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In the Mix Jason Genegabus |
Live bands kill
at Mai Tai BarIF YOU SLEPT through the first two weeks of the Mai Tai Bar's "2003 Mai Tai Rumble," make plans to cruise over to Ala Moana Center for a few pitchers and some surprisingly good live entertainment.
Last Thursday, I was invited to serve as a judge, arriving an hour before the first act performed but still finding the place packed almost to capacity -- good thing there were reserved seats up front. The bad thing? I got the seat that didn't have a fan pointed at it (Neos Productions' Bob St. John was smart enough to snag it first), so I ended up pretty moist by the end of the evening.
But hey, I had Aloha Music International's Sharlene Oshiro there to sweat it out with me, so things were all good. Rodney Villanueva serving as the night's emcee was another plus, and, like I said, all the acts that performed last week were pretty entertaining. My favorite had to be Tiki Entertainment's Lowie Boy and Shango (these guys need to get into the studio soon -- they've got a few originals that could easily see play on local radio), but I also enjoyed performances by DeWayne Valdez and Arsenio the Band (with guest Kristian Lei, who sang a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace" during their set). Round and Round also killed it, as I've seen them do a couple of times before.
"2003 Mai Tai Rumble" promoters Tihati Productions and Excite Entertainment still have a few openings for musicians who want to compete in the upcoming weeks; call 735-0292, ext. 206, for more info ...
SPEAKING OF surprisingly good, make a point of stopping by Sunset Grill for its 20-ounce kiawe-grilled porterhouse steak. My mom and I finally got around to celebrating our birthdays at the Restaurant Row eatery recently, and it blew me away that someone could stuff themselves for just $13.95 with a coupon out of the "Food for Thought" advertising supplement in Friday's Star-Bulletin (the entree normally sells for $23.95).
And as it turns out, Sunset Grill's general manager, Stu Schroeder, is a old family friend of my mom's, so I'm sure I'll be back there again soon ...
AND DON'T forget about "The Associates Club" at Nick's Fishmarket tonight -- DJs Ms. Angel, Haboh, Kause, Konception, Mainframe, Mase and Scottie Soul will be on the decks at this 21-and-over party that starts at 10 p.m. Call 955-6333 ...
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Contact Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com.
