(Joah Buley / 2012)
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Art and sound collide during First Friday
With First Friday falling on the Fourth of July, know Chinatown-downtown will be especially bustling with the young and hip looking for a fun night out.
Art and music come together at two area hot spots, The ARTS at Marks Garage and the new Fresh Cafe Downtown.
A beer garden accompanies the opening of Marks Garage’s “Best of Shows” exhibit featuring “Encampments,” by Kirsten Rae Simonsen, and “Self Assembly,” by Chris Edwards, from 5 to 11 p.m. The works were the grand-prize winners of Double-Feature Summer Season: Zoonami and HI Tides. The artists will be on hand to discuss their works until 8 p.m.
In addition to a full bar inside the gallery and performance space, there will be a Kona Brewing Co. beer garden in front of Marks Garage. DJ The Native Girl will be spinning all night, and there will be drink specials, adult shave ice and carnival-themed decor. Look for the Hawaiian Fresh Farms food truck,
Down Nuuanu Avenue, Fresh First Fridays will be kicking off at 6 p.m. at Fresh Cafe’s downtown spot. DJ Taco as well as Lana Lane Studio artists Rooks Royal and Gotaro will be spinning in two separate rooms. There also will be a live performance at 9 p.m. by newly formed R&B/soul/jazz group Songbird and the Super Simps as well as live art.
And while all the usual First Friday spots will be open, many of those businesses will be participating in the first-ever First Friday BBQ Challenge starting at 6 p.m. Stations featuring grill masters from Downbeat Diner, Manifest, The Fix, Rakuen, Bar 35 and Brasserie Du Vin will be set up along the block between Pauahi Street and Chaplain Lane (adjacent to Louis Pohl Gallery and eleven44).
» Where: The ARTS at Marks Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave.; Fresh Cafe, 1111 Nuuanu Ave.; Louis Pohl Gallery, 1142 Bethel St.
» When: Friday at 5 p.m. (Marks Garage) and 6 p.m. (Fresh Cafe and BBQ Challenge)
» Cost: Free entry (Marks Garage and BBQ Challenge); free before 9 p.m., $5 after (Fresh Cafe)
» Info: artsatmarks.com, nicholas.kaleikini@gmail.com (Fresh Cafe)
(Star-Advertiser / 2007)
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Head to Hula’s for a music-packed 40th-birthday party
When Jack Law started Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand back in 1974, he wasn’t so confident in the business venture.
“No,” Law frankly responded when asked if he thought back then that his bar would still be around today. “When we were first building Hula’s on the corner of Kalaimoku across the street from the Kuhio movie theater, my parents were visiting from the mainland. And my dad, who has never been a very positive person, looked at what we were doing under construction and said, ‘This will never work.’”
But it did. Come Wednesday, Hula’s will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a party that will include performances by the Brothers Cazimero, Kawika Trask and Friends, Starr Kalahiki, Jason Laeha and Good Job. The event, hosted by Maleko McDonnell and Flash Hansen, will also include a blessing and hula by Hina Wong-Kalu as well as pupu by Hula’s Cafe by Ginniberries from chef Michelle Nakaya.
Ten percent of the cover charge will benefit the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival.
Over the years, Hula’s has been an entertaining and welcoming gathering place for the LGBT community. The Waikiki bar has survived changes not only in venue (it moved to its current view-tastic home on Kapahulu Avenue in 1998), but also the times, from the days of disco to today’s eclectic mix of musical tastes.
What’s kept Hula’s going all these years?
“I had to keep it going because I had nothing else to do,” Law said with a laugh. “In Hawaii … finding a good job is limited here, so when you find something you have to stick with it, come hell or high water.
“One of things I’ve always said I’m most proud about is for 40 years, twice a month, I have met payroll with a staff of at least 30. … I think it’s quite an accomplishment. I don’t think too many other people can say that.”
As for the future, Law said Hula’s will continue to strive to be at the “leading edge of what’s going on” and entertain locals and tourists alike, regardless of sexual orientation.
“I hope that people come to Hula’s and enjoy this party,” he said. “As I always say, ‘You don’t have to be gay to go to Hula’s, just happy.’”
» Where: Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand, 134 Kapahulu Ave.
» When: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday
» Cost: $10; $5 with Hawaii, college, industry or active military ID; 21+
» Info: (808) 923-0669, hulas.com
(Courtesy Sommore)
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Sommore’s unfiltered style joins Blaisdell comedy lineup
Comedian Sommore describes herself as a “chandelier”: “I compete with no one and shine no matter what,” she says on her Twitter page.
With her brash and often vulgar comedy, Sommore indeed sparkles, commanding an audience’s attention with uncensored jokes about her life, relationships and men.
The New Jersey native joins Atlanta comedian Bruce Bruce, pictured inset, for “Capone’s Comedy Smash 3″ on Saturday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.
Sommore, who also toured with Mo’Nique and others as the stars of “The Queens of Comedy” back in the early 2000s, has appeared in several films and television shows, including “Friday After Next,” “Soul Plane,” “The Hughleys” and “The Parkers.” Her latest comedy special, “Chandelier Status,” can be found on Netflix.
» Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave.
» When: 8 p.m. Saturday
» Cost: $45-$100
» Info: ticketmaster.com, 866-448-7849
(Courtesy Keith Saunders)
SUNDAY, JULY 6
Orvis Auditorium hosts an Aussie take on taiko
TaikOz is taiko with a “southern” twist — “southern” meaning way Down Under.
The Australian taiko group, which performs at the University of Hawaii’s Orvis Auditorium on Sunday, aims to present audiences with traditional Japanese drumming as well as new creative works.
The thunderously talented group, which was formed in 1997, has composed more than 30 original works for wadaiko drums, including several in combination with instruments such as the shakuhachi, koto, marimba, saxophone, cello and (of course) the didgeridoo.
One of the group’s founders is shakuhachi master Riley Lee, a former Hawaii resident and distinguished alumnus of the East-West Center.
Seating for the performance is first come, first served. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
– Stefanie Nakasone
» Where: Orvis Auditorium, 2411 Dole St.
» When: 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday
» Cost: $15 students, $22 seniors and military, $25 general
» Info: (800) 838-3006, brownpapertickets.com
TICKER
The Honolulu Surf Film Festival starts Saturday and runs through July 31 at Doris Duke Theatre. $8-$15. For film listings, see Arthouse on Page 23-24.