John Berger

John Berger’s affiliation with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and its predecessor, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, began in 1988. Berger has reviewed local recordings of all types since 1988. He was the paper’s designated theater reviewer from 1991 to 2012 and continues to review major theatrical productions as well as writing about books, concerts, movies and big events in local entertainment. His weekly column, “On the Scene With,” in the Sunday Honolulu Star-Advertiser, profiles interesting people from all parts of society.

Berger is the editor of the second edition of Hawaiian Music and Musicians, the definitive one-volume 1000-page encyclopedia on Hawaiian music and musicians published by Mutual Publishing in 2012. He is also a Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning liner notes writer.

Berger’s career as an entertainment journalist began in 1972 when he became a full-time contributor to Sunbums, Hawaii’s ‘70s era equivalent to Rolling Stone. An invitation from Kamasami Kong in 1977 to become part of Kong’s radio show was the start of an 18-year career in local radio that included eight years as a member of Michael Qseng’s Morning Maddness Crew on KQMQ. He has also appeared as an entertainment news reporter on local television stations co-promoting the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

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Maui concert to ‘heal through music’

By John Berger
Aug. 8, 2024

Local artists playing songs about Lahaina and West Maui will take the stage for “Puana Aloha no Lahaina — A Concert for Lahaina,” starting at 6 p.m. Friday in the Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium. Read more

Raiatea Helm wins big at 2024 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

By John Berger
Aug. 4, 2024

Helm won five Hokus — including album of the year and female vocalist of the year — for her work as a recording artist and record producer. Read more

Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bars, celebrates its 50th anniversary

July 14, 2024

Multifaceted musician Aaron Mahi inspired generations

July 8, 2024

Hawaiian music legend Aaron Mahi dies at 70

July 7, 2024

Renowned gender identity researcher Milton ‘Mickey’ Diamond to be remembered

July 5, 2024

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Hayley Cheyney Kane is crowned Miss Hawaii 2024

By John Berger
June 25, 2024

Hayley Cheyney Kane had good reason to celebrate as she did her first interview as the newly crowned Miss Hawaii 2024 moments after receiving her title, sash and tiara on stage Sunday at the Hawaii Theatre. Read more

Ng comes full circle with ‘Happily Eva Afta’ at MVT

June 24, 2024

Taylor Wily, who played Kamekona in ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ dies at age 56

June 22, 2024

Broadway veteran, mentor Jade Stice dies in hiking accident

By John Berger
June 8, 2024

Jade Stice — a Broadway veteran who returned home to share her knowledge and experiences with new generations of Broadway hopefuls — has died in a hiking accident on the mainland, a family spokesperson reported Thursday. She was 53. Read more

‘Kamau Trilogy’ makes history at Kumu Kahua Theatre

June 3, 2024

‘Ka Moana Lu‘au’ fires up Aloha Tower

By John Berger
May 25, 2024

A welcome element in “Ka Moana Lu‘au” is that audience members are brought up on stage for the purpose of teaching the basics of hula to them rather than as fodder for cheap laughs. Read more

Kapena 40th-anniversary tickets on sale

May 10, 2024

Helm, Na‘auao, Ekolu and Waipuna lead Hoku Awards finalists

By John Berger
May 10, 2024

Four veterans of the Hawaii music industry — Raiatea Helm, Sean Na‘auao and the groups Ekolu and Waipuna — are front- runners with nominations in major categories as the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts announces finalists for the 47th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Read more