boston progress radio

Back in the summer 2002, me and my buddy Neel Saxena were working at the Organization of Chinese Americans National Convention in Utah. We had been looking forward to the fact that the bass player (and sometimes vocalist) for one of the great bands of the 1980s - The Jets - was going to be at one of the events. This wasn’t widely-known news, we had only been tipped off because we were privy to the list of conference attendees and had seen his name on it.

I’m so excited just thinking about that fateful day that I can’t possibly continue. I’ve asked my man Neel to tell the story for me.

The Infamous Haini Story
Neel Saxena

I had been in Salt Lake City for four sweltering days preparing for the OCA Convention during the the last week of July. Finally Saturday came. I woke up quite early in my makeshift bed: two chairs and an ottoman put together. There was a slight nip in the air as indicated from my erect nipples; my feet sunk into the plush carpeting in the spacious suite. Giles lay on the couch, thumb in mouth, all curled up in the fetal position. I rubbed my eyes, let out a yawn and headed to do my usual morning shit: shower, shave, brush, and get ready for the long day ahead. The day progressed with a slight sense of anticipation, something was missing from the trip, I had hoped today would be the day I met my uncle.

Giles and I were in our suits, looking mighty fine as usual (we were the #1 and #2, respectively, best looking APIA males in the DC area) and ready for the busy day ahead. My long morning of sessions came to an end and I was back in the office, where Kelly was working on some things. Giles, Janet, and someone else - I forget who - was also there. We all were sitting putting together envelopes of tickets for the banquet later that night. Little did I know that the next few moments would change me as a man.

Giles was walking around idle, minding his own business in the office. He appeared to be thinking about the time he caressed Mark’s ass, but that’s a different story. Suddenly the sound of paper stuffing was interrupted by:

Ringgg Rinngg, it was his cell phone. This is what I heard:

Giles: Hello
Giles: What?
Giles: Stop playing.
Giles: Goonie Gaa Goo, La Dee, Yippee Skippy Doo Dee
Giles: Neel! Haini’s here! Haini’s here! (a la Paul Revere when he saw the British)

If you don’t know who Haini is then I recommend you leave this site immediately because you are not only a disgrace to your family but to the entire human race. He is one of the original members of the all Tongan group: The Jets. He was lead vocal on “Rocket 2 U.”

I jumped up maybe 3 cm - the extent of my vertical jumping abilities - out of my chair and roared, then proceeded to hyperventilate. We both ran out of the room; the tailwind blew everyone back about 4-5 feet. As we were running, we realized we forgot our items to get signed, so we ran back to get them. Still shaking from excitement, I got my record and CD; Giles forgot his stuff and his eyes began to tear up as he fell to his knees. Being the nice sensitive, sweet guy that I am, I let him have my CD to get signed and I clutched my record in my sweaty palms. We sashayed outside into oppressive heat. Giles thought we should slow down so we don’t look like dorks; I told him it was too late, so we slowed down to a moderate skip.

We met Cindy near the door and had to calm down a bit as we hurried over to meet Haini. At this point, my heart was beating 100 beats a second. Giles’ neck began to expand, I think that’s what happens when he is nervous. Cindy directed us to the table. At first we stalked him, like the lion stalks the gazelle. We were looking at peoples’ name badges and finally Giles mustered the courage to speak.

Giles: Are you Haini?
Haini: Yes…
Giles: The Jets? Wolfgramm…
Haini: Yeah, that’s me, it’s been a while since anyone’s recognized me.

(This is where Giles froze with a smile on his face, he did not speak until later, I think he wanted to hold my hand to assure him everything was going to be ok)

Neel: So, we are big fans.

Haini then talks about Elizabeth and the new Jets, he lets us know that Elizabeth just had a baby.

Haini: I am excited she is having a baby.
Neel: Where? In Salt Lake City?
Haini: Umm. Yeah.

(I think this is around the point Haini began to get a little bit nervous. This female acquaintance of his - you know he got mad women with him all the time - was looking at us funny.)

Neel: So you coming to the banquet tonight?
Haini: Sorry, I can’t. I have other commitments.
Neel: Where? Can we come with you?

(For some reason Haini was quite scared and nervous at these two fine young strapping young lads asking to spend some time with their long lost uncle. We were a bit dejected at his denial of us, but we were able to continue, or I was able to continue the dialogue.)

Neel: Do you think you could sign these for us?
Haini: Sure, wow I have never even seen this record before, you must be a true fan.
Neel: Thanks! (in my head: can I grab your ass?)
Giles: Here is my CD.
Neel: Can we get a picture with you with you too?
Haini: Sure, why not.
Neel: Can you take a picture of us?
Random Haini Hottie: Sure!
Giles: Thanks! (in his head: why is Neel here, I want Haini all to myself.)
Neel: Thanks for the picture!
Giles: Maybe we’ll see you around some time…

As we were walking away, everyone was like you were in a band? to Haini and he began to tell them about the Jets. Sometimes I am amazed at the lack of intellect of some people; how could they not know of such a great man? Giles and I then skipped away into the sunset with our picture and signed CD and record, hand-in-hand. The rest is history. I still smile when I think of that time in my life, when everything in the world was just perfect.

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Tags: Appreciation.