Author Graham "Sandy" Salisbury, who has island roots, will be inducted as an honorary member into the 100th Battalion Veterans organization May 5 at the 100th clubhouse. Salisbury will be joining a list of only 25 other honorees.
A letter from Lloyd T. Kitaoka, president of the 100th Vets, praises Salisbury for making a "tremendous positive impact towards the history and sacrifices of the AJA soldiers. Your novels, ‘Under the Blood Red Sun’ and ‘Eyes of the Emperor,’ have contributed much towards providing the younger generations with an understanding of the struggles and impact that the WWII era had on Hawaii’s society, cultures and family environments. We’re honored to have you be a part of our veterans’ organization and hope that you’ll continue to produce more stories and provide a lasting impression on our young readers"…
Two of Hawaii’s finest singers, Jimmy Borges and Melveen Leed, have shows coming up. Jimmy will be doing a tribute to his idol Frank Sinatra Sunday at the Elks Club, from 5 to 8 p.m.
This is Sinatra’s centennial. Ol’ Blue Eyes was born on Dec. 15, 2015. Many Sinatra-related events, shows and programs are being held in his honor this year. The cost for Jimmy’s Sinatra special is $55 and that includes food from pupu stations.
Pianist Dan Del Negro, drummer Darryl Pelligrini, sax player Rocky Holmes and bassist Steve Jones will back Jimmy. There will be two dance floors. Call the Elks Club at 923-5722 for tickets that are going fast. The show is a benefit for Elks National Foundation, which supports charities …
This is Augie Rey‘s last month as Honolulu Elks Lodge exalted ruler and president. He returns to playing music at the Elks Club April 4 and April 18 … Melveen will be Neil Sedaka‘s guest at his concert March 28 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, 8 p.m. …
Special room rates at the Ala Moana Hotel have been announced for May 21-25 for the Na Hoku Hanohano awards and the Mele Mai Festival events leading up to and after the May 23 awards show at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. Pali Ka‘aihue, co-creator of the Mele Mei Festival and president of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts, said the Mele Mei events take place all month.
The rates: KonaTower, $139 a night, maximum two guests per room; and WaikikiTower, $159 a night, maximum four guests per room. Guests must present their ID badge, ticket or receipt for any of the events to the front desk prior to check out in order to qualify for the special room rates. (Go to www.melemei.com for a list of events.) For information call Bryson Ramos at the HARA office, 593-9424 …
Ruth’s Chris Waikiki Beach Walk is expanding with the addition of a private dining room, the Leahi Hale, according to Randy Schoch, CEO of Desert Island Restaurants and franchisee for the Ruth’s Chris Hawaii restaurants. Leahi Hale will accommodate some 40 guests.
The existing private dining room, the Wa‘a Room, will be remodeled, and both private dining rooms will be equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual systems. In addition to the expansion, the entire restaurant will be adding bright new colors, fabrics and flooring. Schoch will be in town at the end of the month to check things out …
Rita Riggs, looking younger than ever, celebrated her birthday at lunch March 9 at Neiman’s Mariposa …
Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
