Ernie Menehune has seen his fair share of New Year's Eves come and go.
On Jan. 26, the Hawaiian vocalist and local legend turns 90.
"I'm not even old anymore," he said with a chuckle Monday in a telephone interview. "I've moved into the ancient category."
Menehune will celebrate this New Year's on Monday with a Hawaiian Revue at the Kon Tiki on East Broadway.
If you've lived in Tucson for any considerable amount of time, chances are you've seen Menehune's Vegas-style act, which features a mix of Hawaiian, Tahitian and various other island dances and songs, as well as classic pop standards - pretty much anything but rock and roll.
"I'm from the old school," he said. "Rock is good, it's just not for me."
The show, like Menehune, is a callback to the swinging '60s, when performing Polynesian was the "in" thing.
People are also reading…
Menehune, who was raised in Hawaii, has lived in Arizona since 1952, and has taken his show from Seattle to Scottsdale, with time spent at The Dunes and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
His Kon Tiki show will last a little more than an hour and will include a choice of 10 dinner options and a glass of champagne.
He'll kick off an evening of New Year's revelry, which will include rotating shot specials and a DJ spinning tunes through midnight.
"Ernie is a classic in Tucson, and Kon Tiki is a classic in Tucson," said general manager Lou Lazos.
"It made sense to have somebody who has been performing in the community for so many years. It is just a good fit."
If you go
• What: Kon Tiki New Year's Eve show with Ernie Menehune.
• When: The show starts at 7 p.m. and includes a dinner and glass of champagne.
• Where: Kon Tiki, 4625 E. Broadway.
• Tickets: $35 for the dinner and show. No cover after the show through midnight.
• Info: 323-7193 or kontikitucson.com
