COME PARTY, Y'ALL!: The theme was a blend of "trailer trash," "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and Jeff Foxworthy's redneck comedy when Tiffany Pestana, with beach ball, and, from left, Michelle Chang, Kellie Awakuni and April Stoltz celebrated their birthdays at the O Lounge on Sunday. Ronnie Girl, standing, Nina Makalena, and Petey Boy joined the birthday girls in the inflatable wading pool. Bales of hay, lawn ornaments, clotheslines and plastic lawn furniture added ambiance.The buffet was intended to represent "redneck cuisine" -- no one complained about the absence of such stereotypical fare as grits, crawdads, hog jowls or 'possum innards. Pestana said she would liked to have had a few chickens and a hog or two for added authenticity but was happy that so many people made an effort to dress in character. Most of the women elected to look more like sexy Daisy Duke than real-life "trailer trash."

NOW ABOUT THAT SONG?: Aaron Sala talked with Natalie Ai Kamau'u during 'Ale'a's "CD Mahalo Party" at Gordon Biersch on Sunday. The party was a perfect celebration of traditionalist Hawaiian music and the newly enlarged stage makes the open-air bar a better venue than ever. 'Ale'a set an excellent example for other local acts by playing early so that folks who got there on time wouldn't have to wait several hours; they also closed the show. Halunape, Na Palapalai and Tony "Tony C" Conjugacion also performed. Conjugacion's rendition of "I'll Weave A Lei Of Stars" was the biggest surprise. He's well-known for his falsetto, but who knew he is also so strong singing English lyrics in his lower-register? As for Kamau'u, she clarified the mystery regarding the presence of "And I Love You So" on her solo album, "'E." It was one of the songs her mother used to play when she was a child and it was time to help clean house.

AT LONG LAST!: Kata Maduli, left, congratulated 'Ale'a -- Chad Takatsugi, Ryan "Gonzo" Gonzales and Kale Hannahs -- after their first set. The album, "Kaulupono," was released last October, but plans for a conventional release party got postponed so many times that it became a "CD Mahalo Party" instead. No matter the timing of the party, "Kaulupono" was one of 2004's best Hawaiian albums.

MAILE'S BACK!: The Real Ron O'Neil of "Oldies 107.9" met Miss Aloha Hula 2005 Maile Francisco at the 'Ale'a "CD Mahalo Party." Francisco says her life is more hectic than ever since she won the title at Merrie Monarch in March.

FIVE COOL CATS: "Cats" cast members Gregory Haney, left, Justin P. Wingenroth, Jason Simon, Kym Chambers and Steven C. Rich partied at Compadres after the show opened to a standing ovation on Tuesday. Wingenroth and Chambers had checked out Compadres' "Pussycat Junkies" party while they were here last month. "Cats" continues in the Blaisdell Concert Hall through Sunday.