Makana will spend time on mainland
ANOTHER successful local recording artist has made the decision to leave the islands in search of success on a bigger stage.
Makana played what were likely his final Oahu gigs of 2007 last week, with a going-away concert taping at rRed Elephant on Tuesday and a guest set at Chai's Island Bistro on Friday. He left yesterday for California, where he'll play six shows and conduct slack key guitar workshops before deciding on plans for the immediate future.
"My life is so perfect here," he said last week. "But it's like, too perfect, you know?
"I just really want to start reaching new markets and new audiences, and travel more. I'm getting the bug to get outta here."
And after recording his latest album, "A Different Game," in Austin, Texas, Makana realized that to grow, he needs a change of scenery. If all goes well, fans in Europe and Latin America will get to see him play live in the next year or two.
"One of the main reasons I'm moving is because the new environments will influence my composition and playing," he said. "Hawaii is always going to be home ... but I've just got to cruise for now."
Kauai and Big Island residents, take note: Makana will be at Kauai Community College on Sept. 1 and at Hilo's Palace Theatre on Sept. 15. Keep up with him via his Web site, www.makanalive.com ...
QUITE A few celebrities have made Oahu part of their summer plans. That was Tara Reid partying at Pearl Ultra Lounge a few weeks back ... When Owen Wilson found out he wasn't dressed properly for the "SKYLiNE" two-year anniversary (it was an all-white theme), he improvised by borrowing a shirt from one of the Sheraton Waikiki's valet attendants ... And he didn't stay long, but Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor from "Smallville") paid a visit to Zanzabar's VIP room on a recent Thursday ...
KANEOHE RESIDENTS don't need to leave the Windward side in search of urban streetwear, thanks to the opening of Sindication last weekend.
The store is a partnership between 808 Tattoo's Billy Whitney and local mixed martial artist Mike Malone. Whitney had leased the space about six months ago to use as an art studio, but a visit to a Las Vegas trade show convinced the pair to give retail a try.
Malone's girlfriend, April Stoltz, has signed on to manage the store ("She's the muscle of the operation," Whitney said). They'll features men's and women's items by companies like Dissizit!, Metal Mulisha and Tokidoki. Malone and Whitney also plan to release their own signature line of clothing, and Whitney expects to offer exclusive artwork for sale in the near future as well.
Sindication is at 46-018 Kamehameha Highway; hours are noon to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays (the store is closed Mondays). Call 235-1516 ...