'Maxim Search' finds Kennedy
IT WAS comfortably crowded when I walked into the Ocean Club on Friday to judge this year's "Maxim Search Party."
Joining me at the judges table were promoters Flash Hansen and Philana Bouvier, Hoku's executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi, attorney Matt Matsunaga, Ocean Club marketing manager Nicole Meheula and Hank Macaslin. 93.1 The Zone's Justin Cruz was also there to co-host with Partymasters Hawaii's Justin Yoshino.
While contestants were encouraged to dress creatively, an overall sense of style and the ability to answer an interview question were just as important as their looks. That said, it was no surprise that Michelle Kennedy walked out the winner -- not only is she beautiful, but she's got personality to match. Congrats also to Kanani Oury and Noelani Garth (my personal pick to win that night) for finishing second and third, respectively.
All three women will move on to the finals on March 10 at Pipeline Cafe, with the overall winner scoring $500 cash, a new wardrobe and a trip to the mainland to compete in the national finals ...
COMING UP: Local networking group Connect Hawaii will host a launch party tomorrow at the Ocean Club starting at 6:30 p.m. ... Ladyfest Hawaii presents "Casanova Cabaret" on Thursday at the O Lounge, featuring a "Drag King" contest and performances by Cherry Blossom Burlesque, the Hell Caminos and Marti Kerton and Peter Bond of Hat Makes the Man. DJs Monkey and Nocturna will spin; Teighlor Armani will host. Doors open at 7 p.m. ... Also on Thursday, Joint Ventures Company and Stand Alone Intertainment present "Ragga Jamdung 2007" at Panama Hattie's. Maxx Effex, Charlie & Charlie and Shango are among those scheduled to perform ...
COCONUT WIRELESS: Paula DeAnda returns to Hawaii next month to play the annual Sports Carnival at Aloha Stadium on March 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. Danity Kane arrives the next weekend, with shows scheduled on March 16 and 17 ... Mixed martial arts fans should be happy to hear that a deal is on the table for Frank Trigg to defend his ICON Sport title against Robbie Lawler in March ... And a new Hawaiian music radio station launches this week. Check out 102.3 FM on Thursday ...
HEADS UP: Starting next Tuesday, "In the Mix" can be found on page D2 of our print edition ...