9 bands make finals
at Pipeline Cafe

SIX WEEKS of competition on-stage resulted in nine bands making it to the finals of Pipeline Cafe's latest battle of the bands.

Turns out there was a four-way tie for sixth place, so two extra bands made it through -- Apartment 3, Black Square, Blood Soaked, El Enemigo, Extra Stout, Last in Line, Linus, Mixed Nutz and Suffused will compete for more than $2,700 in cash and prizes from Pipeline and Dan's Guitars.

The first band hits the stage at 9:15 p.m. tonight, with Fil Slash handling the hosting duties. Seven bucks gets you in if you're over 18 years old; call 589-1999 ...

OVER AT the W Honolulu, Komo Low celebrates four years of the "Wonderlounge" tomorrow and Saturday.

Besides the normal offerings by DJs Byron the Fur, Gary-O, Rayne and Shawn G, there will also be a fashion show by Body and Soul, a performance by the Iona Dancers and free aromatherapy massages by Aveda.

Doors open at 10 p.m. following a hour-long VIP reception; cover is $20. Call 922-3734, or e-mail vipbooth@hotmail.com if you want to get the movie star treatment ...

THERE ARE two parking lot parties taking place this weekend, and both should be off the chain -- just make sure you get there early to find parking.

Tomorrow night, the action will be at the Hard Rock Cafe, as their weekly "Five Dolla Pitchers and Rubba Slippas" party takes things outside for the official UB40 post-concert party. Neken will perform live, with DJs Krazy K, Jrama and Durtie Rice on the decks. 104.3 XME morning guy Hawaiian Ryan will host.

While the restaurant will be open earlier for dinner service, a cover charge goes into effect starting at 9 p.m. for the 18-and-over crowd. Call 296-1043 ...

AND ON Saturday, the fun moves to Bedroq, where their "Back to School Bash" is the latest in a string of quality parties to take place at the bar.

Reggae music is the theme for the outdoor stage with Natural Vibrations and One Drop scheduled to perform, and DJ Jahson spinning between sets.

It'll be all about hip-hop inside, with live performances by 12" Species, Nippondamic, and Freestyle XP. DJ Riseup will be in the mix, too.

This is another party open to the 18-and-over crowd; a $10 cover charge will be in effect. Call 942-8822 ...

IF DRUM-N-BASS is your thing, check out the Wave Waikiki on Sunday night.

Four guests from the mainland will fly out to paradise to take part in the "Northwest Drum-N-Bass Show," featuring the best that Seattle and Portland have to offer.

DJs Axiom, Haaps and Mainframe will be joined by MC Pupil for a night of fun open to those 18-and-over. Call 941-0424, Ext. 12 for more details ...