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Barfly
Jason Genegabus
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Rediscover jazz inside Waikiki’s Deep Blue
It's funny how some people will attach the word "renaissance" to a particular scene, as the uneducated masses stumble upon it for the first time.
Deep Blue
Location: Hyatt Regency Waikiki
Hours: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Call: 922-4992
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That's what happened a couple of years ago with stand-up comedy, even though most of the names people tossed around had been working for years in local clubs.
Now I'm hearing the same word being used to describe jazz in Honolulu, as two new venues have opened recently that cater to this particular genre of music.
While Deep Blue is a cozy little spot to bring a date and enjoy a quiet evening, it's not your only choice in town for live jazz.
But it's a good place to start.
LOCATED IN the Hyatt Regency Waikiki (sort of), Deep Blue is owned by the same folks that run Furusato Japanese next door. Its main entrance is on Kalakaua Avenue, which can result in a couple of extra trips around the block if you're not familiar with the area.
Your best bet? Take Kuhio Avenue from the Diamond Head end of Waikiki to reach the Hyatt Regency, or better yet, park at the Honolulu Zoo and walk the short distance to the hotel.
As the name implies, Deep Blue takes you down to another level and features quite a bit (OK, a lot) of blue in its color scheme. Once the well-dressed doorman checks your ID, a stairway decorated with blue lights leads past a brightly-lit sign into the room itself.
You're literally below sea level here, and the entire room is bathed in blue. It takes a minute for your eyes to get adjusted, so wander to your right as soon as you walk in. This will take you to the bar, while also providing a chance to scope out the seating layout and decide where to sit.
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Drinks at "Deep Blue," a new jazz club in the Hyatt Regency, reflect Waikiki prices. But once you get into the jazz, performed by the likes of Azure McCall, it's all cool.
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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT is featured from 6 to 10 p.m. daily, with a $5 cover in effect that your server will inform you about when you first sit down (it's added to your bill).
Nine tables are set up in the middle of the room, facing the stage, with a little bit of space for a dance floor in front. More seating is available in a cozy space behind the stage, as well as on the makai side of the room near the bar.
Jazz diva Azure McCall plays here every night but Tuesday and Saturday, and even had a hand in designing Deep Blue's layout before it opened. After seeing her perform at spots like Chai's Island Bistro, Indigo and Brew Moon, I think she's finally found a comfortable spot to call her own. I also like how she takes time to work the room and talk story.
McCall isn't the only big name scheduled to play -- Melveen Leed announced that she'll be there Saturday for two shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
And the club crowd has a reason to visit as well, as Yung Jon Que hosts a new party with DJ Fortyfive called "Diggin' on Deep Blue" every Friday.
GRABBING A drink at Deep Blue is a mixed bag -- you're drinking in Waikiki, so be ready to deal with the parking headaches and jacked-up prices that come with the area.
But once you're inside the dimly-lit room, sipping on a Havana Sidecar and listening to McCall croon a Christmas tune for the visiting lovebirds a few tables over, it's easy to forget about the manini things and just hang loose.
If you're a jazz fan, now is the time to live large -- there are more places than ever to enjoy the music in Honolulu.
Just don't call it a renaissance, OK?
How much for a Bud Light?
The Barfly paid $4 for a Bud Light at Deep Blue before getting sucked into the whole jazz vibe. Then it was on to Havana Sidecars ($8).
Get things to do?
Live entertainment is offered between 6 and 10 p.m. daily. Otherwise, bring a friend for some conversation.
What about the grinds?
Be sure to eat before you visit Deep Blue -- the blue lighting makes it hard to see what's in front of you, and you defintely get stuck paying a tourist tax . We weren't impressed by the spicy tuna roll ($7.50), or the ridiculously-priced cheese plate ($12). The panko-crusted skewered black pork ($12.50) wasn't much better.
And the help?
We had no problems ordering drinks or food at Deep Blue, and our server always made sure our glasses were full. Kudos to the bartenders as well, who poured drinks nice and strong during all three visits we made in recent weeks.
