In The Mix Jason Genegabus

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O Lounge will become a battleground

If for no other reason, I'm interested in checking out the "X-1 Battlegrounds at The O Lounge" tomorrow just to see how promoters Platinum Public will get a cage into the Kapiolani Blvd. nightspot.

The concept seems like a winner -- every first Friday of the month, some of Hawaii's best up-and-coming talent will square off, followed by a party that goes until 2 a.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, with a $15 general admission charge. VIP seating will be available for $20 and $25, depending on how close to the action you want to get.

Local MMA fighter Eddie Yagin will serve as special guest referee, and will oversee fights including Walter Hao vs. Shaun Bardon, Marcus Moreno vs. Hugh Jones, Bronson Delima vs. Chico Cantiberos, Joshua Ferreira vs. Jeremy Bell, Thomas Rosser vs. Jacob Faagai, Junior Sua vs. Miles Tynanes and Derek Thornton vs. Deutsch Puu ...

LOTS OF choices islandwide tonight: Stay in town and check out the second installment of "Da Roc on da Rock," a Damon Dash-sponsored party that features Roc-a-Wear giveaways and introduces the new Pro-Keds line of footwear. DJ Sub-Zero will provide the beats at this party, which kicks off at 9 p.m. at the Wave Waikiki ... Panama Hattie's will host "The Ultimate Emcee Challenge" tonight, with $500 in cash and prizes up for grabs. Big Moxxx will be there to defend his crown, along with live performances by DGR, DSB, Supreme, Loco Loc and Shango. Cover is $15 for this one ... And Matty Liu returns to the North Shore with "Salt" at Breakers. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the 21-and-over crowd, with DJs Xntrix, Winnie and Wuan on the decks. Call 637-9898 for more info ...

HEAD UP to the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus this weekend, as the Hawaii Pacific Islands Kava Festival returns for another year.

Running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, the festival is free to attend and will feature a number of educational presentations to teach people more about the kava root. I'd be interested to hear Kawika Winter discuss " 'Awa Traditions in an Era of 'Awa Bars."

Live entertainment is also a part of the festival, with performances by Barry Flanagan, Vaihi, Kupa'aina and Makana. A number of craft and food vendors will be on hand as well. Check out www.kavafestival.org for more ...

ALSO ON Saturday, Kapono's hosts "Saturday Night Ride" at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, with Henry Kapono himself headlining alongside Inoa'ole, Koa'uka and Hot Rain. Island 98.5 afternoon jock Makani will host; call 296-9850 for complete details ...