BY CHRISTA WITTMIER / Special to the Star-Advertiser
I really don’t understand how time is just zooming by this year.
Is it like that for everyone? Or just us 30-somethings? This is crazy. It was just March!
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2013
M NIGHTCLUB CELEBRATES ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY ON THURSDAY.
Speaking of crazy, this week is already off to a wild start — I’m writing this post while on a quick business trip to California — but the long Fourth of July weekend already marks the unofficial halfway point of summer (even though it was just Memorial Day!).
In addition to all the regular Independence Day activities, there are two big milestones being celebrated this week.
Kakaako nightlife mothership M Nightclub celebrates its second anniversary on Thursday. It’s been a longer journey for the club’s partners, but as M they have a solid two years under their belts and are easily sitting atop the Honolulu club scene with their massive space at Waterfront Plaza.
M is the kind of club you can immediately see the investment when you walk in. Whether it’s new lighting, an updated sound system, crisp staff uniforms or new security barriers, you can just tell this is a club that is always focused on improvement.
Add frequent special guests and headliners, plus mega-O.G. graffiti artist Slick of Dissizit driving the ship’s branding, and it’s truly a gift to all of us that M is alive and kicking after two years. It definitely went by fast.
General admission to the anniversary party is $20 at the door; click here to purchase tickets online. Guests who book a VIP table to celebrate on Thursday will be treated to an array of limited edition M-branded items designed by the team at Dissizit.
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2014
PARTY PEOPLE PACK THE DANCE FLOOR AT M NIGHTCLUB.
The night will also feature guest headliner The Cataracs. Originally a trio that downsized to a duo, it’s now just one producer (Niles “Cyranizzy” Hollowell-Dhar) representing the SKAM Artist DJs this week. The Cataracs have worked with many of the industry’s top talent, including Kaskade, Jason Derulo, Sean Paul, 50 Cent, Robin Thicke, Schwayze, Krewella and even Beyonce. This translates to stardom, even if it’s with a name most of us in Honolulu don’t hear often.
It’s always fun to see a special guest’s take on what a party really is, especially coming from someone so well-versed in all aspects of popular music. It’s perfect for the M’s anniversary!
ANOTHER MILESTONE comes from monthly girl-party Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, celebrating their first anniversary at The Safehouse inside The Republik on Thursday.
The promoters behind this one started it as a lesbians-only event, but it quickly exploded in to the “other” type of night out — one where the entire LGBT community can feel comfortable attending. The positive vibe has garnered the team quite a few straight fans as well, myself included. These days, they routinely pack the entire Safehouse and spill over into The Republik.
“We are so excited for the next phase of (our party),” promoter Erin “Roxy on the Mic” Bunda said via text message on Tuesday. “This one-year anniversary commences our ChittyBang Expansion Project: additional venues, more diverse events, concerts, field-day fun days, and … a bigger team!”
STAR-ADVERTISER / 2013
MONTHLY PARTY CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG CELEBRATES ITS FIRST ANNIVERSARY ON THURSDAY AT THE SAFEHOUSE INSIDE THE REPUBLIK.
Starting out with three promoters — Bunda, Yooey Kim and Candy Ho — they are now seven members strong, plus three resident DJs. I’m really looking forward to what is coming up with this group. Known for tons of visual stimulation in forms of underwear models, go-go dancers, prize giveaways and always-fun birthday celebrations, this party is usually the best way to kick off a new month before heading to First Friday the following night.
COMING UP next week, Courtyard Cinema at Ward Village returns. This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen pop up in Kakaako since Honolulu Night Market. It’s totally family-friendly and free.
Park at the massive TJ Maxx store and walk across the street to the old IBM Building parking lot that’s been renovated into a beautiful modern courtyard, complete with water features and palm trees. Chairs can be brought in, dinner can be bought from the food trucks outside and drinks can be purchased from a full bar.
The Howard Hughes Corporation partnered with the Hawaii International Film Festival to host the elevated film program. This month’s featured flick is the hilarious “Ping Pong Summer,” which was very well received at Sundance this year and may have slipped under a lot of people’s radars.
Set in 1985 with all the right music, fashion and comedy, it’s definitely one not to miss. There will also be an ’80s Costume Contest for those brave enough. Tickets for Courtyard Cinema are sold out, but the standby line doesn’t sound like such a bad idea with The Pig & The Lady, Aloha Pops and Beyond Burgers serving up goodies from food trucks outside the entrance.
———
Christa Wittmier has chronicled Honolulu nightlife since 2004. She is senior marketing director at Young’s Market Co. of Hawaii and executive director of music for POW! WOW! Hawaii, and also helps promote the popular “Bacardi Pool Party” on Oahu. Contact her via e-mail or follow her on Twitter.