DESPITE assurances it would open in time for Halloween, the popular nightspot formerly known as Ocean Club wasn't ready to welcome revelers two weeks ago.

When I talked to Oceans 808 co-owner Gary Derks in April, he couldn't have anticipated how badly the economy would tank over the next six months. General manager Michael Griffith, who moved to Oceans from Dave and Buster's, was honest about the situation during a conversation earlier this week.

“;We were trying, but construction couldn't keep up,”; he said. “;We didn't want to sit there and (try to) wow people when we don't have all our toys (installed).”;

Still, guests at soft opening parties last weekend got a sneak preview of new lighting and water-themed bartops. Most of the upgrades appear to be cosmetic, with the overall layout of the room left unchanged.

“;In respect to the legacy of Studebaker's and Ocean Club, we're 80 percent the same,”; Griffith said. “;But we changed things a bit and gave it a new look.”;

Following another weekend of invite-only events, Oceans will open to the public on Nov. 20. Customers from the old club will appreciate the return of a 23-and-up age restriction and semi-strict dress code at the door.

The grand opening completes a trifecta of rejuvenated nightlife options at Restaurant Row, following the remodeling of Bambu's Bar over the summer and the opening of Bonsai Japanese Restaurant + Lounge last month ...

CONCERT NEWS: MySpace.com and Dig Lifestyles partner once again to bring “;The Release”; to Pipeline Cafe. Q-Tip will perform tracks off his new album, “;The Renaissance,”; during an 18-and-over show on Dec. 13. Doors open at 10 p.m., with a limited number of free tickets available at Dig starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 ... BAMP Project announced that tickets are on sale now for a New Year's Eve concert by Shwayze at Pipeline. Pre-sale prices are $45 general admission and $90 for access to the VIP lounge; pick up yours at any Ticketmaster outlet ... Reggae legend Pato Banton returns next month for the “;Destination Paradise Island Cruz.”; He'll perform on Molokai and Maui before headlining at Pipeline on Dec. 6, followed by performances on Kauai and the Big Island from Dec. 11 to 13 ...

TALKING STORY: Didn't spot him when he was here, but T-Pain spent some time at Avex Honolulu Studios earlier this year. While discussing the release of his new album, “;Thr33 Ringz,”; with the Los Angeles Times' Chris Lee, he said he “;traveled to Hawaii to give Kanye West a crash course in using Auto-Tune”; ... Jimmy Buffett called his namesake satellite radio station this week and let it slip that he'll be in Honolulu for the opening of Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber in February. Radio Margaritaville program director Steve Huntington confirmed Buffett said he would be taking a break from touring until then ... Looking for a cheap(er) date idea? Head to the Amuse Wine Bar for a special promotion on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Buy a $28 card and you'll receive $50 in wine-tasting credits until Dec. 29 ...

FRIDAY'S PICKS: Matty Liu settles into new digs at Red Lion University with the “;Reef Hawaiian Pro 2008 Kick Off Party”; at 9 p.m. Surfer-types and college kids 18-and-over are welcome ... Hush Boutique Nightclub Lounge kicks off a new weekly, “;LipGloss Fridays,”; with Roxy On-the-Mic (aka Erin Bunda) hosting until 4 a.m. This party follows a new industry night that launched on Wednesday ... Xyloh hosts “;Solar System 3: Scorpio,”; with five rooms of music and more than 25 local DJs. Get there early to hear DJs Jaegurl, PSI, Kyoko, Mindgame, Keebler and all their friends at this 18-and-over party ...

SATURDAY'S PICKS: Indigo's 15th anniversary wraps up with a special dinner hosted by Chef David Cruz. The meal begins at 6 p.m. and is priced at $65; Cruz's brother, musician John Cruz, will play during dinner, followed by another set after 10 p.m. ... Comedian Rex Navarrete returns for a pair of shows at Pipeline. The first is 7 p.m. Saturday with David Lee; the pair will return at the same time on Sunday. Tickets are $20 and $30 ... North Shore-based L. Records makes the trip to town for “;The L Bar”; at thirtyninehotel. Producer Dorian Wright and DJ Wish will share music produced “;off the grid,”; with a “;biodegradable download card”; available to get tunes online before being planted in the ground and sprouting “;an array of wildflowers”; ...