---

John Brown’s reggae
band booked here

I'm happy to report that New York reggae band John Brown's Body has finally signed a deal to perform in Hawaii.

The eight-member band, which formed in 1995 after the demise of another group called Tribulations, plays at Boardriders Bar and Grill on Oct. 20, followed by a show at Don Ho's Island Grill on Oct. 21 before flying to Lahaina on Oct. 22 and Hilo on Oct. 23.

These guys have been on my radar for months, and I've heard that a couple of promoters have been trying to get them out here. "Pressure Points" is the fifth album they've released, and has been in heavy rotation in my ride. Check out the songs "Picking Up" and "Resonate" for an introduction to what is described as "Future Roots."

I hope the gang from Natural Vibrations pay a visit when these guys come to town -- it could be the key to unlocking the East Coast for the popular Hawaii-based reggae band ...

EVEN THOUGH she's busy finalizing plans for next week's one-year anniversary party, thirtyninehotel's Gelareh Khoie has found time to help raise money with a party tomorrow night.

Retail giant Banana Republic is teaming up with the downtown gallery/nightspot to present "Tides of Hope," with all the door proceeds being donated to the American Red Cross. The Gap is also joining in, and has agreed to match the full amount raised during the event.

On hand to provide entertainment are The Malcognitas, along with DJs Toki, Monkey and Mr. Nick. And in unrelated thirtyninehotel news, clothing designer Zana Tsutakawa is back in town and will hold another Akane sale on Saturday afternoon ...

THERE'S LOTS of stuff to do on Saturday: Head out to Kapolei for the sixth annual "Taste at Kapolei," which starts at 5:30 p.m. More than 20 of Oahu's favorite restaurants will participate, and a full entertainment lineup is planned. Along with dancers from Germaine's Luau, the evening will feature Gabe Baltazar, Anita Hall, The Krush and Natalie Ai Kamau'u. Call 275-3010 for tickets ... Over at Aloha Tower, Thick Tubes drops in at Don Ho's for a CD release party. They'll be joined by Red Degree, Adam Cruz and DJ Static, with doors opening at 9 p.m. and $3 Heinekens all night ... And if you don't feel like standing in line at the Ocean Club for Russell Tanoue's "Piranha Room," head over to Phillip Paolo's for "The Champagne Room." Everyone who attends this 21-and-over party will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly upon entry, with full bottles available for those who purchase VIP table reservations. Models from Island Hunnies and DJs from Elite Entertainment will also be on hand; call 479-0335 ...