By Jason Genegabus

Toyota USA photo

Still salty about not getting tickets for this year’s Kokua Festival? Visit any Toyota Hawaii dealership before the end of the month and you’ve got a shot at the sold-out, two-day concert.

Of course, there’s a catch: Toyota will only give the tickets to people who purchase a Prius (pictured above), Camry Hybrid or Highlander Hybrid.

If you’re willing to spend 20 grand for a chance to see Dave Matthews perform live… more power to you.

Oh, and can I borrow $100?

Related Story:
“Toyota-Hawaii marks 50 years with freebies” (Star-Bulletin)

By Jason Genegabus

I spent last night at Aiea Bowl for the first time in months, hanging out with Rick Rock and a bunch of other promoters during the one-year anniversary of “Moonlight Mondays.”

It’s amazing how diverse the crowd is at this event. Local residents from all walks of life have memories of visiting a bowling alley with their parents or grandparents when they were kids.

While last night’s installment saw a lot of nightlife types, Rock says he attracts a wide variety of professionals, from hotel and restaurant workers to doctors and lawyers. And things can get pretty crazy here as it gets later in the evening.

Be sure to get some food before the kitchen closes – you’ll need it to help absorb all the alcohol! Beer specials and complimentary shot samples almost guarantee you’ll get at least a little tipsy before the end of the night.

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By Jason Genegabus

In case you missed it, here is video from the final round of Saturday night’s “ICON Sport: To Hell and Back” main event.

Unfortunately, seating issues meant that I had to watch all the action from upstairs at the Blaisdell. This footage was the best I could get from my vantage point.

But still… WHAT A FIGHT! I’m really impressed that Kala “Kolohe” Hose was able to stick to his game plan and let Phil Baroni run out of gas before stepping in to finish him. The semi-main event between Jeremy Williams and Auggie Padeken was another exciting bout.

By Jason Genegabus

Got your green on, but haven’t figured out where to go and party tonight?

I’ve got a collection of fliers for various events tonight after the jump.

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By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus photos

Brew Moon has a history of throwing late night parties.

Five or six years ago, Sundays were the night to visit. More recently, Rockstar Fridays packed in the 18-and-over college crowd on a regular basis, before the Ward Centre restaurant and microbrewery underwent an ownership change a few months back.

Last weekend, a new group of promoters introduced a new 21-and-over event. Animal House Hawaii launched the Animal House with resident DJ Peter Lau and plans to return on March 28, April 4, April 18 and May 2.

I’ve got more pictures from my visit to the new party after the jump.

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By Jason Genegabus

Jamm Aquino photo

From psychobilly to smooth grooves, we’ve got you covered in today’s Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

Pick up a copy of the paper and pull out HiLife for exclusive, track-by-track commentary on the Hell Caminos‘ new CD, “Lust.”

I had a lot of fun talking story with Michael Camino and Nick Danger in the newsroom last week as they gave me a preview of their sophomore effort. They were also gracious enough to let us post samples of all 17 tracks in our online edition, so go give them a listen.

The 14th annual Honolulu Festival returns this weekend, with events scheduled at the Hawaii Convention Center, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza and Ala Moana Centerstage. And Kenny G arrives with his band in tow to perform with the Honolulu Syphony Pops Orchestra at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Take a look at my column, “In the Mix,” for more info on the Opihi Pickers’ hiatus that was first reported on this blog, plus details on upcoming concerts and my picks for the weekend.

See all you MMA fans at “ICON Sport: To Hell and Back” tomorrow night!

Links:
Honolulu Nightlife Listings
Crawlspace: The Kottonmouth Kings and St. Patrick’s Day
Star-Bulletin Staff Picks
Star-Bulletin Local Record Reviews
Honolulu Movie Theater Schedules

By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus photos

The Vertical Junkies lost their only 21-and-over party when they pulled the plug on the Monkey Bar a few weeks ago, and in an effort to attract an older crowd to Big Wednesdays, Russ Inouye and his crew decided to launch the Secret Society.

The underage kids are still welcome at the O Lounge, but those old enough to enjoy the $3 drink specials now have a separate lounge, complete this week with local superstar DJ Eskae (pictured) of the Nocturnal Sound Krew.

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By Jason Genegabus

NBC/Trae Patton photo

Got what it takes to pick out suitcases on national TV?

NBC is sending representatives to Honolulu to conduct an open casting call for the show “Deal or No Deal,” hosted by Howie Mandel. There have already been a couple of Hawaii residents who made it on the program, and now the network is coming to Oahu for the first time to find more potential winners.

Local residents who are energetic, charismatic and outgoing are invited to come to Pearlridge Uptown on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the United States; everyone standing in line at 1 p.m. will be guaranteed an interview.

“Deal or No Deal” airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. on KHNL.

By Jason Genegabus

I’m getting slammed at work today… computer problems last night meant it was an early morning at the office.

Plus, the ICON Sport press conference was today, so I was over at the Blaisdell to shoot some video. Keep an eye on Star-Bulletin MMA beat writer Billy Hull’s new blog, “Fighting Words,” for the scoops. He should have something up on Friday.

Will try to post something later tonight. Otherwise, please check back tomorrow.

By Jason Genegabus