StarBulletin.com

New York's siren song beckons DJ


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POSTED: Friday, October 16, 2009

A week after hosting a farewell party for Mark Chittom, Chinatown's thirtyninehotel is the spot to say aloha to another talented local turntablist.

Like Chittom, Jami “;DJ Jami”; Ablan is moving to New York City in search of bigger and better things. The Nocturnal Sound Krew member departs Oct. 20 after graduating this year with a business degree from the University of Hawaii.

“;I need to see where I'm at,”; Ablan said earlier this week. “;My whole goal is to get inspiration and see where I'm at.

“;It all starts in New York, no matter what anyone says. I've been to many places around the world, and it seems each scene tries to see what New York has to offer ... I figure I might as well just go and learn and try to do some stuff out there.”;

While the 25-year old studied business in college, a strong interest in fashion and more than a decade of experience on the decks are other facets of his skill set that he hopes to polish in the Big Apple. Once he gets there, Ablan will be the second NSK member to have relocated to the mainland after Tony “;DJ Deception”; Balbuena.

“;It's a dog-eat-dog world there and you gotta be on your A-game,”; he said. “;But I know what I've got to give, so I'm gonna stick to my guns and hope it works out.”;

Ablan's last gig is tomorrow's “;Shake 'N Pop”; party at thirtyninehotel alongside DJs Compose and Solution; keep up with him after the big move via Twitter at www.twitter.com/hi_jami ...

GOOD NEWS for fans of Alejandro Briceno's kiawe wood-fired pizza: Soon, you won't have to wait until late at night to get a taste of his authentic Neapolitan goodness at the V Lounge, located across Kona St. from Ala Moana Center.

Ever since Briceno fired up the oven last month, customers have begged him to open earlier. He balked at first, figuring those who were serious about wanting to try his pizza would figure out a way to visit after he started cooking at 10 p.m.

Earlier this week, however, Briceno announced a change of plans. Starting Monday, the pizzas will be available from 5 p.m. “;until the dough runs out.”; In addition—and maybe even more importantly—there will be takeout boxes available to the general public.

An earlier start time and the option to grab a pie and go? Now there really is no excuse not to try the pizza at V Lounge ...

WEEKEND PICKS: Los Angeles “;party rockers”; Redfoo and Sky Blu, better known as LMFAO, make their Hawaii debut tonight at Pipeline Cafe. Best known for their single, “;I'm in Miami B—h,”; the pair got their chance to shine by impressing delegates at 2007's Winter Music Conference in (where else?) Miami. Doors open at 10 p.m. for tonight's 18-and-over show, with limited tickets still available at the club, In4mation, the UH Campus Center and online at www.groovetickets.com ... Reggae is the name of the game at Andrews Amphitheater during tomorrow's “;Kulia Roots Fest.”; The all-ages show starts at 5 p.m. tomorrow with sets by Dubkonscious, Inna Vision, Ooklah the Moc and Stranger; former Jah Roots member Josh Heinrichs also is scheduled to perform. Tickets are $20; call 388-1295 ... Celebrate the newest issue of Contrast Magazine and a new album by The Jumpoffs during “;3Deep,”; a one-time event held at three Chinatown venues. The Jumpoffs will be joined by Girlfriends and DJs Kause and Marika at NextDoor, while The Deadbeats and The Throwdowns perform at LOFT Gallery and Lounge and Kimie Miner tag-teams with the DJs of Super Handsome Sound at Manifest (performances will be staggered). The fun starts at 9 p.m. at all three venues, with a single $10 cover in effect ...