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Nightcrawlers
Your weekend guide to nightlife and clubbing on Oahu
Boardriders Bar and Grill
201-A Hamakua Dr. / 261-4600
DEC. 16
One Drop and Liquid Courage, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
Kani Makou, 10 p.m.
DEC. 18
"Live NFL Sunday Ticket," 7 a.m.
Coming Up
Mondays: "Monday Night Football," 4 p.m.
Wednesdays: "Red Stripe Reggae Night" with Maka and the I-Sight Band, 10 p.m.
Brew Moon
Ward Centre / 593-0088
DEC. 16
Dallan Santos, 7:30 p.m.
DEC. 17
Cory Oliveros, 7:30 p.m.
DEC. 18
Pali, 6 p.m.
Coming Up
Wednesdays: Andy Bumatai, 8:30 p.m. $10.
Thursday: Sonny Silva, 6:30 p.m.
Carnaval Las Palmas
Restaurant Row / 533-0129
DEC. 16
"Salsa Caliente," 9 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Noche Reventon" with DJs Homie and Miriam, 9:30 p.m.
Chai's Island Bistro
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 585-0011
DEC. 16
Nathan Aweau, 6:45 p.m.
DEC. 17
Azure McCall, 6:45 p.m.
"NJOY," with DJs Delve and XL, 10 p.m.
DEC. 18
Maunalua, 6:30 p.m.
Coming Up
Monday: Jerry Santos, Hoku Zuttermeister and Brian Tolentino, 6:45 p.m.
Tuesday: Robert Cazimero, 6:45 p.m.
Chez Monique
98-150 Kaonohi St. / 488-2439
DEC. 16
Kapena, 9 p.m. $5.
DEC. 17
Freesound, 9 p.m. $5.
Coming Up
"Oldies Night" with Wasabi, 8 p.m.
Don Ho's Island Grill
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 528-0807
DEC. 16
Guy Imoto, 5 p.m.
DEC. 17
Barry Choy, 5 p.m.
"Winter Fantasy Party," 9 p.m. $10.
"Al Waterson & You" Karaoke Contest, 6 p.m
Coming Up
Tuesdays: Iolani Kamau'u, 5 p.m.
Thursdays: Alika Souza, 5 p.m.
Duke's Canoe Club
Outrigger Waikiki Hotel / 922-2268
DEC. 16
Maunalua, 4 p.m.
DEC. 17
Kapena, 4 p.m.
DEC. 18
Henry Kapono, 4 p.m.
Coming Up
Mondays through Wednesdays: Jonah Cummings, 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight.
Thursdays through Sundays: Haumea Warrington, 10 p.m. to midnight.
Eastside Grill
Puck's Alley / 952-6555
DEC. 16
"Karaoke Night," 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Karaoke Night," 10 p.m.
DEC. 18
"Live NFL Sunday Ticket," 7 a.m.
COMING UP
Wednesdays: "Wipeout Wednesdays" with DJ Troy, 10 p.m.
Gordon Biersch
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 599-4877
DEC. 16
Guy Cruz, 5:30 p.m.
Inoa'ole, 9 p.m.
DEC. 17
Mike Times Band, 8 p.m.
COMING UP
Wednesday: Guy Cruz, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Jook Joint, 7 p.m.
Hula's Bar and Lei Stand
134 Kapahulu Ave. / 923-0669
DEC. 16
"Pau Hana Martini Sunset Fridays," 3 p.m.
Go-Go Dancers, 10:30 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Pau Hana Beach Party," 5 p.m.
Go-Go Dancers, 10 p.m.
DEC. 18
"Double Double Sundaze," 8:30 p.m.
COMING UP
Thursday: "Riot" with special guest DJ Keoki, 10 p.m.
Ige's Restaurant and 19th Puka
98-761 Oihana Pl. / 486-3500
DEC. 16
John Valentine, 8 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Live Music Saturdays," 8 p.m.
Indigo Eurasian Cuisine
1121 Nuuanu Ave. / 521-2900
DEC. 16
"Get Fresh!" with DJs G-Spot, Sovern-T and Mark, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Electro-Lyfe" with DJs Toki, Monkey and Vince, 10 p.m.
