Social e-network
meets in real life

THESE days, the hottest pick-up line used by the nightcrawling public isn't "come here often?" or "what's your sign?" -- instead, it's "hey, aren't you on MySpace?"

Hawaii MySpace Launch Party Where: Pipeline Cafe, 805 Pohukaina St. When: 9 p.m. Sunday Cost: $15 for 18-20; $10 for 21+ Call: 589-1999

Thanks to the growing popularity of MySpace.com, a social networking site started by Chris DeWolfe and Tom Anderson in September 2003, an increasing number of local residents are going online to meet new people, find old friends and get the scoops on what's happening around town.

Of the 3 million members who have reportedly signed up with the free Web site, approximately 3,000 are listed as living in Hawaii. Along with being able to link to existing friends and connect with new ones, members can post pictures, write online journal entries (known as "blogs"), post classified ads and participate in online forums and instant messaging.

A number of local promoters also use MySpace to help spread the word about their parties, posting what are known as "bulletins" that everyone connected to them can read online. Some even offer VIP treatment to members, giving them front-of-line access with no cover charge when they mention the Web site.

But the feature that holds the most potential is the music section, which allows anyone with aspirations of being a musician to post clips of their music for all the other members to listen to.

Local bands like Hot Rain, Go Jimmy Go, 8MM Overdose, Ten Feet, Space Catalog, The Crud, Keahiwai, The Ionz and Inoa'ole are among the roughly 200 Hawaii-based acts already part of MySpace.

THIS SUNDAY, a number of local promoters will join forces with the Los Angeles-based Web site to present the "Official Hawaii MySpace Launch Party" at Pipeline Cafe.

All four rooms of the club will be utilized for the party, with mainstream hip-hop on the main floor, alternative rock upstairs in the sports bar, reggae in the downstairs side room and underground hip-hop in the Tiki Lounge.

Hosts for the evening include Star 101.9's Maleko, Yung Jon Que and PJ Delacruz, Island 98.5's Tati Girl and Sondra Barker. DJs K-Smooth, XL, Technique, Shawn G, Edit, Jimmy Taco, Dunza, Liloa, SovernT, Gonzales, Mr. Bone, EQ and Dawn will all take turns in the mix, and there will also be live performances by Neken, the Eastside Wrecking Crew, MC Trace and Kimo James and the Direct Descendants.

Doors open at 9 p.m. on Sunday, with a $15 cover in effect for 18 to 20-year-olds and a $10 cover for everyone 21-and-over. Call 589-1999.