By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
The moon shined over Saturday night’s Starlight Ball and one of its go-go dancers in the Henry R. Luce Pavilion.

Stars were hidden by a layer of clouds during the 2009 Starlight Ball Saturday, but the full moon was out and the afternoon’s rains stopped just in time for the party to begin at 7 p.m. There was only one moment where guests had to run for cover of the Honolulu Academy of Arts covered courtyards.

The theme of the Prada-sponsored Art After Dark event was “When Cool Was King,” paying tribute to Vegas and the Rat Pack era. Outside, showgirls greeted guests and inside, guests were invited to bid on silent auction items to benefit the academy-affiliated Art to Go, an after-school community arts program geared toward Hawaii’s underserved youth.

One thing less to bid on: Lesli-Ann Yano was already wearing her Prada Tessuto stones necklace.

At the head of the auction item list were Prada’s new Paillettes evening bag, Tessuto bag, Tessuto stones necklace with Swarovski crystals and Tessuto stones earrings.

I took as many pictures as I could between snacking on ravioli from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, scallops from RumFire Waikiki, duck from Twist at Hanohano, and ahi and purple sweet potato from E&O Trading Co. Those flush enough to dine under the tents were treated to dinner by Chef Mavro. Unfortunately, I had eaten a giant cookie before arriving was barely able to check out Hokulani Bake Shop’s cupcake bar, which allowed guests to choose their cupcake, frosting and sugar sprinkles, an edible form of art-making.

It was all rather sedate and dignified until dinner was over and the dancing began. That’s when the jackets started coming off and rather than the sounds of the Rat Pack, the music was all fun ’80s like Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough,” Madonna’s “Material Girl,” B52’s “Love Shack” and Klymaxx’s “Meeting in the Ladies Room.”

Someone decided the sculpture in the Luce Pavilion should be dressed for the occasion.

Taking a break from dancing were, from left, Prada Hawaii Corp. area manager Joseph Incao, Joanna Bielawski, Hisako Tominaga, David Andreoli and Emilio Nazario.

Elvis and the showgirls were there to pose for pictures with guests. (more…)

By Nadine Kam

Sorry I haven’t added to my blog in a week but the new year has been off to a fast start. Adding to the regular January mix of stories is the added “bonus” of inauguration activities surrounding the change Jan. 20. This is the first time Hawaii has shared some of the presidential limelight and it could provide a bit of a boost to businesses as several events are being held to celebrate Barack Obama’s presidency and all the hope it brings.

I’ve been super busy finishing up four stories for sister publication HI Luxury magazine, including another fashion spread. They keep getting bigger and more ambitious, requiring more elaborate sets, more props and storyboarding that has more in common with filmmaking than our typical newspaper photo sessions. Which is all I could think about over the holidays as we essentially brainstormed a mini feature film.

I had many a “Rachel Zoe Project” moment where I was thinking, “I need options, I need more options,” and went through much hand-wringing while praying clothing we requested from Gucci in New York and Cosabella in Miami would arrive on time. All this while people were on vacation or leaving offices early in celebration of Christmas and New Year holidays, and in Hawaii we’re at a distinct disadvantage due to the time differences.

Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until February to see the spread.

By Nadine Kam

Nadine Kam photos
Oh Susanna! Before we headed to the concert, we had dinner at Sergio’s at the Hilton, where the bartender professed his love for the Bangle and wished he were going to the concert too. Twenty years after their biggest hits, she still looks great and is a 16-year-old kind of thin. Debbi Peterson is in command on drums.

As we go bravely into 2009, those of us at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa could forget our worries while enjoying a return to ’80s party spirit with The Bangles.

I missed them the first time they were here, so wanted to catch up on what I missed. I always did like their harmonies, even though I was never much into the idea of the all-girl band. I’m from the post-feminist school that questions the idea of the girl ghetto. My music role models were the Wilson sisters of Heart and Chrissie Hynde, women who could play as hard as the boys and kick their behinds — with stiletto boots — if need be.

As a result, I’ve played in bands pop, rock, grunge, and most recently, a punk power trio, always with guys but missing out on the beauty of feminine voices in harmony. Definitely a different energy, but no less fun than boy rage and perky, bubbly girl music might be just what we need to buoy spirits now.

For some, the new year began with a meet-and-greet with the band. From left, Dan Yashima, Cora Spearman, Vicki Peterson, Susanna Hoffs, Debbi Peterson, Sean Morris and Lena Strong pose for photographers. When it was my turn, I said I was standing next to Susanna coz she’s the shortest, and Debbi said, “Yeah, she’s your size without her heels. Sorry I’m so tall.”

As a result, I’ve played in bands pop, rock, grunge, and most recently, a punk power trio, always with guys but missing out on the beauty of feminine voices in harmony. Definitely a different energy, but no less fun than boy rage, and perky, bubbly girl music might be just what we need to buoy spirits now.

The Bangles ran through songs from 1984 to ‘88, like “In Your Room,” “Manic Monday,” “Hazy Shade of Winter” and “Hero Takes a Fall.” Susanna Hoffs still has one of the most distinctive voices around. Others may be similarly recognizable, but I can’t think of anyone with her tweetybird lilt. Her voice got more raspy as the evening wore on.

Sorry the sound is so tinny on my videos. It was actually really great live, but I brought in the smallest video camera possible. All I can say is, crank up the volume to 11. Louder has always worked for me.

Nadine Kam video
The Bangles perform “Walk Like an Egyptian,” a medley with The Who’s “Magic Bus.” Hope you have a high-speed connection.

I’d guess some would probably want to see the Susanna videos for “Manic Monday” and “Eternal Flame,” but the fans kind of ruined it for me, crazy dancing and all. I don’t want to embarrass them. Not to mention the person I dubbed “Pom Pom Girl” because she kept waving her noisemakers in front of the camera in a most irritating, unrhythmic way. Please, before you go out, remind your friends that there are no longer any private moments. Every moment is a click away from eternal life online.

When the clock struck midnight, there was time for toasts and their rendition of “Auld Lang Syne,” before the song everyone was waiting to hear, “Walk Like an Egyptian.” As they were getting ready to perform one more song, I asked a friend what was left, and he said he didn’t know. We couldn’t think of anything we hadn’t heard. Of course it was one of the biggies, “Eternal Flame.” Duh.

Nadine Kam video
You can see by the dearth of crazy dancing that “Watching the Sky” isn’t one of the most popular Bangles tune, but it was one of my favorites off “Everything.” I like a touch of dissonance. My other favorite song off that disc is the lush and beautiful “Something to Believe In.”