By Bill Comstock

The Aloha Friday Luncheon Show on December 11 at the Outrigger Reef’s Kani Ka Pila Grille was a star-studded affair. Visitors and guests were treated to top island music, a delicious Hawaiian buffet lunch, and a few well-known personalities in the audience. The show also aired on the radio via AM940 and streamed live to the world via AM940Hawaii.com.

Popular radio personalities Billy V and Braddah Wade were on hand to keep the action going and the audience engaged. On stage, the entertainment line-up was top-notch with Na Leo, one of the State’s most popular female Hawaiian groups; Raiatea Helm, singing a newly-penned song; and our own Matt Sproat, with Kale Hannahs, who make up the duo Waipuna.

Matt and Kale recently released a new CD, “Mana’o Pili,” and the audience was treated to several numbers from their new album. Waipuna brought out two guest artists, Kapua Kennedy whose beautiful hula delighted the crowd, and ten-year-old Maka‘ala Perry, who joined Waipuna on stage for a solo song. The audience couldn’t believe that such a strong, well-seasoned voice was coming from such a young performer. Needless to say, this young lady will be headlining local stages in the not too distant future!

Taking time from their schedules to enjoy the afternoon’s lunch and musical stylings were entertainment writers Wayne Harada and Eddie Sherman; the sensational musical family of Lloyd Kawakami and sons Nick and Alex – better known as Manoa DNA; and actress Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia on the television show, “The Brady Bunch.” Maureen, who was staying at the Outrigger Reef on the beach, was in town for several book-signing engagements, as well as a fundraiser for the local non-profit group “Best Buddies.”

The Aloha Friday Luncheon Shows at the Outrigger Reef’s Kani Ka Pila Grille are always popular, and it’s nice to see our local residents come into Waikiki to enjoy the afternoon. In 2010, the Outrigger Reef and AM940 have five Aloha Friday Luncheon Shows scheduled. Mark your calendars now, and make sure to let your family and friends know about them – February 12, April 23, June 11, September 3, and November 12. Seating is at 11:30 a.m., with the live musical broadcast from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.