So, how did the 70s "Salute to the Troops" Go? "Hey, thanks for asking!!!"

On the Scene
John Berger

Monday, August 15, 2005

Welcome Home,
Liz Damon!


THE WAIT WAS WORTH IT!: Danny Hee surprised Liz Damon on Friday by bringing a vintage vinyl album to Dalton Tanonaka's "'70s Salute to Our Troops" show at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel. Damon was the star of the show, and Tanonaka's band subbed for the Orient Express when she sang "1900 Yesterday" and "Me Japanese Boy (I Love You)." Hee said he had waited "at least 32 years" to meet Damon and have her sign the album.


CAROLE AND HINKIE CHECK IT OUT: Carole Kai, left, looked fabulous in a gray and black gown as she checked out the crowd with her friend Hinkie. Kai and her husband, Eddie Onouye, also shared their table with Iva Kinimaka. Mayor Mufi Hannemann arrived later to greet Liz Damon. He appeared to be having a great time on the dance floor doing all the "letters" when Greenwood played "Y.M.C.A." Given the resurgence of interest in local stars of the '70s and '80s, it's time Kai was the star of a one-night show like this one.

WELCOME TO THE PARTY: Designated "doorman" Irwin Santos, center, greeted Robin Kimura, left, and Ilikai Hotel exec Candy Au. Kimura's band, Greenwood, played next to last but turned out to be the most polished performers and the closest in sound to the local Top 40 bands of the era.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!: John Quincy Adams, left, and Pam Milligan stopped by the Ilikai to celebrate his birthday. Keoki Van Orden, second from left, and Randall "Rufus" Rosenberg of the Kingpins wished him a good one. Adams said that he was supposed to graduate in 1972 but took a year off along the way and ended up graduating in 1973, so he goes to both classes' reunions.


IT'S TIME FOR NATURAL HIGH: Raynard Apana, left, talked with Roy Yonashiro. If Yonashiro's band, Natural High, did one of these shows, they'd be the headliners, but he says some of the surviving members still aren't sure about a reunion.

See the Columnists section for some past articles.

John Berger has covered the local entertainment scene since 1972. Contact him at jberger@starbulletin.com.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin -- http://starbulletin.com

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