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Hawaii Stars 2005

 
Guest Judges
     
Jimmy Borges   Neva Rego
When it comes to jazz traditions, there's probably no more dedicated curator than singer Jimmy Borges. In fact, he's been called "The Keeper of the Flame". Borges does one thing best - keep the Great American Songbook alive and fresh.   Voice coach to the stars, Neva has operated her Bel Canto School of Singing since1980. A longtime friend of Hawaii Stars, Neva delivers valuable insights to all the contestants she judges.
Richard Natto
a New York born graduate of Kaimuki High School, sings and plays guitar, keyboards, bass and drums. Richard is the group’s leader and plays a key role in its success. He has many unique musical qualities; he is a gifted composer, arranger and songwriter. He wrote the theme for “Hawaii Stars”
 
Brandon Kahele   Melveen Leed
 
 
Billy V
 
Brickwood Galuteria   Mandy Suganuma
radio personality, actor, singer, performer, , advocate of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement and former chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i. Brickwood is back on the airwaves with Kimo Kahoano, as hosts of "Na 'Oiwi 'Olino," on KKNE-AM 940 from 7-9 a.m. Monday through Friday,   radio personality, “Mandy in the Morning” on KUMU
 
Anita Hall   Pipi
2006 Hawaii Stars Champion   One half of KCCN’s Lina Girl & Pipi in the Morning
 
Alaka’i
Queen wahine of KPOA’s morning drive – better known as Maui’s Morning Goddess

MONDAY - FRIDAY, 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Maui’s #1 morning show, weekday morning Alaka’I The Morning Goddess wakes up Maui, Moloka’I, Lana’I, Kaho’olawe, the Big Island, Oahu and every elite parts of Kauai with familiar, "get up, brush teeth, wash face, and comb your hair. Now that KPOA is streaming, her infectious nature and aloha spirit will be available to touch the hearts of everyone around the world.

Ready, Set, Beautiful Day, don’t wake up grouchy, get a positive start with her distinct blend of island music, island funnies, and island love, Alaka’I style. Trivia test first thing in the morning, knowing I am lucky to be living in Maui, a brief but deep moment of Hawaiian pride with Luana Kawa'a's morning mana'o, and that’s just the first hour. Alaka’I always has the best guests, the best music, the best stories, and the best deals in town because she has the best sponsors too! Where else can you find an F150 and the county of Maui coed volleyball league scores nowhere! Alaka’I exclusively on KPOA, 93.5FM weekday mornings from 6:00am - 10:00am. http://www.kpoa.com/subpage5.php?item_id=4
 
Lina-girl   Lanai
The other half of KCCN’s Lina Girl & Pipi in the Morning   Lanai and Crystal are morning jocks on Island 98.5
 
Crystal Akana   Ilona Irvine
You can find this energetic, thought provoking, easy going, island girl along side one of Hawaii’s premiere morning radio shows. You can join her every morning as she helps get you through “CHOKE” traffic with Lanai & Kaleo weekday mornings, 530-10am on Island 98.5.    
 
Glenn Miyashiro   Anna Marie Love
Glenn Miyashiro, a graduate of Aiea High School and Leeward Community College. He sings lead vocals and plays trumpet, flugel horn, congas, timbales and guitar. Glenn does some hilarious impressions of Dean Martin, Cher, Kathryn Hepburn, Bob Dylan and others. Glenn is also the Society Of Seven LV's emcee.   Performed with the Hawaii Opera Theatre for 2 seasons Performed with various groups and conventions for over 25 years Numerous “Awards of Singing” from UH, US Government, and throughout the Filipino community Performed with International Artist Nora Aunor Opened for Ray Charles, and ESPN Performed with the Local Divas and The Krush Guest recording artist on local CDs
 
Ken Tatafu   Olena Rubin
A longtime member of the Hawaii Stars family; was a Keiki Star and went on to become a Grand Champion in the Weinberg Hawaii Stars Concert of Extraordinary Abilities   Interning with KHNL 8 – graduate from HPU in speech communication just starred in an independent film
 
Sunway   Zanuck Lindsey
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Sunway has quickly become known as a vocalist with an out of the ordinary name and an EXTRAordinary voice. She has built her career around being able to find the meaning of a song and transmit it with honesty and true heartfelt delivery to her audience. Whether she is singing to a trendy bar crowd in her small island home or to 2,000 people for a corporate event, Sunway always tries to reach her audience on an intimate level.  
Hoku Award winning artist for best jazz album in 2000; presently recording and writing with Kalapana for their 30th anniversary CD
 
Nohelani Cypriano   David Swanson
Performing with her hula show at Kolohe's at the Ko Olina Beach Club on Fridays, and at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel on Saturdays. Watch for Nohe’s new CD, "Pulelehua” due out June 30 in honor of her mother’s birthday.   Hawaii Stars semi-finalist 2006
 
Richard Natto   Kalei Davis
Richard Natto is the Leader of the SOS LV. An advocate for talent, and life, he is an old friend of the Hawaii Stars family   Currently pre-show entertainer at The Magic of Polynesia Played Celine Dion at Legends in Concert Had roles on Baywatch and LOST Four-time Pookela award winner Casting assistant for film and television
 
Sistah Sherry
Sista Sherry has been in Hawaii radio for 15 years and is currently one half of the “Chris and Sherry in the Morning” show at Krater 96.3 She’s a Waipahu High School graduate and a single mom with a 16 year-old son named Bronson. She’s been a part of local plays and does voice work for TV, radio, internet and in the tour industry. Her favorite things to do are singing karaoke, hanging out with family and friends, and bowling, just to name a few. Sherry has been a judge on Hawaii Stars many times in the past. Favorite thing to say: “My “spirit” will always be 21”
     
Sonya Mendez

Sonya Mendez enters her third and final year as a resident judge on Hawaii's top singing competition show, "Hawaii Stars". This veteran entertainer with over 30 years on stage has found her "Hawaii Stars" experience both rewarding and humbling. "Hawaii has a multitude of untapped, fresh talent that can benefit from training in all areas of performance...They're able to get a taste of what the audition process feels like on the mainland. I'm grateful that I've been able to contribute to their development."

Highlights of Sonya's career in 2005 include performing on an 8-day Mediterranean cruise in May with Paradise and Company, Hawaii's top show/dance band, consisting of 8 musicians fronted by 5 lead singers. Upon her return from Europe, Sonya will release her first single, "Luau Cha Cha Cha" from her upcoming CD "Back to the Islands" on her own label, Fat and Happy Records. The single release will be enhanced with live performances throughout the islands, in addition to a special performance with Kit Samson's Sound Advice Reunion Dance Party on May 27 in Honolulu. Sonya performs with her duo, "Just Two Girls" on the first Friday of each month at the Honolulu Club Bar and Lounge and on selected Saturdays at Brew Moon restaurant. She is the vice president of the Rotary Club of Kapolei and the community calendar editor for Pacific Media Publishing's three community papers - The Leeward Current, West Oahu Current and the Ka Nupepa.

This season Sonya wears selected pieces from her wardrobe, as well as original designs by up and coming local designer, Kini Zamora. Hair styling is provided by Oney from Salon Mei and make-up by Miki Johnson.

Email Sonya at sonya@hawaiistars.com