O Lounge pushes voting

GET READY for one free show that promises to be a good one. In case you haven't been paying attention, 2006 is an election year -- are you registered to vote?

If not, keep in mind that the deadline to register is Thursday. And what better way to get registered than attending a party, complete with free food and live entertainment? Thanks to Elizabeth Watanabe, the O Lounge hosts "Promote the Vote" from 7 to 10 p.m. tomorrow at the Kapiolani Boulevard nightspot.

"Local elections affect us greatly," said Watanabe, via e-mail. "That's why it's so important to be informed and know how you can make a difference."

The club has teamed up with promoters Level H Productions, Moguls Entertainment, Evol Entity, Racesauce, Vertical Junkies and Green Bottle Productions to help spread the word. Andy Bumatai has also signed on to help, and the Greg Hammer Band will perform.

Again, the best part about "Promote the Vote" is that it's completely free -- no cover, free food and even free drinks while they last. Call 944-8436 for more info ...

I GOT some sad news about the local music scene recently. After more than a decade together, the guys in Ho'onu'a have decided to call it quits.

Christian Yrizarry and Jared Keo originally met while attending college together in California, playing music during jam sessions when they weren't practicing with the University of San Diego football team. Their first single, "Surf Session," made it onto a Town and Country Surf compilation CD, and the rest was history. In the following years, Ho'onu'a released three albums, 1998's "Feel Good Island Music," 2000's "Have a Good Time" and 2003's "Take You to the Jam."

According to Keo, the duo's final live performance on Oahu will be at the Downtown Ho'olaule'a on Sept. 15, with one last gig on the Big Island Sept. 30. Keo will then focus his efforts on family, church and international businesses, while Yrizarry will likely pursue a solo career ...

CONGRATS TO local mixed martial artist Anthony "Crush" Torres, who got his first official win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship last week. He beat Pat Healy on national television during Spike TV's "Ultimate Fight Night," finishing him off in the first round of the fight with a rear naked choke submission ...

In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Reach Jason Genegabus at jgenegabus@starbulletin.com.