"CONGRATULATIONS, MATT!" Honolulu Symphony Pops conductor Matt Catingub, left, talked backstage with Paula Fuga, guitarist Zanuck Kapala Lindsey and concertmaster Ignace "Iggy" Jang after he opened his 10th season as Pops conductor Friday night in the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Lindsey was featured on the Symphony's opening number, "Millennium Swing 2007," before Fuga came out to perform as Catingub's first local guest artist of the 2007-2008 season. The Hoku Award winner seemed a bit nervous but sang beautifully; she hosts her "Lilikoi Fair" at the O Lounge tonight.

A HOT NIGHT AT THE DRAGON: It was a hot night in Chinatown last Wednesday as Toni and Pierre Grill celebrated their wedding with a five-hour jam session at Hank Taufaasau's jazz club, the Dragon Upstairs. Pierre emceed the evening and presided on piano and trombone. Willie K, Danny Couch, Allison Chu, Gordon Broad and Alex McAngus were among the guests who sat in with him. It was a great party -- the only thing missing was air conditioning.

ALL HIP-HOP, ALL NIGHT, AWRIGHT? Kimo James, second from left, was escorted by Steely, left, Art and DJ Jrama on Sunday as he hosted "Summer Soulstice," the official "last-call party" for closing night at the Ocean Club. The "all hip-hop, all night" theme was a departure from the usual Ocean Club music format, but the club filled up quickly and people were still coming in at 2 a.m.

MUSIC IS GOD'S GIFT: Ocean Club manager J-Rod, second from left, conferred with guest entertainers Superstar DJ Pat Allen, third from left, and Mac Dame of the Go Bigg Music Group as the guys were chilling with hip-hop fans Gee Gascon, left, Shauna Awai and Nicki Young in the VIP area. The tattoos on Allen's forearms proclaim that music is "God's gift."

A FOND FAREWELL: Ocean Club waitress Lourie Mateo, back row center, was surrounded by friends who came in to party with her on closing night. The group included Brandon Lum, front row left, Nicole Keale and Gino Gosicao, and also, back row from left, Mike Keliipueole, Sheldon Goya, Brion Zablan, Mauricio Torres and Levi Tom. The Ocean Club is now closed for good, and owner Gene Gunn will not be opening a successor club at Restaurant Row. It is the end of an era in local entertainment.