Moiliili bar
celebrates 34 years
There's a brief moment in the motion picture "Almost Famous" that hints at Anna Bannana's standing as one of America's most enduring and historical watering holes. In one scene, the film's fictional rock band, Stillwater, storms off stage after a potentially fatal brush with electrocution. Bass player Larry Fellows, played by actor and real-life singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek, trots back to the band's tour bus sporting an Anna Bannana's T-shirt. While those three seconds may have passed over most viewers, those of us familiar with the club's unmistakable logo -- a woman wearing flowered tresses and a Mona Lisa-like smile -- caught us totally offguard.
Oahuans may also be surprised to know that the inveterate Beretania Street institution begins celebrating its 34th anniversary this weekend. Founded in the summer of 1969 by former pizza-flipper Gary Budlong (who has since relinquished ownership to Tom Gierman), the well-loved University-area bar has been, over the years, Honolulu Stadium's unofficial taproom, folksinger Harry Chapin's last-ever concert date and a film location for TV shows and pilots like "The Raven," "The Byrds of Paradise" and the locally produced PBS anthology show "The Breaks."
Festivities begin tomorrow and last through next Saturday, with doors opening at 9 p.m. The cover charge is $5 and attendees must be 21 or older. Here's the schedule for Anna's celebration -- and she still doesn't look a day over 21:
Tomorrow
Music by Warsaw, picture-taking with the Anna Bannana's icon, Anna's drawing contest, pupu contest at 6 p.m,, with judging by former owner Peggy Budlong. Free T-shirts for entrants with pupus that can serve eight to 10 people.
Sunday
Music by Anna Jam (patrons and employees of Anna Bannana's) and BBQ and tie-dyeing (bring your own shirt or purchase one at the venue).
Monday
Music by the Booze Brothers, open mic night, '60s costume contest, and peace beads, hair braiding and face painting. 1960s prices on beer and wine and the return of Anna's original peanut butter and pineapple pizza.
Tuesday
"Christmas in July," featuring music by the Piranha Brothers, plus drink specials.
Wednesday
"T-shirt & Hat Night" featuring music by John Cruz, Johnny Helm and Jeff Kloetzel; an appearance by the Bud Girls and happy-hour prices for patrons wearing Anna Bannana's T-shirts.
Thursday
"South of the Border Night," featuring music by The 86 List, specials on nachos and Mexican beer, a pinata and a Anna look-alike contest.
July 11
"Aloha and Mahalo Friday," featuring music by Warsaw and Pimpbot, with a kayak giveaway hosted by former owner Gary Budlong.
July 12
"Metallurgy" featuring music by Tapped, Obliterator and Crucible, with a single elimination "shred-off" involving local guitarists.
Click for online
calendars and events.
