Air dates are set for “Jimmy Borges: A Life Story,” a revealing and emotion-charged TV special on the beloved jazz singer who continues to battle cancer. The Hawaii News Now special, directed by Phil Arnone, will premiere the day before this year’s Na Hoku Hanohano Awards ceremonies, where Borges is nominated in four categories.
The first screening will be at 7 p.m. May 27 on KGMB, with the encore at 9 p.m. June 3 on KHNL. It’s a warm portrait of how Borges has been coping with the reality of dying, with truthful admissions, bio bits and doses of humor. Though weak and frequently breathless, Borges has a joie de vivre that is nothing but remarkable. Truly a must-see. …
Borges is expected to add an element of drama and sentiment to the Hoku Awards, from 5 to 10 p.m. May 28 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center. His “Jimmy Borges” CD — noms include album of the year, jazz album of the year and male vocalist of the year — could make a sweep. He’s also up for the people’s choice of favorite entertainer of the year. …
Billy Van Osdol, aka Billy V, makes his 20th appearance as host. Tickets: $135-$225, at 593-9424 or www.nahokuhanohano.org. …
TUBE TALK: Two actresses formerly from Hawaii will guest-star on separate shows Thursday. It’s fun to watch someone you know get a national pop, so check ’em out:
D.K. Cannon (“Switched at Birth”) appears as Sammy Mills, a forensic pathology intern, on Fox’s “Bones” at 7 p.m. And Janel Parrish (“Pretty Little Liars”) plays Nina Sloane, a witness, on CBS’ “Rush Hour,” at 9 p.m., with Justin Hires as Detective Carter and Jon Foo as Detective Lee, who must protect Nina before she testifies against her menacing ex-boss. …
ITEMIZATIONS: Hawaii-born superstar Bruno Mars has parted company with his manager of nine years, Brandon Creed, according to Billboard magazine. Mars apparently will reorganize his operations to make management an in-house element. The partnership reaped four Grammy Awards, six No. 1 hits (the last being “Uptown Funk”) and two Super Bowl appearances. Mars’ new album drops this fall. …
It’s four in a row for author Frances Kakugawa, a former islander now residing in Sacramento, Calif. Her Wordsworth-the-poet series of children’s books — this one titled “Wordsworth, It’s in Your Pocket” — was named best children’s book in the Northern California Publishers & Authors competish this year. Three earlier Wordsworth volumes were similarly honored. The latest — on how wireless devices can threaten true friendships — also earned honorable mentions in best cover and design. …
BLUE NOTES: Robert Cazimero was a musical chameleon, demonstrating trusty new layers of artistry, in his terrific and textured Blue Note Hawaii debut recently.
He was part piano bar trouper, converting the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort showcase into an intimate and informal living room, supported by two young sidemen, Halehaku Seabury on guitar and Nicholas Lum on stand-up bass. He was host and raconteur, sharing hula with halau regulars Keola Makaiau and Alaka‘i Lastimado during a Hawaiian swing segment; Sky Perkins did a sit-down hula to “Misty,” with an anecdotal tale linked to Betty White. A master of his craft, Cazimero had folks cheering and singing along. For a full review, see my blog at staradvertiser.com. …
GRIDIRON CROONER: Ta’u Pupu’a, a former NFL football player turned operatic tenor, joins soprano Marie Te Hapuku and pianist Joel Harder in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at the McKinley High School auditorium. Pupu’a, who had a brief career as a defensive lineman, switched from the gridiron to the operatic stage after repeated injuries.
Arias from “Turandot” and “La Boheme,” “West Side Story” hits and Maori and Tongan tunes will be performed in the benefit for Kilohana United Methodist Church and Kilohana Angels. Tickets: $30, available at 373-3373. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com. Read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at staradvertiser.com.