By Jason Genegabus

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By Jason Genegabus

Dustin Rabin photo

BAMP Project continues to show no signs of slowing its all-out assault on the local concert scene.

Once again, rock fans were the main beneficiaries when BAMP announced two new shows and the rescheduling of a third earlier this afternoon.

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By Jason Genegabus

Associated Press photo

Just received word that comedian Chris Rock will be making a stop on his worldwide “No Apologies” tour here in Hawaii.

Tickets for the July 26 concert at Blaisdell Arena go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday at all Ticketmaster outlets. Mario Joyner will be the opening act.

No matter where he performs, there will be a lot less people watching Rock than during his recent appearances in London and at the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn.

According to the Associated Press, Rock broke the record for “largest standup performance” while in England with an audience of more than 14,000 people. Nearly 80,000 were estimated to be in attendance at Bonnaroo when he performed there last month.

By Jason Genegabus

Associated Press photo

The price of jet fuel is soaring, but that hasn’t stopped a steady stream of celebrities from spending time here this summer.

Last week’s spotted list included Halle Berry and Ashley Tisdale (with Hawaii-born boyfriend Jared Murillo in tow). Now it’s Kanye West’s turn; he blogged about his rumored visits to anger management classes after he “(got) off a plane in Hawaii” earlier today.

“I have never had any conversations about anger management … if anything, I need anger enhancement,” he wrote. “Oh and sidebar I don’t know if everyone has realized this yet but I don’t do interviews if there’s anything I wanna say I’ll say right here on my own blog.”

Well, Mr. West, I hope you spend some of your millions on a copy editor.

No word on why he’s here, or even what island he’s on. If you see him around, let me know!

By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus photo

A three-day holiday can’t possibly a good time to close a nightclub, but that’s exactly what NextDoor plans to do this weekend.

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By Jason Genegabus

By Jason Genegabus

If you’re looking for a different way to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, head to the Halekulani’s Lewers Lounge for fireworks of a different kind.

Celebrity mixologist Francesco Lafranconi (pictured) will be in town this weekend, and he’s agreed to tend bar from 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday, although all the seats will probably be filled long before he shows up.

Described as “one of the nation’s most talented mixologists,” Francesco Lafranconi is director of mixology at Southern Wine and Spirits of America.

Over the last few years, he’s established quite a reputation for developing cocktail menus at numerous establishments around the country (and here in Hawaii).

Among the featured cocktails he’ll be making that night:

>> Manhattan with Hibiscus Syrup
>> Julep with Mango
>> Bourbon Sour with Passion Fruit
>> Old Fashion with Ginger and Pineapple
>> Bronx with Poha Berry Jam
>> Harvey Wallbanger with Calamansi

Reservations aren’t required at the recently redesigned Lewers Lounge, although you might want to call ahead if you plan to arrive with a large group. Call 923-2311.

Photo credit: Southern Wine and Spirits of America

By Jason Genegabus

Jason Genegabus photos

The second annual “Flavors of Honolulu” took place at the Frank Fasi Civic Grounds over the weekend, and a quick glance at the menu was enough to convince me it would be worth a visit.

After stopping in at Ruth’s Chris at Restaurant Row for Maui Memorial Medical Center’s “Pink CD” release party, I made my way up South Street with my Mom in tow to sample some grinds from the 13 featured eateries.

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