Harry B. and Kimo Kahoano clown around stageside at the 2007 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. Kimo has been the stage announcer at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival for 27 years and counting. He is also a key member of the KITV television coverage. (Photo: Tim McCullough)
Kumu Hula Mapuana DeSilva of Halau Mohala Ilima dances on the stage of the 44th annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo Hawaii on Saturday evening, April 14, 2007. As has become the tradition, Kumu Hula were being called to the stage as the crowd awaited the final results to be announced. Mapu's Halau Mohala Ilima ladies were recognized as 2nd place overall in the Wahine division. (Photo: Harry B. Soria, Jr.)
Kumu Hula Maelia Lobenstein Carter, of Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa'ahila, & Harry B. chat on Thursday evening, April 12, 2007 at the conclusion of The Miss Aloha Hula competition. Maelia's entry, Keonilei Fairbanks was named the 2007 Miss Aloha Hula.
One of the cutest groups of performers had to be this keiki hula troupe from Japan that performed a Tahitian number in the show. They ranged in age from 6 years to 10 years, and were adorable. Harry B. posed with a portion of the group backstage.
Between 1948 and 1952, the Royal Hawaiian Serenaders were Waikiki's 'super group'. Featuring incredible four-part harmony with 2 falsetto parts, the Serenaders were consumate veteran professionals. The group members were, left to right, Tommy Castro (steel guitar and low-end vocals), George Ka'inapau (ukulele & falsetto vocals), Benny Kalama (standup bass & falsetto vocals), and Alvin Kaleolani Isaacs (guitar & mid-range vocals). For this photo shoot & gig, there is no power, so Tommy is playing a guitar. Before WWII, the older members had toured the mainland extensively: Tommy with Ray Kinney's Hawaiian Musical Ambassadors, George with both Ray Kinney and Lani McIntire, and Alvin with Harry Owens & his Royal Hawaiians. Benny was several years younger than the other 3 and had made a name for himself with Don McDiarmid's orchestra in Hawaii. Benny would go on to become the musical director of the Alfred Apaka show and later the "Hawaii Calls" radio show. This super group chose the name, "Royal Hawaiian Serenaders" because they formed to take a gig at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. From 1948-1952, they were indeed the toast of the town!
2002 Hawaiian 105 KINE Great Hawaiian Luau. Neil Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Harry B. Soria, Jr., Bruddah Wade (Faildo), & Mike Kelly.
(3/24/2002)
2005 Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest. Monarch Room, Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Co-hosts: Karen Keawehawaii & Harry B. Soria, Jr. (2005) [Karen and Harry B.'s leis made by Gail Harimoto] (Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Festivals)
2006 Aloha Festivals. Perpetuation of Hawaiian Culture, Traditions, Customs, and Aloha Spirit.
Na Mele Treasures II - PBS Hawaii - KHET Television. "Bobby's Piano Bar". Left to right: Robert Cazimero, Harry B. Soria, Jr., Marlene Sai, Boyce Rodrigues, & May Kama'i. Thursday evening, 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Honolulu, Hawaii.
Contact your local PBS affiliate for broadcast schedule for your area.
(Photo: Russell Fujita)
Harry B. Soria, Sr., Hawaii radio announcer & on air personality, in 1938. 1st radio announcer in Hawaii to have his radio show named after him: "Going To Town With Harry Soria".
Harry B. Soria, Jr. - Emcee at Hawaiian 105 KINE FM stage at the 2006 Aloha Festivals Waikiki Ho'olaulea. (September 2006) (Photo: Bill Von Osdol)
Harry B.'s authentic made in Hawaii Aloha shirts are made for him by Kalakaua. An Original Kalakaua. Honolulu, Hawaii. Look for them at fine stores everywhere.
20th Anniversary poster of "Territorial Airwaves" radio show. Our show was launched on 06/13/1979.
Bernard Kalua, an original member of the 1970s Big Island recording group, "The Blahlahs of Keaukaha" visits Harry B. in the studio for an interview on "Territorial Airwaves". Hawaiian 105 KINE FM - 04/07/2002 (Photo: Bobby Rawlins)
Harry B. Soria, Jr. with Robert Cazimero & Kawika Trask. The three team up on the well received "Na Mele Treasures" series on PBS Hawaii TV. Harry interviews the guest entertainers, Robert hosts them at his 'piano bar', & Kawika leads the backup musicians. (10/2006)
