In The Mix
Ukulele master touring Japan
IT LOOKS like ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is one step closer to international stardom. The former Pure Heart member is currently touring Japan in support of his latest album, "Sunday Morning." After in-store appearances last week in Ginza, Shibuya and at a Tower Records in Shinjuku, Shima- bukuro will perform during a pair of concerts this week in Aichi and Tokyo. "Sunday Morning" is the first release under Shimabukuro's new multi-album deal with Sony Music's Epic Records label, and was produced by Tracey Terada ...NICE TO SEE that the guys from Rub-A-Dub have settled into their new home at Grumpy's Nightclub and Lounge. You may remember "Reggae On the Roof," which got canned after only a few weeks atop the Ohana Hobron Hotel. Although Grumpy's may not have the same breathtaking view of Waikiki, at least reggae fans still have somewhere to go if they can't make it to Dubwize on Fridays at Auntie Pasto's.
Head down to Grumpy's this weekend and check out DJs Loriel and Lukas along with Mr. Mention at this 21-and-over party. Budget drinkers take note: Get there before 10 p.m. and you don't have to pay the $5 cover, which leaves more money for the $1 drafts on special all night ...
ONCE AGAIN, Wave Waikiki is the place to be when scratch DJ Kid Koala takes to the turntables Thursday night. Pussycat Projects continues to bring quality acts to town and Kid Koala is no exception. I first heard of the 27-year-old Canadian in 1997 when he appeared on "Return of the DJ, Vol. 2." After signing with Ninja Tune Records, Kid Koala dropped his first full-length release, the 38-minute long "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" in 2000. Amazingly, that album was recorded using only two turntables and a mixer -- no samplers were used, just lots of vinyl. He also toured last year with Radiohead.
Tickets for this Thursday's special edition of the Pussycat Lounge are $10 for those over 18. Also on the bill are DJs Sub-Zero, RacerX, Daddy's Girl and Syze1. Call 941-0424. ...
SUNDAY MARKS the 20th anniversary of the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kapiolani Park. Among the legends performing at this free event: Dennis Kamakahi, George Kuo, Ernie Cruz Jr., Cyril Pahinui, Raymond Kane and Melveen Leed ...
In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Contact Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com.