Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, October 13, 2016 11 along the West Coast. The band has played in clubs and concert halls around the world and performed with musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Patti Page and Sammy Davis Jr. Current SOS band members include guitarist Ruivivar, vocalist Bert Sagum (another founding member), Hoku Low (bass, vocals, trumpet), Wayne Wakai (keyboards, sax, guitar, vocals), lead singer Michael Laygo, Roy Venturina (keyboards) and Jun Estanislau (drums). “It will be an evening of hilarious fun SOS-style,” Ruivivar says of the Hilo concert. “We can assure our friends the band has been working hard on some stunning new material.” SOS will perform all the things they’ve come to be known for: hilarious comedy sketches, celebrity impersonations and lots of Broadway show tunes. “We’re not only going to put on a fantastic show, but we are looking forward to seeing our many friends after such a long absence,” Sagum says. “Of course, we are going to include our trademark impressions and poke fun at famous celebrities. Some of the skits we do will have you rolling in the aisles.” Adds Ruivivar, “Everything we do is tongue-incheek and we always add a little twist,” noting that wherever SOS goes, they are still selling out shows. “We are creating some new stuff, too, so this show will be a little bit of new and old.” He won’t specify what new songs or impressions SOS will perform at their Hilo gig, just that it’s going to be a fun show local audiences should come see because the group isn’t sure when they will get a chance to return to the island. “The older stuff we do are the things the fans always ask for … songs from Broadway musicals like ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘A Chorus Line’ and ‘Les Miserables.’ And people always ask for the Dolly Parton impression. Local audiences, they like to laugh and have a good time.” Ruivivar adds that Laygo and featured guest singer Lhey Bella, who has been touring with the group for four years, will team up for some “chicken skin” duets. “Lhey Bella sounds like Whitney Houston and Billie Holiday rolled into one,” Ruivivar says. “And Michael Laygo will melt the ladies’ hearts when he sings his songs in Italian.” What Ruivivar says they miss most about Hawaii is the aloha spirit and the food, even though living in Las Vegas affords the opportunity to run into Hawaii folks regularly. “Especially if you go to the downtown Las Vegas casinos,” Ruivivar jokes. “I always hear, ‘Hey Uncle, where you guys playing?’” But nothing compares to coming home and performing for the local crowd. “We’re doing this show at the Crown Room because that’s where we used to perform way back … us and others like Don Ho … those were good fun days,” Ruivivar says. “So, we’re going to try to bring back some of the fun from those days. People can relax and be entertained and have a good time.” All ages are welcome at this concert. The event also features a pupu menu by Kaleo’s Bar and Grill. Tickets are $50 (includes one pupu dish) available at the Grand Naniloa front desk or online at www.fearlesshawaiian. com. For more information, call 960-1302. BAND From page 2 Band members Tony Ruivivar, Bert Sagum, Hoku Low, Wayne Wakai, Michael Laygo, Roy Venturina and Jun Estanislau are shown with featured guest singer Lhey Bella. Courtesy photo
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