In The Mix Jason Genegabus

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Makaha Sons bring nostalgia to Blaisdell

I got a healthy dose of culture at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Friday, with a nice sprinkling of nostalgia and Hawaiian pride, thanks to the Makaha Sons.

Uncle Moon Kauakahi and brothers Jerome and John Koko were amazing as usual, with Matt Catingub and the rest of the Honolulu Symphony providing an excellent orchestral accompanyment to classic Makaha Sons songs dating back to the '70s.

Maui girl Raiatea Helm opened the "Tribute to IZ" concert after a mele by James Kaupena Wong and an opening number by the Symphony Pops. It was her first time at the concert hall since "Brown Bags to Stardom" in 2000. She told the audience it was a "dream come true" to be back ...

IT'S NICE to see the O Lounge taking steps to refresh its look, as the Kapiolani Boulevard nightspot unveiled its remodeling work during a one-year anniversary celebration a few weeks ago.

Much of the room looks the same, but steps have been taken to create enclosed VIP seating areas that are perfect for groups of 10 to 12. A second bar is being converted into an art gallery, which will feature local artists.

Friday night promoter Hanson Nguyen is also working hard -- he's got some of the prettiest go-go dancers, and will flip things again this week with another MMA fight night starting at 6:30 p.m. ...

MY VISIT to the O Lounge also helped to confirm what I had been getting calls about last week. Yes, that is Dr. Dre trying to keep a low profile around town. His buddies were at "Be Social Fridays," although the good doctor called it an early night.

And no, Fiji isn't working in the lab with Dre, as some have said. I asked Fiji about it on Saturday, just before he joined Baby Bash on stage at "Bomb Birthday 5." It was "just a rumor," according to the singer ...

TICKET UPDATE: Mariah Carey tickets go on sale Sunday. The concert will now be "in the round" at the Stan Sheriff Center, hence the one-week delay ... The All American Rejects are coming to Pipeline Cafe on Jan. 13. Call 926-3000 for more info ...