AUG. 26/27/28

VP RECORDS

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Puttin’ it down

Beer and music will be flowing
at a show with performers
on five stages

Three months after packing in a crowd at Aloha Tower Marketplace for the inaugural "Summer Sunsplash," promoters 3 Sexy Guys return with another multi-stage concert.

'Summer Sunsplash 2' Featuring Elephant Man, Third World, Pam Hall, DJ Kimball Collins and local bands Where: Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, 91-400 Farrington Highway When: 6 p.m. Saturday Tickets: $20 Call: 674-9283

But Jonathan Mack, Mike Galmiche and Laka Carpenter have made two big adjustments to this weekend's "Summer Sunsplash 2" that could result in an even stronger turnout.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park was picked to host this time around, making it easier for Leeward Oahu residents to attend. It will also be an 18-and-over show, with a beer garden open to those old enough to drink.

ALONG WITH local favorites B.E.T., Emirc, Natural Vibrations, T.H.C. and Neken, a number of internationally-known acts will perform at the water park on Saturday.

Roots reggae fans can look forward to a set by Third World, while dancehall rude boy Elephant Man will be on hand to keep the energy level high. House music will be represented by trance DJ Kimball Collins.

"I just want to say much love to the people in Hawaii," said Elephant Man as he waited to board a flight from Jamaica earlier this week. "I'm coming to put it down, OK?"

Born O'Neil Bryan, the Kingston native got his name from childhood buddies who compared the size of his ears to the Disney character Dumbo. At just 28 years old, he is recognized with Sean Paul as the next generation of superstar crossover artists. He even grew up next door to the very person many critics compare him with today.

"I was like right in front of Shabba Ranks," he said. "We all looked up to Shabba as the man who inspired us to go and do the work."

Elephant Man first made waves as a member of the Scare Dem Crew, releasing an album with them in 1999 before splitting with the group to sign his own solo deal. His full-length debut, "Comin' 4 You," was released in 2000, followed by "Log On" in 2001 and "Higher Level" in 2002.

It wasn't until 2003, after he signed with VP Records and released "Good 2 Go," that Elephant Man's popularity began to build. Collaborations with Lil' Jon, R. Kelly, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes and Will Smith have increased his visibility among American audiences, although it's hard to ignore someone with dyed blonde hair and a wardrobe as outrageous as his.

"I want my image to stand out," he said. "When I'm in the crowd, someone can look at me and know that's Elephant Man.

"I like to look flashy and represent, and that's what I do."

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VP RECORDS Elephant Man will bring his dancehall reggae to "Summer Sunsplash 2" on Saturday.

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PROMISING TO deliver a high-energy performance worthy of his nickname, "The Energy God," Elephant Man also plans to break off some knowledge for those who want to learn the latest dance moves from Jamaica.

"Dancing is a part of life," he said. "You dance away all your sorrows and you dance and party and enjoy yourself.

"The whole Jamaica is dancing, and the whole world is dancing. It's crazy, man."

With names like "Signal di Plane," "Pon di River" and "Di Parachute," the routines are easy to learn and encourage audience participation during performances. When his latest album, "Ova di Wall," hits stores in October, Elephant Man promises to introduce even more new moves to fans.

"It's good to go out and hear some songs you can dance to," he said. "That's why I make all these good songs that the people enjoy."

But not everyone enjoys the music he produces. Critics have accused him of being homophobic and using his stardom to advocate violence towards gays. Derogatory terms like "chi chi men" and "batty boys" also appear frequently in his lyrics.

Elephant Man, however, dismisses the notion that he is anti-gay.

"Well, you know, I got no problem with the homosexual people," he said. "If I offended anybody, I just want them to know that yo, do what you do and do your thing. I'm not the lord God to tell you what to do man.

"Just know that Elephant Man do good music. Do what you do and enjoy your life."

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Here's the scheduled lineup:

Stage 1: Third World, Pam Hall, Humble Soul, T.H.C., Red Degree, Isa Ako, Irie Souls, The Ionz

Stage 2: Elephant Man, Natural Vibrations, B.E.T., Neken, Whitelines, Most High, Isouljahs, Paradise XS

Stage 3: DJs Kimball Collins, Dreamer, Daniel J, G-Spot

Stage 4: Emirc, Kimo and Trace, Sherrie and DJs Jrama, XL, Sub-Zero, Jimmy Taco

Stage 5: DJs Loriel, Lukas, Vince, Ryan Mystic