Thousands soak up 311

YOU'VE got to give credit to the thousands of fans who braved torrential rains on Saturday to see 311 at the Waikiki Shell.

Umbrellas weren't allowed, which meant only those smart enough to pack a poncho had any chance at staying dry. I was soaked before the end of Pepper's opening set -- and I came prepared with a jacket!

All the water resulted in an impromptu wet T-shirt contest, with some ladies playing along when Kaleo Wassmann encouraged them to liberate certain body parts. Watching Pepper perform "Ashes" as lightning flashed directly overhead was another highlight.

My only gripe had to do with the sound, which seemed muted the whole night. Let the neighbors complain -- it's just not right to be able to carry on a conversation without yelling at a show like this.

A quick pass through BAMP Project's VIP section found Eastside Grill's Robbie Acoba serving pupus as lovebirds Fernando Pacheco and Sarah Fisher looked oh-so-cute chatting with Rick Smoot and Star 101.9's Mortuary Chris.

And it's just been announced: Damian Marley will play at the Shell on April 23. Tickets, priced at $25 and $35, went on sale Saturday ...

IT'S BEEN more than a year since local filmmaker Robert Pennybacker screened "2," an experimental film that stars Donalyn Dela Cruz and Lopaka Kapanui. They reprised their roles somewhat last week when Pennybacker screened three new films.

"Suite for 2" is an intriguing follow-up, examining the issue of intimacy between two actors with excellent chemistry. Kapanui also stars in "Dreams of a Pagan Tattooed Savage," an interesting take on racial stereotypes and native Hawaiian sovereignty.

But the third film, "Jazz and the Creative Act," has the widest mainstream appeal. It features the Honolulu Jazz Quartet and explores the creative drive of dancer Pam Sandridge and painter Lauren Okano.

The films will be screened again on April 5 at Punahou School. Call 923-0373 ...

BEING A pro golfer sure has its perks. Michelle Wie is in the latest issue of Time Magazine, talking about her experience golfing with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (see Da Kine). She was also spotted in Beverly Hills last Thursday, hanging out with Cindy Crawford during a press conference for Omega watches ...

In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Reach Jason Genegabus at jgenegabus@starbulletin.com.