In the Mix

Mixing a winner

A lot of people in Honolulu don't realize — or simply take it for granted — that we have some of the most talented young adults working among us.

Contestants git 'er done

I may not own an oversized belt buckle or ten-gallon hat, but that didn't stop the fine folks at Country 97.5 KHCM-FM from inviting me to help judge the Honolulu qualifier of the 2010 Colgate Country Showdown last Friday alongside talent scout Alan Sunio, Al Waterson & You's Nancy Bernal, singer Jordan Segundo and Hawaii Pacific Health's Amy Hennessey.

Cherry's school blossoms

The Cherry Blossom Cabaret – as well as CBC member Kitty Chow – celebrated birthdays last weekend at Mercury Bar in conjunction with the bar's regular "Ska Foundation Night" and DJs Musical Ingredient Chef, JT, Selector Gadget and Kaz.

Duke's is just chillin'

It's getting to that point of the summer where we all need some sort of a break. Those under the legal drinking age would call it "summer vacation;" those with families and car payments and a mortgage might describe the reprieve as a "staycation," or even just "date night."

On course for success

There was a time when Johnny Helm was convinced the path to musical success was a one-way street back to the continental U.S. While the Connecticut-born singer/songwriter enjoyed the life he built for himself in Hawaii, he gave it all up in 2004 to move to New York and take a run at becoming a star.

Second side street sprouts

Some fans of Colin Nishida's popular Kakaako bar and lounge, Side Street Inn, are about to see their dreams come true. After 18 years in the same spot off Kapiolani Boulevard, Nishida is expanding his local-style culinary empire eastward to Kapahulu.

Anna's in new hands

Following more than a year of speculation, it looks like the final moves in the shutdown saga of Anna Bannana's have been made.

Black Star show in effect

As the Internet continues to work its way into every facet of popular culture, the emergence of social media has provided an interesting bit of insight into the way concerts are booked in Honolulu.

Jenkins 'still pushing' as she joins Roots Tour

It's been quite a busy -- and successful -- year for local singer Anuhea Jenkins. She's already been to the mainland on tour once, attended the annual South by Southwest Music Festival for the second straight year and taken home two Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for her self-titled debut album.