A Little Honolulu Review

Posted by Debbie

The Sheraton Waikiki Ballroom was filled with lots of 30-40 somethings. Most seemed to be from Oahu, sprinkled with a few resort guests and out of town islanders. And maybe a few who just came over from the mainland to see the show.

Chris opened the show wearing in his velvet SF suit, singing Wonderin'. He then played several songs from the new album - Flying, Speak of the Devil, and more. He was rithing with energy.

The butt of Chris' jokes this evening were the usual. Again, Chris was jumping into Kenney's flesh tone colored Ford Probe; Kenney was preaching somewhere in downtown Honolulu. Hershel left his goatee hairs somewhere for Chris to find and scoop up into his little white envelope to wisk off to his friend at the FBI for DNA evaluation. And again - Roly just behaved himself.

Once again, having a great seat in a crowd that actually seemed to enjoy sitting down seemed futile. As Chris wants you to come up front early in the show. Which is part of his signature and I certainly cannot complain about that. However, I will no longer rush to get my tickets as I would probably get just as good a view from seats in the back of the crowd.

Diddly Daddy was introduced by Chris as a Hawaiian surfer who used to travel by surfboard to all the villages bringing the ladies pleasure . . . Diddly, diddly, daddy!! Oh my!

Somebody's Cryin', Forever Blue, Wicked Game (which of course the crowd all seemed to recognize) and then some. Return to Me and Only the Lonely. Blue Hotel too.

Chris jumped out into the center of the crowd, ran down the middle of the isle and then back up on stage. This little trip seemed very spontaneous.

Since I didn't get the set list (some local wahine got it before me) I cannot guarantee that the songs I listed above were in the actual play order. I am aging and this is my tribillionth Chris concert, so they all seem to run together!

Chris was in good spirits tonight and he definitely played longer than I remember him playing for some time. The audience truly seemed to enjoy the whole show.

And of course, he played Sweet Leilani to a very happy crowd. Oh, and something in Japanese. ??!!?

The boys played nearly two hours. However, I was hoping they would play some songs from their first few albums, since it's been years since I have heard them play anything from them. Since Chris seemed basically new to this crowd, all his antics that his long time fans are used to were genuinely enjoyed by everyone. I am not sure these people really knew what to expect. Even the 50 and 60 somethings were enjoying themselves. When Chris came out in his mirror suit later in the show, the revolving mirror disco ball was turned on to enhance the mood. It was light a light show at the laserium. Well, not quite, but I don't know how else to explain it.

Chris started playing Bonny Bee but no dancers jumped up on stage in the usual fashion. I thought this would be the first show in the history of seeing Chris shows that I would NOT see dancers on stage. And I've been going to shows for about 14 years!

Where were all the diehards? But Chris does not disappoint. He ran out into the audience again, jumped up on an occupied table or chair (couldn't tell from where I was seated) and performed for everyone right there! However, he did manage to have a picture taken and let some ladies steal a few kisses while he was there. Anyway, on his way back to the stage he kidnapped a very swett little Hawaiian girl. Probably about 10 years old. She was horrified. Guess they never heard of Chris in these parts!

He took her up on stage and tried to get her to loosen up but failed horribly. The wee one motioned for more girls to come to her rescue. Finally a few other ladies came up with her and did the usual dancing. This little girl's mouth was wide open. Don't know if she was shocked at the pelvic thrusting of the "Solid Gold Dancers" or if she was just in awe of Chris! After the song was finished and Chris introduced the band again, Roly tried to be sweet to the little girl by giving her his guitar, but she still just seemed in shock! But I can tell you this - 10 or even 5 years from now, she will probably be bragging to all her friends about the time Chris Isaak asked her to play up on stage with him!

All in all, my hubby and I really enjoyed the show. But we always do. These guys are very talented and always give the audience the best they've got.

I just hope Chris is able to get some good waves in before he leaves the state!

That's all from the surf front.
Aloha,
Debbie

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