Hiroshi Hamanishi and Friends opened October 13 at El Camino College in Torrance with Hamanishi's welcoming solo and was followed by "friends" Channing Cook Holmes, entertaining with his seemingly impromptu and always smooth style; Gabe Copeland's original "Comedy in Blue," playfully accompanied by Cynthia Fung on violin; and Bob Carroll, who wowed the audience with his impeccable technique, understated humor, and show-stopping full-stage slides. Hamansihi has some amazing girl "friends" too. Mindy Millard, OC company Tap Overload artistic director, performed "Watermelon Woman" effortlessly, then was joined onstage by TO members for "Dianne's Medley," choreographed by Dianne Walker and arranged by Lia Spirka.

Denise and Angel Scheerer were fine-tuned and laid back with some great accents, and Scheerer's "Ray of Light" with good friend Becky Bloom was like watching two buddies who kept a juicy secret

But it was the students who were the stars. Pheobe Pearl was polished in her solo "Doin' Time," choreographed by her teacher, Denise Scheerer. She brought youthful energy onstage, and no less than a nine-pirouette ending! The ECC Tap Ensemble made Hamanishi proud with their confident performance of "Lady Be Good," and a rockin' rhythmic rendition of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." The evenings finale was an onstage jam and traditional Shim Sham with the night's featured performers and friends from the audience.