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In the Mix Jason Genegabus |
Hilo fighter returns
to top Blaisdell cardBACK IN MAY of last year, I told you about Hilo's B.J. Penn, a mixed martial arts fighter who's made a name for himself on the mainland fighting in Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view events.
At the time, I wrote that someone needed to "book this bad boy for Superbrawl and bring him home." Turns out Penn is coming back to fight in Hawaii, but it's to headline tomorrow night's "Rumble on the Rock" at the Blaisdell Arena as the top-ranked lightweight fighter in the world. He'll face number two-ranked Takanori Gomi in the main event.
Other local MMA fighters on the card include Ron "Machine Gun" Jhun, Stephen "Bozo" Palling and Kawika Pa'aluhi. Tickets cost anywhere between $35 and $200; call (877) 750-4400 to charge by phone ...
DON'T FEEL LIKE watching grown men beat the crap out of each other? Head over to the Kapiolani Park Bandstand for the fourth and final "Full Moon Concert" of the year, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Scheduled to perform during the free show are The Brothers Cazimero, Raiatea Helm and the Ka'ala Boys. This one could be a lot of fun; bring a blanket, a couple of bentos for dinner and that special someone, and you've got a great way to start off another weekend in paradise. Call 931-1435 for more ...
THIS WEEKEND ALSO brings another Saturday night concert at the Hawaii Theatre that you won't want to miss. Last week it was "Primitiva!" with the legendary Martin Denny and the lovely Don Tiki Dancers; this time the Makaha Sons, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Jake Shimabukuro make their way downtown to perform at the "Celebrate the ARTS! Alliance Awards."
Doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday for the awards program and concert, and I'm told Gilliom and Shimabukuro will join the Makaha Sons onstage for a special grand finale at the end of the evening. Tickets are $35; call 528-0506 ...
ALSO ON SATURDAY, local rock group Amplified celebrates the release of a new album with a party at the Wave Waikiki. I had a chance to see these guys perform at Pipeline Cafe during a battle of the bands a while back, and I'm interested to hear what the new CD sounds like.
The fun starts in Waikiki around 11 p.m. on Saturday, with Star 101.9's Maleko serving as the night's host. Be sure to head upstairs for a bit while you're there and check out DJs Sean G. and Tim B. as they work their magic on the decks. Seven bucks gets you through the door at this one; 21-and-over welcome. Call 941-0424, ext. 12 ...
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.
