Roy Sakuma, for decades a presenter of summertime outdoor entertainment, again will emcee “The Wildest Show in Town,” a Wednesday twilight destination at the Honolulu Zoo from June 6 to Aug. 15 (no show on July 4).
“ ‘The Wildest Show in Town’ has become a Wednesday tradition for families and tourists attracted to the great entertainment at a nominal fee,” said Sakuma, whose name is synonymous with the ukulele (thanks to his Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios) and his 48th annual Ukulele Festival at Kapiolani Park Bandstand set for 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 15.
“The first was in 1986, when it was called ‘I’m Wild About the Zoo,’ ” said Sakuma, who assisted in its launch. He assumed programming in 1987 and launched the current name. The series originally was free.
“After 32 years, I still love the event, helping the zoo and seeing everyone enjoying themselves,” said Sakuma.
Gates open at 4:35 p.m.; programs will run from 4:45 to 6 p.m. Admission is $5, with proceeds going to the zoo.
The schedule:
>> June 6: Kapena, a family band led by Kelly Boy DeLima, specializing in pop, Hawaiian, Jawaiian and a big winner in the recent Na Hoku Hanohano Awards
>> June 13: Josh Tatofi, island musician and a Grammy nominee this year
>> June 20: Roy Sakuma’s Super Keiki, a youth ukulele group
>> June 27: Keauhou, a multiple Hoku-winning Hawaiian vocal-instrumental trio
>> July 11: Beat-lele, a Beatles ukulele tribute group
>> July 18: Willie K, Hawaiian and blues wizard
>> July 25: The Makaha Sons, Hawaiian music trio
>> Aug. 1: Johnny Helm and Friends, contemporary group
>> Aug. 8: Noel Okimoto and the Jazz All Stars, a tribute to Jimmy Borges
>> Aug. 15: Jon Yamasato, island singer-musician
Sakuma annually enlists ukulele sponsors to donate instruments for weekly giveaways; alternating participants include Kanilea/Islander Ukulele, KoAloha Ukulele, Kala Ukulele, and Ko‘olau/Pono Ukulele. …
OUT AND ABOUT
Auli‘i Cravalho (“Rise” on NBC) isn’t the only islander whose network show was canceled. Mililani’s Maggie Q (“Designated Survivor” on ABC) also bids aloha, though her show survived two seasons. “Rise” lasted only one. …
SHOW BREEZES
Dionne Warwick’s first Blue Note Hawaii gig last week could become an annual affair; after all, her son Damon Elliott (who goes by NomaD) lives here and was mom’s opening act. Her elder son David Elliott was the drummer of her combo, so the gig was a family reunion. Warwick dusted off Burt Bacharach / Hal David hits and utilized one title, “What the World Needs Love,” to deliver a simple message for these divided times — “it’s the only thing there’s just too little of” — alluding to but never identifying the tension. …
The Vanita Rae Smith– directed “Forbidden Broadway,” which had a four-show run at Temple Emanu-El, was an unabashed triumph featuring Shari Lynn, Kip Wilborn, Buz Tennant and Annie Renick. About 30 snippets from well-known Broadway hits (and iconic troupers) were roasted and toasted, with a sterling one-man orchestra in Maika‘i Nash. The conclusion: Shudda run longer … so why not a resurrection somewhere else? …
FATHER TIME
Alfred Apaka, the classic Hawaiian entertainer, was remembered by his son, Jeff Apaka, in a “Waikiki by Moonlight” event last night at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Cathy Foy, Angel Pablo and Haumea Ho performed; The Lovelies, the late crooner’s dancers (Kuulei Jefferies, Sally Fo and Wailani Bell) reunited for hula. Kuuipo Kumukahi, Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame president, tapped Jeff to assemble the participants. …
Father’s Day, coming up on June 17, doesn’t get the boost like Mother’s Day, but comedian Augie T does double duty this year. “A Father’s Day Weekend Paina,” at 8 p.m. June 16 at HASR Bistro, on Pauahi Street, features Junior Kekuewa Jr. and Lil Guy; $40 includes heavy pupu. … Augie also hosts a brunch show, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17, at Dots in Wahiawa, with Sean Garnett and Lil Guy; $40 (adults) and $25 (kids 3 to 10), includes a buffet. Visit augiet.com …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
