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.