Jonah the Whale’s CD readies him ‘Foe’ homegrown career

I'VE BEEN waiting a long time for a full-length album from MC Jonah the Whale. A member of the Direct Descendants collective, this 1995 Castle High graduate was always the quiet guy who didn't say much to strangers when I first met him a few years ago.

Take the time to talk story, however, and you'll learn about his Waimanalo roots and passion for creating original music. Get him on stage, and you'll learn why this lyrical marauder truly is a big fish in a small pond.

"Friend or Foe" will be introduced to the masses on March 27 at Lotus Soundbar, with doors opening at 9 p.m. and guest performances by Creed Chameleon, the Audible Lab Rats, Joe Dub, Hunger Pains and the Perfect Median. As an added bonus, the first 50 people to pay cover will score a free copy of the album.

"I've been working on this for a good four years now," Jonah said earlier this week of his debut. "It started off as my rap album and turned into a homage to what was going on in my life from then to now."

While other local artists, regardless of genre, routinely bail on the islands for bigger and better things on the mainland, Jonah is adamant about making things work here at home.

"This is what it's about to me ... to make it where you're from," he said. "A lot of people want to move away because it's easier, but Hawaii's a good place (and) it's where I want to raise my kids" ...

...SPEAKING OF Lotus Soundbar, you might have noticed a distinct Asian vibe on Fridays at the Waikiki nightclub.

I'm not talking about the import racer crowd, either. I have zero experience with nightlife in Japan, but felt like I was there a few weeks ago when I walked into Lotus and was almost immediately surrounded by dozens of Japanese tourists.

Promoters Good Life Entertainment are doing a great job with a niche that's been underserved in recent years. They continue with a steady stream of guests from the Land of the Rising Sun this weekend, with MTV Japan recording artist Zeebra on the rock in support of his new single, "Bushido."

Doors open at 7:45 p.m. to accommodate the performances, with opening sets by Hawaii-based Alygator, Blue Label and Meiso. The Nocturnal Sound Krew and DJs JR and Mikan will stick around to spin until 4 a.m. ...

FRIDAY'S PICKS: Dantana, Mastermind Entertainment and OTP Entertainment join forces with The Source magazine to produce a pair of parties at the O Lounge and Aaron's. Loco Loc will host at the O Lounge, with live performances by Krystilez, T-Qron and I.A. Aaron's takes the after-hours angle, with "The Source Digital Dime Piece Model Search" planned at 2 a.m. ... Visions Lounge, HI Blend and Universoul present "A Night of Hip-Hop," with DJs Lil' Mikey, Stu and Slant joined by the Actual Naturals and Philth. The Red Eye Jedi Crew will also be on hand ... The Loft continues to straddle the line between underground and mainstream in Chinatown. This week's party is called "The Wild Card," featuring DJs Matt Ratt, Vagina and special guests from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. ...

SATURDAY'S PICKS: Spring break starts to pick up steam with "Island Babez Gone Wild" at Pipeline Cafe. Champ Kaneshiro and 102.7 Da Bomb's Kaleo Pilanca and Rella will host, with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes to be given away. Bikini, wet T-shirt and banana-eating contests are planned as well ... The Pacific Roller Derby Girls are trying to get Honolulu's newest roller derby league off the ground. Visit Tio's Garage and Taco Station for a fundraiser to send the girls to a national convention later this year. Bari Bari 13 will play, with DJs Frequence and Brent also on hand ... On the Windward side, Boardriders Bar and Grill drops in on spring break with Ooklah the Moc, Mr. 83 and the Tsunami Wave Riders. Cover is $10 before 10 p.m. ...

AND WHAT would spring break be without a beach party?

The Livewire crew takes it to the sand on Sunday, hosting an afternoon barbecue at Ala Moana Beach Park starting at noon. DJs Erick, Waveman, Technique, Nakanna, ATM and Trancis are all scheduled to spin outdoors.

On Monday, they'll return to Venus Nightclub for an 18-and-over "Blacklight Beach Party" with DJs Paul Brandon, PSI and special guest DJ Lange. Doors open at 10 p.m. ...