Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Instead of hitting the clubs, last weekend was all about kicking back on Maui. (Courtesy Derin Derego)
BY DERIN DEREGO / Special to the Star-Advertiser
Although it may appear that I’m always having a great time, occasionally I experience FOMO, or fear of missing out. When you commit yourself to attending an event it’s usually at the opportunity cost of something else.
This past weekend I was on Maui and thought I’d have anxiety about everything I missed. Once I landed though, I found myself relaxed and at peace. I spent most of my time there on the beach, but also explored some eateries along Front Street. My new favorite spot is Fleetwood’s on Front Street, a a restaurant and bar co-owned by Mick Fleetwood and Steven Tyler. The drink prices are a little steep, but the view from the rooftop bar makes it all worth it.
This weekend, I’m actually doing the complete opposite of basking on a beach — I’m heading to Denver for some fun in the snow. I’m a huge fan of ski season, even though I’m not all that great at it. Something about skiing all day then relaxing in a lodge makes it feel like winter is in full swing. It’s a feeling I seldom get in Hawaii, but after a few days of 30 degree weather, I’m ready to head back to paradise.
Although I didn’t really experience FOMO while on the Valley Isle — mainly because I knew there wasn’t a lot going on that would interest me — I’m already thinking about the many things I’ll miss out on this weekend.
There are a couple of fun things I will be able to attend, however. Tonight is another edition of “NextWorking,” the quarterly networking event put on by Hawaii Pacific Entertainment. I’m not a huge fan of networking mixers, as the conversations there seem forced and everyone usually has an agenda, but this event is much more relaxed. “NextWorking” starts at 5 p.m. and revolves around live music with heavy pupu and cocktail options in the former Big Island Steakhouse space upstairs at Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Tomorrow, Dec. 6, is the launch of the comedy club at Bar Seven. The bar has teamed up with several local comedians in hopes of making weekly comedy a regular thing for those looking for something different. This week features Cameo Lawrence, Nick Donabed, Shane Lucas and Manly Souza.
Also going down tomorrow is the second round of “DJs Against AIDS” at Hulas Bar & Lei Stand in Waikiki. I wrote about this last week, but with an all-star lineup of DJs spinning for such a great cause, I thought I’d mention it again. If you missed it on Sunday, here’s a chance to redeem yourself.
Clik here to view.
The scene during last year's "The Anti-Canvas." The annual event returns this weekend. (Star-Advertiser File)
Friday, Dec. 7, brings another First Friday to Chinatown. A lot of people have said that this party is over, but I disagree. While it isn’t bursting at the seams at any one spot, everywhere is comfortably crowded and there seems to be a resurgence of art as the focus.
One of must do events this month is “The Anti-Canvas,” an annual display of custom boardshorts designed by various artists. The awesome part is you can actually bid on these one-of-a-kind surf shorts and all of the proceeds will benefit Pow Wow Hawaii and the Kokua Foundation. This year’s event starts at 5 p.m. at SoHo Mixed Media Bar.
If you’re a fan of hardcore dance music, then Saturday is the night for you. The producers of the sold-out Dash Berlin show are brining the award winning DJ duo Gabriel and Dresden to the Waterfront at Aloha Tower. Originally scheduled to take place at the new Sunset Room (the former Big Island Steakhouse space at Aloha Tower Marketplace), tickets sold so fast that promoters opted to move the party in order to accommodate more people.
Of course there are so many great things going on while I happen to be away. Doesn’t it always seem to work out that way? Be sure to get out, otherwise you’ll be at home getting to know firsthand what FOMO really feels like.
———
When he’s not out and about at the hottest parties and other events in Honolulu, Derin “Dare” Derego works as an account executive at a local radio station group. Reach him via email at derinderego@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter.