Nate Chinen, a jazz critic for the New York Times since 2005, will be home Feb. 11 for a different kind of gig: teaching for a week at ‘Iolani School.
Chinen, whose reviews and articles I’ve admired from afar, is the son of Teddy and Nanci Tanaka. He is one of the nation’s top jazz journalists and a seasoned supporter of the genre.
Chinen grew up with show biz parents, who performed in Reno, Las Vegas and Waikiki. His late dad, who was born Theodore Chinen and died Nov. 24, 2014, became a recording and club star while still attending McKinley High School.
Chinen also has signed on with Newark-based WBGO-FM 88.3 radio as director of editorial content in partnership with National Public Radio. The alliance will upgrade and widen both the online and on-air presence of the station at a time when jazz is enjoying a huge renaissance.
Chinen’s wife, Ashley, and their two daughters will be here, too, making grandma Nanci mighty happy.
AN ALIIS REUNION
The Aliis, who started as the late Don Ho’s backup group at Duke Kahanamoku’s and went on to a successful solo career, held a reunion concert this month in California. Nine members from two generations of The Aliis, dating back 55 years, performed, led by original musicians Benny Chong and Al Akana, who still call Hawaii home; Joe Mundo, now of Washington state; Rudy Aquino of Rarotonga; and Manny Lagod of California. Latter-day troupers Carlos Barboza, Bobby King, Danny Couch and Nathan Aweau joined in, with Melveen Leed guest-starring.
“In one word, it was magical,” said Thyra Abraham, a longtime friend and concert producer. “The Aliis’ vocal harmony was on point.” Aquino and Mundo did an Ike and Tina Turner shtick, Lagod and singer Leed paid tribute to composer Kui Lee and Ho on “I’ll Remember You” (one of Lee’s signature hits recorded by Ho), and the composer’s daughter, Wailana, was there, along with Ho’s widow, Haumea, and her veteran entertainer mom, Johnny Frisbie.
COUPLES, INC.: ALL ABOUT COUPLES
>> Family ties: Lloyd and Carla Kawakami, CEO and vice president, respectively, of the ‘Iolani sportswear line, will mark 35 years of marriage on Valentine’s Day. Lloyd, of course, is part of the group ManoaDNA with sons Alx Kawakami and Nick Kawakami, and Alx and his wife Sarah Kawakami recently pulled Los Angeles stakes to return to the ‘Iolani fold, with Alx overseeing company operations, Sarah heading retailing. The reorganization continues the legacy of the family-centric vision of company founders, the late Keiji and Edith Kawakami. ‘Iolani (on Kona Street) is celebrating with 15 percent off selected red and pink garments from Feb. 1 through 14.
>> Parenthood: Afatia and Nicole Thompson are expecting their fifth child — a boy — in June. Cha and Jack Thompson of Tihati Productions, parents of Afatia, can’t wait to babysit the anticipated moopuna.
>> Millionaires: Joe and Kristen Souza of Oahu appeared on CNBC’s “Blue Collar Millionaires” series last week. Their Kanilea Ukulele produces high-end ukes that have put them into this elite club.
DATES TO CIRCLE
George Takei’s “Allegiance” Broadway musical, a filmed version of the stage performance, gets a hana hou screening Feb. 19 at the Regal Dole Cannery and Maui Mall theaters. Tip: stay beyond the end credits, and you’ll enjoy the behind-the-scenes chats and clips featuring the cast that includes Lea Salonga and Telly Leung. Tickets: fathomevents.com/event/allegiance-encore/buy.
Rolando Sanchez & Salsa Hawaii headline the Hot Latin Style Mardi Gras, at 8:30 and 10 p.m. Feb. 25 at Lola’s, 1108 Keeaumoku St. A $10 cover prevails. Call 596-8878.
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
