In The Mix
Catch two rising stars
at World CafeWorld Cafe is the spot for concert fans this weekend as the club hosts performances by two national recording artists Friday night.
Local boy Jack Johnson will take the stage first, with doors opening at 7 p.m. The former professional surfer turned filmmaker and musician will perform songs off his debut album, "Brushfire Fairytales," as well as screen his latest surf film, "September Sessions."
If you haven't heard of Jack Johnson yet, don't worry -- he just finished touring the east coast, currently appears online at warnerbros.com alongside acts like Green Day, Missy Elliott and Linkin Park performing cuts from his album and also has a song on the "Out Cold" soundtrack. Tickets are still available for $15.
Then 'round midnight (World Cafe's doors are supposed to re-open at 10 p.m.), the multi-talented Alicia Keys is guaranteed a near-capacity crowd. Her self-written/self-arranged/self-produced album, "Songs in A Minor," has sold more than four million copies since its release in June. Local fans can expect a preview of Keys' upcoming tour, set to kick off Jan. 22 in Connecticut. If you don't have a ticket yet there may still be hope. Call World Cafe at 599-4450.
Diamonds in the Rough
I guess with four days of shopping days left it might be a good time to buy presents for the good little boys and girls on my Christmas list. An afternoon of browsing around town produced the following gems for gift-givers still looking for those last few items (like me):>> The Liquor Collection (Ward Warehouse, 524-8808): For those of you 21 and over, drinking alcohol doesn't have to be about pounding shots and two-dollar drink specials. Buy the beer drinker in your life a six-pack of suds from around the world for under $20 (you even get to choose the beers). Or check out the pear brandy with a whole pear chillin' at the bottom of the bottle. If you're on a budget, The Liquor Collection also has a closeout bin up front where everything is priced under $10.
>> Sedona (Ward Centre, 591-8010): If personal and spiritual growth is their thing, stop at Sedona. This shop near Borders offers products ranging from chimes and crystals to aromatherapy oils and feng shui materials. A great gift idea is a custom-made bead bracelet for $35. More than 50 different types of beads are available, and you can save more money by purchasing the materials and making it yourself.
>> Define (Ward Village Shops, 591-2281): Located behind Kua Aina and near Pier One Imports, Define is a little out of the way, but definitely worth the effort. Stop in and take your pick of over 50 skateboard decks in stock. Better yet, save that holiday cash and check out the limited-edition and vintage Nike sneakers that are expected to arrive just after Christmas. Remember to show a Hawaii I.D. and get 10 percent off your purchases.
Out and About
For about the cost of a movie ticket, you too can get out and enjoy the holiday spirit. Check out the Honolulu City Lights Roberts Rainbow Trolley running tonight through Monday starting from 6:30 p.m. After dinner or shopping at Ala Moana, jump on a trolley and cruise down to Punchbowl to check out the lights. You don't need to rush either, return trips are available hourly. Tickets are $6 per person. Call 539-9400 for reservations.One more party to let you all know about -- the Stone Groove Family and Split Clothing present the Official Vans Triple Crown of Surf Wrap-up Party, kicking off at 10 p.m. tomorrow at Hard Rock Cafe. Join over 40 Triple Crown contestants and get a sneak-peek at Laird Hamilton's new surf video. $10 for 21 and over, $15 for 18 to 21. Call 955-7383.
That's what's In the Mix for this week. Get at me via e-mail (jason@starbulletin.com) or telephone (529-4747) if there's something going on in your neighborhood.
In the Mix drops every Thursday in the Star-Bulletin.
Contact Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com.