FIVE YEARS AGO, Hawaii residents were overcome by the hype surrounding “;American Idol”; when two of their own became finalists in the televised popularity contest disguised as a singing competition.

We all know what happened to Jasmine Trias, who resides on Oahu between international tours and enjoys a recurring role on stage with the Society of Seven Las Vegas.

But what about Hawaii's other “;Idol,”; Camile Velasco?

“;It's just changed my life completely,”; Velasco said of her “;Idol”; experience, last week from Long Beach, Calif. “;I'm doing music 100 percent right now, which is just like a dream come true for me.”;

The Philippines-born, Maui-raised recording artist decided to stay in Southern California after getting eliminated from the competition, signing with Universal/Motown Records and releasing a single, “;Hangin' On,”; in 2005. When the track fizzled, the label dropped her.

“;Just to be a part of that label was just like being a part of history,”; said Velasco. “;I learned a lot from that deal (and) it brought me to where I'm at today.”;

That would be with Up Above Records, a hip-hop indie label that plans to release her full-length debut in early 2009. The lead single, a cover of Bob Marley's “;Guava Jelly”; produced by Stephen Marley, hits the Internet on Tuesday.

“;It's gonna be available on iTunes, (so) I'm really excited,”; she said. “;I got to go out to Jamaica ... in Tuff Gong's studios, at Bob's house, recording in a room with Stephen, just me and him.”;

Visit my blog to listen to the complete interview, plus an exclusive sample of “;Guava Jelly”; ...

AFTER MONTHS of rumors and sporadic communication, NextDoor re-opened for two nights last week following a test run in September.

Owner Chris Kahunahana said he's in the process of becoming sole owner of the Chinatown venue, which includes re-applying for a liquor license. Until then, he's forced to apply for a one-time special event license to cover each party.

When I walked in, DJs Compose and Delve were there to help resurrect “;Acid Wash Wednesdays”; in front of a crowd that reminded me of the weekly's early days. Local entrepreneur Tiffany Tanaka was there, as was the Vertical Junkies' Kanoe Sandefur and Blaine Tomita, SMART Magazine's Molly Watanabe and Clear Channel Hawaii's Derin DeRego.

According to Kahunahana, “;Acid Wash”; will return once a month until January, with the club also open on Halloween and for “;First Friday”; parties in November and December ...

CONCERT NEWS: BAMP Project isn't giving up on bringing quality acts to Honolulu, despite a faltering economy. After announcing that Atmosphere will perform at Pipeline Cafe on Nov. 22, word comes this week that Angels and Airwaves will play an all-ages show at Pipeline on Dec. 12. Tickets are on sale now ... British rockers The Kooks will make their Hawaii debut after headlining on the European summer festival circuit and touring the mainland. They'll headline an all-ages Halloween show at Pipeline starting at 7 p.m., followed by KISS tribute band Hotter Than Hell at 11 p.m. ... Hawaii Pacific Entertainment and JP Productions announced 80's pop starlets The Bangles will welcome 2009 with a New Year's Eve concert at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Tickets start at $90; call 550-8457 to purchase by phone ...

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS: The 'Awa Development Council of Hawaii hosts the Pacific Islands Kava Festival on Saturday. Head to UH-Manoa's McCarthy Mall from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for Hawaiian crafts, live art by Solomon Enos, entertainment by Kupa'aina, Steve Inglis and Simple Souls, and of course, 'awa ... The Hispanic Center of Hawaii hosts its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Son Caribe, Terra Nova and Ali Garcia will perform, with DJs Da Lion of Judah, Mano Lopez and Miriam on hand as well. Food booths, crafts and cultural displays are planned; call 941-5216 for info ... The 2008 Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival ventures into new territory with its first-ever music video showcase. Eight local bands are featured, including The Hell Caminos, Missing Dave and NoMasterBacks. Co-curator DJ Catwings will host; screenings start at 8 p.m. ...