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Spring break brings
out the parties

It's Spring Break this week, which means there's lots of choices in club land. I don't know how he's going to do it after hosting the "Pussycat Lounge" birthday bash tonight, but Flash Hansen will be at it again tomorrow at Compadres Bar and Grill with Veritcal Junkies' Russ Inouye.

The new monthly party is called "Pussycat Junkies," and it marks Inouye's return after his involvement with "$5 Pitchers and Rubba Slippas" at the Hard Rock Cafe. It's also a homecoming of sorts, since he used to host "Split 101" and "Club Puma" at Compadres ...

TONIGHT AT The ARTS at Marks Garage, Travis Thompson hosts a "Free Speech Slam" sponsored by Freedom of Information Hawaii.

Joining Thompson to provide a soundtrack for the event will be DJ Mr. Nick, with Augie Tulba and Nalani Fujimori scheduled to judge the competition. First place wins $150 for their efforts.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. tonight, with contestants starting to drop knowledge at 8 p.m. ...

OVER AT Pipeline Cafe, there are a couple of special events worth checking out.

Tomorrow night is the Spring Break edition of "Planet Hip-Hop," with performances by Trace and Kimo James and Microscopic Syllables. DJs Jrama, A2Z and E-Roc will spin, and a $500 MC battle is planned.

Not a hip-hop fan? Thursday's party has more of a reggae feel, with Natural Vibrations, Ooklah the Moc and Inoa'ole all on stage. Both nights are 18-and-over ...

AFTER A brief run, "Club 25" at Sansei is no more.

"It was good for a while, but ... that crowd doesn't go out every week," explained promoter Ian Fernandez of the decision to pull out last month.

He's since moved to Longhi's, hosting a Spring Break party there last Saturday and another one this Friday ...

FERNANDEZ'S main competition at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort was Maharaja Ultra Lounge, which remains open to the 21-and-over crowd.

Owner Peter Maharaj promises big changes next month, which will hopefully change the vibe from the prom night deja vu you currently get with the converted ballroom.

And what's up with the dress code? I spotted guys in shorts and slippers, and another wearing a baseball cap. Takes away from the "upscale" atmosphere this joint is going for ...