COMING UP
Tuesdays: "Wrath of Grapes," 6 p.m. "Wrath of Jazz," 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: "The Compound" with DJs Jahson, Packo and Deadfoot, 10 p.m.
Kapono's
Aloha Tower Marketplace / 536-2100
DEC. 16
Henry Kapono, 6 p.m.
Kanalo, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
Rocky Green Trio, 7 p.m.
Speed Limit, 10:30 p.m.
COMING UP
Tuesday: Ledward Ka'apana, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Henry Kapono, 6 p.m.
Kelley O'Neil's
311 Lewers St. / 926-1777
DEC. 16
Mike Piranha, 5 p.m.
Stumbletown, 9 p.m.
DEC. 17
Hubbard and Coates, 5 p.m.
James Ronstadt and Shuffle Kings, 9 p.m.
DEC. 16
Kaimana Ceili Band, 3 p.m.
Tiki Malua, 9 p.m.
COMING UP
Tuesday: Bongo Bob and Tavana, 9 p.m.
Wednesday: Doolin' Rakes, 9 p.m.
Kemoo Farms Pub and Lakeside Lanai
1718 Wilikina Dr. / 621-1835
DEC. 16
"Rudolph's Reddish Fetish Party" with the Hell Caminos, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
Slug and The Ghost Band, 9 p.m.
COMING UP
Wednesday: DJ Everlasting Gobstopper
Thursday: Captain KAOS, 9 p.m.
Kona Brewing Co.
Koko Marina Shopping Center / 394-5662
DEC. 16
Naluhoe, 7 p.m.
DEC. 17
Jon Osorio, 7 p.m.
DEC. 18
"Hawaiian Sunday Sunsets" with Round-N-Round, 6 p.m.
COMING UP
Wednesdays: Nahoa, 7 p.m.
Thursdays: Weldon Kekauoha and Friends, 7 p.m.
Living Room @ Fisherman's Wharf
1009 Ala Moana Blvd. / 538-3808
DEC. 16
"The Next Level" w/ Direct Descendants and DJs Wrong 1 and Risup, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Speakeasy Saturdays" with DJs Archangel and Miklos, 10 p.m.
DEC. 18
"Faded 5 Sundays," 10 p.m.
COMING UP
Wednesdays: "Soul Steady," 10 p.m.
Mai Tai Bar
Ala Moana Shopping Center / 947-2900
DEC. 16
Kimo Opiana, 4 p.m.
Backyard Pa'ina, 9:30 p.m.
DEC. 17
Jeff Rasmussen, 4 p.m.
Backyard Pa'ina, 9:30 p.m.
DEC. 18
Jeff Rasmussen, 4 p.m.
Irie Souls, 9 p.m.
COMING UP
Monday: All-Natro, 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Hot Rain, 9:30 p.m.
NextDoor
43 N. Hotel St. / 550-0496
The O Lounge
1349 Kapiolani Blvd. / 944-8436
DEC. 16
"XFACTOR: Hot Import Nights Pre-Party," 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
"The Light" with Moguls Entertainment and Evol Entity, 10 p.m. 18+
COMING UP
Wednesdays: "Jazz Wednesdays," 5 p.m.
Ocean Club
Restaurant Row / 531-8444
DEC. 16
"Pau Hana Fridays," 4:30 p.m. $5 cover after 8 p.m. 23+
DEC. 17
"Pau Hana Saturdays," 4:30 p.m. $5 cover after 8 p.m. 23+
COMING UP
Tuesdays: "Everybody's Ladies' Night," 8 p.m. $5. 23+
Thursdays: "Paddler's Night," 8 p.m. $5.
On Stage Drinks and Grinds
802 Kapahulu Ave. / 738-0004
DEC. 16
"Live Music Fridays," 10:00 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Live Music Saturdays," 9:30 p.m.
DEC. 18
Jack and the Crackers, 9:30 p.m.
COMING UP
Thursdays: "Cruzing" with Guy Cruz, 9:30 p.m.
O'Toole's Irish Pub
902 Nuuanu Ave. / 536-4138
DEC. 16
Tiki Malua, 5 p.m.
