THE LUNCH BUNCH: It was quite a fete — a time for reconnection and recollection — when the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts toasted the Society of Seven, The Surfers, Rene Paulo, Gabe Baltazar and the late Loyal Garner with Lifetime Achievement honors Saturday at The Royal Hawaiian hotel's Monarch Room.

For the SOS — performing at the Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas — it was an easy choice to come home, despite the fact that Tony Ruivivar and his comrades had to miss a black-tie gala in their honor Saturday night in Las Vegas for a project called Gawad Kalinga, for whom the group raised funds for 30 homes in a Philippines village. SOS member Hoku Low said the group, plus featured singer Lani Misalucha (who also missed the gala because she was in the Philippines), now have a village named after them. Jasmine Trias, who has been filling in for Misalucha in Vegas, represented the SOS, along with Mendrei Leelin of Rosy Cheeks Entertainment.

SOME LUNCHEON TIDBITS: Newest SOS member Marc Escueta, who sang lead on "You Raise Me Up," was on his first Honolulu visit — and managed a quickie tour that included a stop at Leonard's Bakery for malasadas. ...

Baltazar, hobbling with a cane after moving heavy boxes, still had good hands to toot his saxophone. ...

Paulo's clan, including wife Akemi and daughter Kathy, rallied around dad; Paulo's still musically involved, featured on Kathy's new CD. ...

Gov. Linda Lingle and Mayor Mufi Hannemann attended — a coup for HARA. Lingle paid homage to Garner, who did the Cutter Ford commercial for Lingle's uncle Jerry Cutter's car dealership. The Gov kidded the Mayor about his vocalizing at a Return to Romance concert at the Waikiki Shell that was rained out. He later retorted with "I sing in the shower."

Hannemann spoke on behalf of the SOS, a fave since his days as an 'Iolani prom-goer. ...

Clayton Naluai of The Surfers recalled how he and late brother Alan used to peer at The Monarch Room from the beach, wondering if ever they'd wind up on stage. That dream was fulfilled. ...

WHEE, THE PEOPLE: The Brothers Cazimero's "Ho'ike Hapa Haole" on Friday at the Hawai'i Theatre was nothing short of spectacular. Robert and Roland dusted off hapa-haole treasures, garnished with hula, and gave the oldies new substance and appeal for a contemporary audience. Leina'ala Kalama Heine provided periodic comic punctuation.

For further embellishment, Jeff Au Hoy's steel-guitar solos, dancer Debbie Nakanelua-Richards' exquisite hula and baritone Kaipo Hale's dulcet notes made yesteryear's music sound so fresh-as-today. Ditto, guitarist Jeff Peterson's solo moments. Which prompts the question: Is this a prime time for this beloved genre to make a comeback in Waikiki? ...

The Makaha Sons are at Chai's Island Bistro tonight. They'll also headline the "New Traditionalists" on April 27 at the Hawai'i Theatre. Among those joining the Sons: Hoku Zuttermeister and Barry Kimokeo. ...

AFTER HOURS: Li May Tang, proprietor of Shanghai Bistro, was ecstatic when Japanese artist Jun Kaneko dined there after Thursday's Hawaii Opera Theatre finale, "Madama Butterfly."

Kaneko's sets and costumes gave the timeless production spectacular visuals and creative unity. Kaneko, who was featured on the front page of The New York Times arts section in January, gave Tang an autographed copy of his book to thank her for the artfulness of her Asian fusion cuisine.

Earlier, Taiwan-based soprano Cinderella Liao, in town for a Hawai'i Theatre concert, dined with her family.

Kaneko and wife Ree Schonlau also enjoyed an intimate dinner at Chef Mavro, and returned a second night with friends. Chef George Mavrothalassitis complimented Kaneko's "Butterfly" work: "It was the first opera where I didn't know which is the greatest pleasure (for) my eyes or my ears." ...

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.