PARADISE ALLEY: James Gandolfini, aka mobster Tony Soprano on HBO's "The Sopranos," had a relaxing dinner at Hy's Steakhouse a few nights back. "He looks exactly like he does on TV and is genuine and down to earth," said resident entertainer Audy Kimura, who chatted with the actor about the hit show (now in reruns), his upcoming plans and his 8-year-old son.

After dinner, Gandolfini paused at Hy's lounge and told the award-winning singer-composer before departing: "It's too bad you're not in New York — because I could get you a ton of work there." Not that it's a crime to live and sing here. ...

And when Paul Klink, a former ad exec (and chairman-emeritus of KLiNK Inc.), was brunching at Hoku's at the Kahala Resort with friends Sunday, he found himself surrounded by celebs: the aforementioned Gandolfini, who chatted about his MySpace profile, and Prince Albert of Monaco, who was curious about a puzzle box Klink's son Leo, 12, brought back from a World Cup of Soccer event in Japan, where he scored a tie-breaking goal to win the tournament for his age group. ...

Gandolfini also checked out puppies at The Pet Spot at Ward Warehouse. ...

CALENDAR CUES: Fresh from her "You Somebody" cameo (as one of the real-life former Miss Hawaiis) at Diamond Head Theatre, singer Cathy Foy joins pianist Kit Samson in his Thursday serenades from 9 to 10 p.m. tonight at the Pakele Lounge of the Ala Moana Hotel. ...

Randy and Gay Hongo will host Christian Vision's 25th anniversary luncheon from 11 a.m. Aug. 18 at the Pacific Beach Hotel's Grand Ballroom. Among the performers: Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Emma Veary, Ginny Tiu and Noly Pa'a. And, of course, the Hongo 'ohana, with dad, mom and son Andrew. Tickets are $25, available at 845-0878. When the Hongos performed recently at the Otto Creek Women's Correctional Facility in Wheelwright, Ky., where 175 inmates are from Hawai'i, they donated CDs by Kumukahi, Tiu, Pa'a and others (including donations from Lea Uehara of Tropical Music, Robert Cazimero of The Mountain Apple Co., and kumu hula Michael Casupang). ...

Kumu Kahua's Kala-Bash Fundraiser and Silent Auction unfolds from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the theater, at 46 Merchant St. — with food from The Chart House, Side Street Inn and 3660 on the Rise, and drinks from Paradise Beverages and Southern Wine & Spirits. Tickets are $30; call 536-4441. ...

The Makaha Sons perform at Chai's Island Bistro tomorrow and Saturday, following a whirlwind tour of Japan, Florida, Nashville and Chicago. ...

Natural Vibrations performs at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Mai Tai Bar as part of KFVE's "Heineken Hot Hawaiian Nights" live telecast. ...

HITHER 'N' YON: Don Tiki, led by Lloyd Kandell and Kit Ebersbach, makes its debut tonight as the house band on Andy Bumatai's new "Night Time" talk show at 9:30 p.m. weekdays on KFVE. And on Fridays, Don Tiki rolls out a signature exotica tune. ...

Tony Liu, executive chef at August in New York City, was an Iron Chef contender on The Food Network this week. He's a graduate of the Kapi'olani Community College culinary program and the Culinary Institute of America. And yes, his family and friends are plenty proud. ...

Charlie Ross, president of the Elvis Memorial Fan Club Hawai'i, is off to Elvis Week (Aug. 11 to 18) proceedings in Memphis, where fans will congregate. ...

Annie Cusick Woods and Mary Wells will pop in on Ballet Hawaii's Royal Cinderella Tea, preceding Sunday's matinee at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Woods was a Children's Theatre director in England for more than 15 years; Wells has been an actor in the U.K. for a decade. They'll entertain ballet-goers in the roles of the Ugly Stepsisters, played on stage by Derek Daniels and Valentine Liberatore. Wells will be in the Honolulu Theatre for Youth's "The Little Mermaid" soon. ...

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.