LIVE music is a staple at the Mai Tai Bar, with various bands scheduled to play every day above the hustle and bustle of Ala Moana Center. What most people don't know, however, is the bar also hires DJs to spin on select nights. Every Sunday in December, the bar hosts the first-ever “;Hot Island DJ Spin-Off,”; modeled after the successful “;Mai Tai Rumble”; band competition also held at Mai Tai's.

Last weekend, I joined DJs Wu-Chang and Miguel23 to judge the third round of competition and determine who would be joining DJs Flip and 720 in the finals next month.

We were told to consider creativity and showmanship along with music selection and mixing ability. That meant whoever ended up winning had to come hard with a complete package of turntable talent.

Following a quick introduction from Hot 93.9's Krystilez, four competitors got 20 minutes each to show us what they could do. DJ Sir Style started off with an 80's flashback, while DJ Elixer opted to take the mash-up route.

Things heated up when DJ Audissey dropped a well-rounded set that established the first solid dancefloor of the night, and DJ Twiks kept it interesting for the judges with a solid technical set that showcased his scratching ability.

But in the end, it was Audissey who delivered the goods in all five categories. He'll return to Mai Tai's on Jan. 4 with a shot at the $1,000 grand prize; the “;Hot Island DJ Spin-Off”; continues this weekend with DJs Jahson the 45 Revolver, Yogurt and D-Box ...

CONGRATS TO Fifteen07 Music Studio's Blane Nishizawa, who realized his goal of opening an all-ages performance space when The Spot made its debut at 901 Waimanu Rd. last weekend. Zeemer and Amberlin Rose headlined the first show ... The Vertical Junkies also made the crossover from promoting parties to running a bar. The V Lounge, formerly Venus Lounge, held a soft opening last week and grand opening party on Monday. There are changes at Venus Nightclub, too—it's now known as Seven ... The Living Room now sports an upgraded look after renovations in recent weeks. Check out the first-floor Low End Theory Bar on Tuesdays during the new “;I'm With That Tuesdays”; weekly, with DJs Compose, Solution, Jules and Delve1 alongside $2 drafts and no cover charge. Doors open at 10 p.m. ...

  CONCERT NEWS: Tickets are on sale now for Soldiers of Jah Army, who return to Pipeline Cafe on Jan. 8 with their new DVD, “;Live in Hawaii,”; for fans. They'll be joined by German reggae artist Gentleman and local openers Natural Vibrations and Konfrontation ... Ozomatli also plans a return to the islands next month, with former member Chali 2na along for the ride. They'll perform Jan. 29 on the Big Island and Jan. 30 on Maui, followed by a Jan. 31 show at Aloha Tower. Tickets for the Oahu performance are available online at http://www.ticketweb.com ... Tickets went on sale last weekend for a Valentine's Day concert by Boyz II Men at Blaisdell Arena. Prices range from $45 to $125 at all Ticketmaster outlets…

I'M NOT SURE if it's the economy or that Dec. 31 falls on a Wednesday, but it seems there aren't as many options for New Year's Eve this year.

One of the biggest celebrations will be at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, where The Bangles will welcome 2009 with a concert starting at 9:30 p.m. (See Page 6 for story.) In Clubland, Flash Hansen and Matty Hazelgrove have one of the best concepts with their annual takeover of the W Honolulu. This year's theme is “;Masquerade Ball,”; with Star 101.9's Maleko hosting four rooms of festivities starting at 8 p.m.

For an intimate vibe, Hush Boutique Nightclub Lounge presents “;New Beginnings”; with special guest Reggie Miller and a lingerie fashion show. Presale tickets are $20 and $50; call 371-5700.

The exact opposite vibe can be found at Pipeline Cafe, where BAMP Project hosts Shwayze and the Blue Scholars, but the largest numbers will probably be downtown, with the annual fireworks celebration at Aloha Tower Marketplace and a number of parties in Chinatown.

The Loft will stick with their weekly '80s theme and DJs G-Spot, Quiksilva and Nocturna, while DJ Harvey returns for another New Year's Eve headlining set at thirtyninehotel. Even NextDoor will be open that night, with DJs Jami, Ross Jackson and Delve1 on the decks for a straight-up dance party. Get in free by texting “;XOXOX”; to 69302.

Whatever you decide to do, please party safe and enlist the services of a designated driver, if necessary. See you in 2009!