The Mixers, 9 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Open Irish Music Session," 5 p.m.
Doolin' Rakes, 9 p.m.
DEC. 18
TwoGrass, 9 p.m.
COMING UP
Tuesday: "Coors Original Music Night," 9 p.m.
Thursday: Downtown Charley and the Humbones
Pink Cadillac
478 Ena Rd. / 946-6499
DEC. 16
"Liquid Velvet" with DJ Dallas DeBauch,
10 p.m. $10. All ages.
DEC. 17
"Noctuary" with DJs MoDBoY and Angst,
10 p.m. $10. All ages.
COMING UP
Wednesdays: "Shockwave" with DJs Politix, Shadowfaxxx and Angst, 10 p.m. All ages.
Pipeline Cafe
805 Pohukaina St. / 589-1999
DEC. 16
Pato Banton, 5 p.m. 18+
"Foreplay Fridaze," 10 p.m. 18+
DEC. 17
"Paul Ogata Farewell Show," 5 and 8 p.m.
"Hot Import Nights Afterparty," 10 p.m. 21+
DEC. 18
Slightly Stoopid, 5 p.m. All ages.
"Toys for Tots Fundraiser," 9 p.m. 18+
COMING UP
Monday: Less than Jake, 6 p.m. All ages.
Thursday: "Roll Call," 9 p.m. 18+
Red Lion University
2535 Coyne St. / 949-5466
DEC. 16
"Freaky Fridays," 10 p.m. $5.
DEC. 17
"South of the Border Saturdays," 10 p.m. $5.
COMING UP
Mondays: "Broke Dik Mondays," 9 p.m.
Thursdays: "Dallah Ballah Thursdays," 9 p.m.
Tiki's Grill and Bar
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel / 923-8454
DEC. 16
Vaihi, 7 p.m.
Thomson Enos, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
20 Degrees North, 7 p.m.
Ellsworth Simeona, 9:30 p.m.
DEC. 18
Ka'ala Boys, 5:30 p.m.
Christian and Sani, 8 p.m.
COMING UP
Tuesday: Kelly Boy and Kapena, 5 p.m.
Wednesday: Weldon Kekauoha, 9 p.m.
Venus Nightclub
1349 Kapiolani Blvd. / 951-8671
DEC. 16
"Paradise" with DJs Technique, Edit and Krazy K, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Men of Venus," 9:30 p.m. $10.
"Taste of Honey," 11:30 p.m. $5.
DEC. 18
"Sex-E Sundays" with DJ Big John, 10 p.m.
COMING UP
Wednesdays: "Wild Wednesdays" with DJs Technique and Edit, 10 p.m.
Wave Waikiki
1877 Kalakaua Ave. / 941-0424
DEC. 16
Second Hand Sin, 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
Missing Dave, 10 p.m.
DEC. 18
"Double Down Sundays," 10 p.m.
COMING UP
Mondays: "Loot Leezee Presents," 10 p.m.
Tuesday: "Byron the Fur and Christa 'SuperCW' Birthday Bash," 10 p.m.
Zanzabar Nightclub
Waikiki Trade Center / 924-3939
DEC. 16
"Fugu" with DJs Euphorik, Billy G and Frankie, 11 p.m.
DEC. 17
"House of Isis," 9 p.m.
DEC. 18
"Sizzlin' Sundays" with DJs Mike D and Rude Dogg, 9 p.m. 18+
COMING UP
Wednesdays: "Heaven," 9 p.m.
Thursdays: "Thirsty Thursdays" with Rick Rock and DJ Wu-Chang, 9 p.m. 18+
Zen Nightclub
1217 Hopaka St. / 597-1996
DEC. 16
"The Groove," 10 p.m.
DEC. 17
"Sinsation Saturdays" with Rick Rock and DJ Wu-Chang, 9 p.m. 18+
COMING UP
Thursdays: "Dollar Drink Night," 9 p.m.
Barfly appears every Friday in Star-Bulletin Weekend. E-mail Jason Genegabus at
jason@starbulletin.com with suggestions of neighborhood bars to visit.