Martin’s Homecoming
Martin Nievera practically grew up in the Outrigger showroom in Waikiki. Today he’s an international singing sensation, performing for huge audiences around the world. But nothing makes him happier than bein back home in Hawaii and sharing that same Outrigger showroom stage with SOS. The show runs through July 2
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
E-mail this story | Print this page | Archive | RSS |
Del.icio.us
|
years he’s been playing a steady show in Vegas.
But he still calls Hawaii home.
“Hawaii’s really home,” he says. “It doesn’t necessarily mean where you’re born. When you land somewhere and you just have this feeling of (huge sigh of relief) that’s Hawaii. In Hawaii, the breeze hits you, somebody meets you with malasadas. I throw off my shirt, take off my shoes.”
He’s in town this time for a landmark occasion. Hawaii is great for a reprieve from the adoring mobs, so he visits often, but starting last week, June 14, and running through July 2, for the first time ever, Nievera is joining his SOS uncles on the stage where he grew up watching his father perform. Aptly titled “Homecoming,” he joins the current six (not seven at the moment) members: Tony Ruivivar, Bert Sagum, Wayne Wakai, Hoku Low, Vince Mendoza and Roy Venturina. Every so often the group welcomes a guest star to perform with them. Currently they’re featuring 16-year-old Farrington High School phenom, the singlemonikered Arshiel (wait till you see her conquer the microphone!).
|
“Those who watch the show for these next weeks will get to really witness a dream come true,” says Nievera. “Every single young singer in Hawaii wanted to be in the Society of Seven. I was no different. I used to mimic every member of the original (group) and those who have replaced those who have left. Of course, Uncle Tony knows me so well, he just writes me right into the show.”
“Martin’s so great,” responds Ruivivar. “He’s very witty and thinks on his feet and he surprises us.”
|
Both those familiar with the show and those new to the rambunctious comedy, song, dance, impersonations and instrumental numbers are sure to relish the burst of adrenaline and belly laughs that the charismatic sextet pulls off. And they do it with vivacity that guys a few decades younger would have a tough time matching.
Says Nievera: “This is the gig of my career. This is the moment. This is the room.”
“Homecoming” enlivens the Outrigger Showroom (2335 Kalakaua Ave.) Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45 ages 21 and up, $25 ages 4-20. Ask about kamaaina rates. For reservations, call 923-7469 or 922-6408.
Page 2 of 2 pages for this story < 1 2
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
