Andy Bumatai returns to the Outrigger Waikiki's Main Showroom tonight, joining the Society of Seven Las Vegas for a run through New Year's Eve.

It's a blessing. For you, for me, for him, for the SOS LV.

Bumatai has been a pioneering standup in this community, inspired by others before him, influencing a younger generation of funny fellas (and perhaps a wahine or two).

Recently, he's been under the radar, moving his family to California, working out tax issues, attempting to jump-start his TV show. Bum luck in bad times.

So he did a two-week Thanksgiving season guest-stint with the SOS LV, who were charitable and agreeable to cut back their own show to accommodate him as an opening act, and the partnership charmed the small but responsive crowds. Variety is the spice of life, as you know, and Bumatai helped spice up the nights in his brief turn on stage.

And with the holiday season in full swing, the hana hou makes sense. Lots of locals will be partying; lots of folks adore Bumatai's topical and timely shenanigans and may have not seen/heard him in a spell; he's still the model of the clean ha-ha-hero who taps merriment in the mundane.

One of his priceless moments in this show is how he distinguishes the shaka sign; you are how you shaka.

He does a spot-on Don Ho imitation — always has been wonderfully sound-alike, having been groomed and mentored by Uncle Don — and if you shut your eyes, he sounds like the original Mr. Suck 'em Up.

And a tidbit that amuses both visitors and residents alike is his analytical take on those premium upscale shops on Kaläkaua Avenue, ewa side of Lewers Street — where searching for futons at Louis Vuitton and channel-surfing at Chanel are, indeed, typical of his simple brilliance.

Of course, he'll still mention his Filipino heritage, mistaken for Hispanic in California and elsewhere, and the proof is in his bronzed veneer.

Oh, the hair now is peppered with white and gray, an indication of maturity and wisdom — someone who's lived life and knows how to laugh about it.

Bumatai, of course, is remembered for his "All in the 'Ohana" TV special, his Booga Booga stint, a number of film and TV ventures and his indie talkie, "The Andy Bumatai Show." But he remains valid and viable.

And the SOS LV fellas — still chirping and bouncing all over the stage — retain that high energy and songbook that is massive, ranging from big-band sounds, Gloria Estefan's Latino hits and Broadway favorites, enabling lead voices Jonathan Kaina, John Salvatera and Richard Natto to shine. And, of course, the SOS staples — impressions — including Freddy Von Paraz's exceptional jig as Mick Jagger and Glenn Miyashiro's absurd in-drag Cher.

Of course, Mike De Guzman and William Daquioag hold their own, too — with everyone agile and motivated on the Village People.

On two nights, there will be a Hunky Elves promotion, when attendees will be photographed with the elves — identities unrevealed — who will lead folks to their seats, and have a few ho-ho-ho moments. With big elves, not Santa. (Don't ask; go check it out Wednesday and Thursday.)

"So come and join us for some merriment and fun," says Frannie Kirk, the Outrigger's vice president of entertainment.