JIM DANDY: Jim Brickman, America's most notable romantic pianist, truly had a great time here. His Blaisdell Concert Hall show Saturday night was a sellout, even standing-room space filled, and his keyboard serenades had the audience in a swoon.

Brickman also sang a cluster of tunes, some in harmony with local favorite Shawna Masuda and visiting fiddler David Klinkenberg. In short: a marvelous display and blend of diverse talent. ...

Masuda had only one rehearsal with Brickman last Friday at the Tropics Showroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where g.m. Noel Trainor and food and beverage marketing official Kelly O'Sullivan popped in for a listen.

An impressed Brickman had her do five numbers, including "Valentine," of course, and "Never Alone" and "Your Love." The rapport was such that she dubbed him "Kimo" (Hawaiian for James or Jim) and clued him on local ways (pidgin English and the "shaka" sign, though he flubbed it in concert).

Could be a big year for Masuda, with a credit like this, and her upcoming "Miss Saigon" concert production in Madison, Wis., in March. A post-concert fiesta at Compadres at Ward Centre — we were invited, along with some Brickman's techies and Lynn and Darall Masuda (her parents) — yielded more fun. Could mean a return gig, sooner than later. ...

Brickman also made the rounds of restaurants, dining with Jordan Segundo, Al Waterson and Nancy Bernal at Nick's Fishmarket, where owner Ben Dowling had invited the entertainer; Dowling took a rare work night off to enjoy the Brickman performance.

During dinner, next-table diners included June Jones, Al Souza and Manny Rezentes and friends; the University of Hawai'i football coach and the pianist-composer were introduced, and Jones wanted tickets to the show, but alas, it was SRO by then. ...

Brickman also sampled dim sum at Shanghai Bistro and renewed ties and talk with KSSK's Michael W. Perry and Larry Price at Saturday's John Dominis brunch show, where he performed with Masuda. (The station also broadcasts Brickman's syndicated show). And yes, he's looking forward to a return visit. ...

TALK ABOUT PEOPLE: Guido Salmaggi, once the face of Italian restaurant Spats, anticipates a good year. He's already received three bids to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner," a gig he's done for years here and abroad. (Last year, he set his anchor here, returning from Sarasota, Fla.)

"The callers wanted to know what my fee was," Salmaggi said. The response: none; he performs the national anthem for free. "I consider it a privilege to belt out a theme that represents the greatest country in the world," he said. To book him, call 923-3282. ...

Sony Open sightings have started. With the 2007 golf classic ensconced at the Waialae Country Club, Billy V, the Hawaiian 105 KINE morning man, emceed the Pro Am Awards Monday night at the Paradise Cafe at the Kahala Hotel & Resort.

When the emcee and his wife, Sawako, and son, Leion, 4, were leaving Tokyo Tokyo at the Kahala after dinner Sunday, they met a lad, 3, while waiting for their car.

"Hi, my name is Sean and I'm from Arizona," said the son of Tom Lehman, captain of Team USA at the Ryder Cup 2006, here for the Sony. ...

Pro golfer Lehman dined at Ruth's Chris Steak House at the Shops at Mauna Lani after a day on the links, before heading here. ...

And Robert Gamez dropped $1,600 at the Tori Richard shop at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. Last year, he spent a grand on Richard men's wear at the Wailea store. ...

SHORT OF SORTS: Greg Gabaylo, the juggler-hypnotist, did some shows in Jacksonville, Fla., recently — and was tapped for a return visit in July. More immediately, he says he'll do his hypnotist concert between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Sunday at the O Lounge. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.