Is this a trend in the making?
With a scarcity of performance stages and eager beavers hoping to mine their share of prospective audiences, the Main Showroom of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel is beginning to brighten the "dark nights" by hosting showcase acts that otherwise might not get an opportunity to play Kalakaua Avenue.
It’s smart, after all, to multitask the space — especially one that provides a network of proper lighting and a decent sound system.
Two separate bills are on the horizon at the Outrigger:
» The Allstar Funk Band, featuring newcomer Devin Nakasone, at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16. The Funk crew earlier tested the waters at the Outrigger, so this is a hana hou show —dubbed the 808Showcase Workshop. FYI, Nakasone’s working on a solo CD with Darryl "Cruz" Anguay. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $10.
» Greg Gabaylo, an illusionist, will be joined by Jan Luna, an ukulele soloist and singer, plus Cristal Lee, an 11-year-old specializing in a tribute to Connie Francis, at 3 p.m. Oct. 23. The matinee curtain time, plus the mixed bag of performing styles, aims to attract a family audience. Gabaylo is a comedian, juggler and magician — and he’ll also test his hypnotism skills, so expect some unusual fun. Luna is known to Waikiki regulars as a member of the Society of Seven LV (Latest Version), who normally bask in the Outrigger limelight Tuesdays through Saturday nights. Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Freddy Von Paraz, also an SOSLV entertainer (the band’s drummer and occasional singer-impressionist), is booking these periodic gigs.
Information: 923-7469. Validated parking will be available at the Ohana East lot on Kaiulani Avenue; valet parking is also an option. …
DUTY CALLS: Ifyou’re an actor and solicited coaching from Scott Rogers to try out for a role on CBS’ "Hawaii Five-0," would you bypass the role because you’re already committed to an overlapping stage show? That’s what happened to Britton Adams, who plays Clown No. 1 in Manoa Valley Theatre’s "The 39 Steps," which was to close with today’s matineebut has been extended for three more shows, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and again at 4 p.m. Oct. 2. Adams plays myriad parts in "Steps," and instead of asking the theater whether he could skip a performance to do "Five-0," he voluntarily bypassed the opportunity to honor his commitment. Who knows? Adams might get called again — if the gods are watching and the casting directors don’t forget him. Meanwhile, Rogers will direct MVT’s "Little Shop of Horrors" for an Oct. 27 premiere. …
MINI REVIEW: "The 39 Steps" is a wondrous journey of imaginative storytelling and acting, fused with aural and visual icons from the Alfred Hitchcock school of wry comedy laced with drama. Many bright, light, tightmoments, performed by a remarkably versatile and agile cast of four. Reservations: 988-6131. …
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto‘s Morimoto Waikiki, the culinary jewel at the Modern (formerly the Waikiki Edition), marks its anniversary with a to-do from 5 p.m. Wednesday. His signature drinks and haute cuisine will be featured, with Anuhea providing acoustic soul, pop and reggae vibes from 9:30 p.m. coinciding with a sake toast. Reservations: 943-5900. …
RANDOM NOTES: Kudos to Kika Matsumoto of Kika Inc., veteran event planner and talent booker, who will be saluted by the Aloha Chapter of the Meeting Planners International at the 2011 Awards Gala, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, at the Kahala Resort. Other MPI honorees will be applauded for their volunteering achievements. …
Air dates are confirmed for "Rap — Hawaii’s Comic Genius," a Hawaii News Now special on the late Rap Reiplinger, the comic and co-founder of Booga Booga. It premieres at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 on KHNL, immediately after the Patriots-Jets football game, with a hana hou at 7 p.m. Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving night) on KGMB. Phil Arnone directed. …
And that’s "Show Biz." …
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.
