Comedian Ogata returns to headline at Pipeline
HE MIGHT call Hollywood home these days, but
Paul Ogata hasn't forgotten about his fans on Oahu. The stand-up comic returns for the third time this year to headline Pipeline Cafe on Friday, following appearances at "Laughs for Lions" in August and the "Asian Kings of Comedy" in March. Ogata's frequent visits also seem to be taking care of whatever homesickness he might have without negatively affecting his career.
Earlier this year, he won the San Francisco International Comedy Competition and pocketed $25,000 for his efforts. The win puts Ogata in distinguished company; legendary comics Dana Carvey and Sinbad are on the list of previous winners.
He also wrapped up filming two weeks ago on a new movie that features adult film talents Ron Jeremy, Marilyn Chambers and Tera Patrick alongside Heidi Fleiss and Dustin Diamond (Screech from "Saved By the Bell").
"I think it will either be the next 'South Park'-style irreverent comedic hit, or it will be the end of my career," said Ogata via e-mail. "I'm hoping for the former."
Tickets for Friday's 7:30 p.m. show are $20; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Kento and local traffic reporter Dave Hisaka will open.
And keep an eye out for Ogata on "Night Time with Andy Bumatai" Monday night at 9:30 p.m. on KFVE. He was among the first guests to visit the show's new home in the Outrigger Waikiki ...
I STILL laugh a bit whenever I hear folks complaining about the lack of live music in Honolulu. Here's a tip: Check out some of the venues listed in "Nightcrawlers" on the previous two pages.
Luckily, enough people knew to be at the Mai Tai Bar last week, when Fab 4 and the Isouljahs took top honors in the seventh annual "Mai Tai Rumble." Even Tom Moffatt, Yvonne Elliman and Afatia Thompson were in the loop, serving as judges for the final round of competition.
While I expected to hear the Isouljahs had beat out Wai Nui, I was a little surprised to find out the crowd that night didn't necessarily agree with the final outcome. And I'm blown away that Upstanding Youth didn't win in the "open mic" category, but that just makes me more interested in seeing Fab 4 perform for myself.
The Mai Tai Bar continues to do its part in supporting local artists with the first "Sunset Island Masters" competition every Sunday in December, starting at 8 p.m. Connie Cruz and Anjj will advance to the finals on Dec. 30 as the two top finishers from last Sunday's first round action ...
BROWN BAGS to Stardom returns to the small screen this weekend, featuring original music videos produced by local high school students every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on OC16.
According to producer Johnny Kai, entries have increased dramatically from students on the neighbor islands, with a number of videos entered by students on the Big Island for the first time. Sunday's show will feature Hana's Simply Solid, Campbell's Evelyn Obamos and Waianae's Mystical Rhythm.
While you're watching, don't forget to vote for your favorite video by text message (watch for a phone number on your TV), using your cable box's interactive remote or visiting the Brown Bags Web site at www.brownbagstostardom.com ...
FRIDAY'S PICKS: Tio's Garage and Taco Station (the former Dixie Grill on Ward Ave.) kicks off a new bi-weekly party with DJs Jahson the 45 Revolver and Check-One; cover is $5 and you score a free drink between 10 and 11 p.m. ... LoveChile, Friends of Adam and Bluzilla headline the first annual "Red Lion Blues Fest" at Red Lion University. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. for the 21-and-over crowd ... And Miguel Migs is back in town to spin a guest set at NextDoor ...
SATURDAY'S PICKS: Go Jimmy Go celebrates the Christmas season and the release of their latest album, "Holiday Hell Yeah," with an 18-and-over party at Pipeline. Black Square and the girls from Cherry Blossom Cabaret will also be there ... Chai's Island Bistro debuts "Candy," a new 21-and-over weekly, this weekend. Unfortunately, I can't tell you who's supposed to spin that night, which isn't a very good look on the part of promoters ... Country fans, set your alarms -- tickets for Sugarland's May 1 show at the Blaisdell Concert Hall go on sale at 9 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets ...