musical action beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Several ticket options and prices prevail, with reserved tables seating eight:
>> VIP tables, $2,500 ($3,000 after Sept. 2), including premium food and beverage service, and reserved parking for four.
>> Premium tables, $1,000 ($1,500 after Sept. 2), including premium food and beverage service, parking for four.
>> ‘Ohana tables, $500 ($750 after Sept. 2), BYO food and beverage.
>> Single tickets, $60 ($70 after Sept.2), unreserved lawn seating, BYO picnic blankets or lawn chairs, food and beverages.
Food and drinks also will be available for purchase. Reservations: lapietra.edu (click on “Giving”) …
Whee, the people
The aforementioned Shari Lynn has two gigs at Medici’s at Manoa Marketplace: Oct. 25, featuring the Shari Lynn Trio; and Dec. 14 and 15, with “Not Quite Christmas With Shari Lynn.” …
She also shows up with singer-actor Buz Tennent and pianist Don Conover for the screening of “Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles,” sponsored by the Honolulu Jewish Film Festival on Saturday at the Doris Duke Theatre. The trio will perform tunes from “Fiddler on the Roof,” at 7 p.m., before the screening at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets: $35, at honolulujewishfilmfest.org. …
Because of renovations, Medici’s has rescheduled the performance of Ryan Souza and Ruth Shiroma Foster to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Tickets: $20 advance, $25 at the door, $25 for buffet dinner, at honolulumusicatmedicis.com, 351-0901. …
Love is in the air
Director Vanita Rae Smith’s Readers Theatre, set for 7 p.m. Sept. 3 and 5 and 2 p.m Sept. 8 at the Pohai Nani auditorium in Kaneohe, will feature Jo and Jip Pruden in a reading of “Love Letters.”
The fabled script entails a couple’s decades-long correspondence, and is a testament to enduring love. Admission is free; call 225-6927.
As the Prudens are marking their 50th anniversary on Sept. 2, an apres-show celebration will acknowledge the milestone, along with Jo’s 80th birthday (April 14), Jip’s 93rd (June 30) and Smith’s 75th (Feb.1).
Audiences are invited to enjoy champagne and dessert, but RSVP by Sept. 1 at vanitaraesmith@hawaii.rr.com or jopruden@hawaii.rr.com. …
Oldies but goodies
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons concertize at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7 at Blaisdell Concert Hall, reviving such classic oldies but goodies as “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Sherry,” “Dawn,” “My Eyes Adored You,” “Let’s Hang On” and more. Expect two sellouts. Tickets: $59.50 to $145, at ticketmaster.com, 768-5252. …
And the Backstreet Boys also will pack ‘em in when their DNA World Tour plays at Blaisdell Arena at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 and 3. Expect to hear “I Want It That Way,” “As Long as You Love Me, “All I Have to Give,” “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” and “Chances.” Tickets: $62.50 to $259.50, at ticketmaster.com, 768-5252. …
Under the sea
Interesting development, but kudos anyway, to hometown fave Auli‘i Cravalho, the voice of Disney’s “Moana” flick. On Nov. 5 on ABC, she’ll star as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” a musical concert also featuring Queen Latifah as Ursula and Shaggy as Sebastian.
This will be part of “The Wonderful World of Disney,” but also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the tale of Ariel and her undersea adventures, doubling as a live event for ABC.
Cravalho didn’t get the titular role in Disney’s planned live-action film adaptation of “The Little Mermaid”; Halle Bailey got the nod, with expected participation of Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Awkwafina as Scuttle. Rob Marshall will direct; and oh, a dude named Lin-Manuel Miranda is teaming with original “Mermaid” composer Alan Menken to compose new music. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
