'70s Salute to Our Troops

Getting closer and the excitement is building. Here's the most recent update from the Hawaii '72 website.

Ticket Sales Strong for
August 12th Event at Ilikai
More than 200 people were turned away at the Hawaiian Hut last year when Hawaii '72 held its inaugural benefit featuring pop superstar Liz Damon.

Suzi Shimada

Organizers are taking no chances this year. "We've moved the event to the Ilikai's Pacific Ballroom, and we hope that'll be big enough," said chairperson Suzi Shimada. She says ticket sales are brisk for the "'70s Salute to Our Troops," set for Friday, August 12, a fundraiser for the 29th Support Battalion of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Proceeds will go toward a homecoming celebration for soldiers deployed in Iraq.

The featured performer of the evening will be the former leader of the '70s pop group Liz Damon and the Orient Express, who now resides in Las Vegas. She'll be singing her Hawaii hit songs including "1900 Yesterday" and "Me Japanese Boy." “I always look forward to going home and to perform in front of fans who remember the good old days,” said Damon.

King Pins


Flashback


Also in the guest lineup is the former lead guitarist of the Orient Express. Les Hee will perform songs of the King, Elvis Presley, an impression he was noted for. "I can't wait to wipe his sweat," says Jan Heiser, Hawaii '72 committee member.
Soulz




Greenwood



Other guest performers are also being lined up, including a certain top government leader who happens to be a member of the Class of '72. The rest of the evening will be filled with dance music from Hawaii's top oldies bands - the King Pins, Flashback, Greenwood and the Soulz.

The event will run from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., and includes a make-it-yourself nacho buffet bar. Tickets are $30 ($20 tax deductible), and can be purchased at the Ilikai by calling 944-6372 or fellow Hawaii '72 classmates Pearl Powell at 259-8976, email to: hanigyrl@aol.com or Annette Lehano at 668-9627 or 956-4174, email to: lehanohall@yahoo.com. VIP reserved tables of 10 are available for $500 by calling Shimada at 864-7718.

"This is to show our young men and women in uniform how much we appreciate their service,” said Shimada, whose son Ross is on active duty in Iraq. "And it's also a chance for us baby boomers and others to have a whole lot of fun."

Get your tickets early in case its another sellout event!

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