Mainland and local artists mix for '80s flashback show
Another big '80s flashback concert was announced this week, with an interesting mix of mainland and local artists set to perform on three different stages in June.
Sharpnote Records and Galmiche Entertainment present the "Mega 80's Music Festival" on June 14 at Aloha Tower Marketplace, starting at 7 p.m. El Debarge and Klymaxx will follow an opening set by Jook Joint at the Waterfront (formerly Kapono's), with DJs G-Spot, Nocturna and Quicksilva on the turntables.
After playing Pipeline in 2007, Lisa "Lisa Lisa" Velez and Expose return to headline at Gordon Biersch, with local favorites eight-0-eight opening the night. Quadraphonix will start things off at Don Ho's Island Grill, followed by a performance by Club Nouveau and a special surprise guest artist.
Tickets for the "Mega 80's Music Festival" are $40 and $45, with $95 VIP seating also available (one ticket gets you into all three venues). Visit www.presaleticketsonline.com to buy online ...
MORE CONCERTS: The stars of MTV's "Making the Band 4" have announced a summer tour stop in Honolulu. Danity Kane, Day26 and Donny Klang will perform June 27 at Blaisdell Arena. Tickets are priced at $39, $49 and $69 go on sale Friday at all Ticketmaster outlets ... The 50th State Fair returns to Aloha Stadium next week, with organizers booking a number of artists who are guaranteed to draw the high school crowd. Asia Cruise performs May 30 and 31, followed by Soulja Boy on June 6 and 7 and California dance crew Kaba Modern on June 22.
See page 27 for a complete listing of scheduled concerts; all performances start at 7:30 p.m. ... Colbie Caillat will be in town next week to headline "Diversity Harmony Peace" at the Sheraton Waikiki. The Na Lei Aloha Foundation presents Tuesday's lunchtime concert, with additional performances by Keola Beamer, Raiatea Helm, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and other local artists. It's a bummer that no tickets remain, so let's hope she picks up a gig elsewhere ...
FRIDAY'S PICKS: "Hot Hawaiian Nights" returns for another summer on KFVE, with new episodes every Friday at 7 p.m. and repeating at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. the following Friday. Kawao kicks things off this week from the Mai Tai Bar, followed by B.E.T. at Hard Rock Waikiki on May 30 and Hoku Zuttermeister at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club on June 6 ... Happy birthday to DJ Eskae, who will celebrate upstairs at NextDoor while Doc Martin holds court in the main room. New York's DJ Roxy Cottontail is flying out just for this one, since it marks the debut of DJ tag team The Hot Muffins (aka Lacy Matsumoto and Echo Aoki) ... Brew Moon presents "The Jungle," which doubles as a launch party for the new Primo Beer bottles now available. Not sure why you'd want to drink it here, however, considering all the quality beer already on tap at Brew Moon ...
SATURDAY'S PICKS: Summer pool parties return to Waikiki, thanks to promoters Rob Chiong and Willis Haltom. "Soak" will run from noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays at the Wyland Waikiki, with Haltom and DJs Ramyt, Cryptic, Chubakah and others serving as rotating residents. Cover is $10 for guys, but all ladies and hotel guests will enjoy free cover, courtesy the promoters ... Gordon Biersch hosts its "Surf into Summer Kickoff Party," with entertainment by Kapena and Lost at Sea. Doors open at 8 p.m. Saturday; proceeds will be donated to Access Surf Hawaii ... Indigo introduces a new dancehall reggae monthly. This weekend's inaugural "Dancehall City" features the return of DJs Liloa and Jahson the 45 Revolver in the Opium Den, with DJs Dunza and I-Chard spinning roots and lovers rock in the Green Room ...
SUNDAY'S PICKS: Hot Lava Entertainment celebrates Memorial Day Weekend with "The Official Celebrity Dons and Divas Ball" at Pipeline Cafe. New York-based DJ Envy and Atlanta's DJ Jelly will guest, with Michael Bivins on hand to host. Call 429-0715 or 256-7721 for VIP reservations ... Four local promotional crews join up to present "The Block" at Brew Moon and the Living Room. Cover is $15 to party with the Architechs, Furious Styles, Tantriq and the Vertical Junkies. It's quite a walk, but I can see people starting off at Brew Moon and migrating to the Living Room ... V3 Promotions, Goodlife Entertainment and NYCELIFE present "Models and Bottles" at Doraku Sushi. Mainland import models Nana Okada and Cyndi Tran will serve as eye candy, with New York's DJ Shadee on the decks. Doors open at 9 p.m. ...