Pitstop: 03/01/19
03.01 > Fri.
First Friday at Downbeat Lounge
Ring in March with rocking jams and join the party at Downbeat Lounge at 9 p.m. Pressure Down Sounds and Rudies Hi-Fi fill the airways with classic Jamaican rocksteady, skinhead reggae and blue beat ska. At this Foundation Meets Dancehall event, guests 21 and over can take in the sounds of spinning vinyl all night long. (downbeatdiner.com)
Mardi Gras First Friday
Honolulu’s Historical Culture & Arts District hosts one of its best First Fridays yet. Putting on the ultimate “pre-game” for Mardi Gras day on March 5, warm up with samba in the streets and get immersed in the Latin/Caribbean culture. There will be live music, samba dancers, an outdoor bar and street grinds. Event runs 6-11 p.m., but checkout any of the surrounding bars for the after party. (nextdoorhi.com)
03.02 > Sat.
Oahu Festival in Waikiki
Check out the Waikiki strip for food, shopping and entertainment at this year’s Oahu Festival along Kalakaua Avenue from 4-10 p.m. The festival will feature cuisine, retail and handmade products from local vendors with a portion of the sales going toward the Easter Seals in its mission to empower people with disabilities or special needs. Admission is free. (allevents.in/honolulu/oahu-festival)
DJ Questlove Performs
99.1 Jamz Hawaii presents DJ Questlove for an unforgettable performance at Blue Note Hawaii at 11 p.m. (The show repeats on Sunday at 9:30 p.m.) A drummer, DJ, music journalist and record producer, Questlove has a wide impact in the music industry having produced for several artists including Amy Whinehouse, John Legend and Jay-Z. Tickets can be purchased online for this 21 and over show. (bluenotehawaii.com)
03.03 > Sun.
One Love Hip Hop at Nextdoor
A collaboration of Hawaii’s up and coming artists take the stage at Nextdoor in Chinatown for an upbeat night with good friends and stellar sippers. Local artists include Kanakamon, Bound and Cedric Clinton. Tickets are $10. (nextdoorhi.com)
03.04 > Mon.
Open Mic Mondays at Downbeat
Are you a local unsigned talent that wants to show off your skills? Check out Downbeat Lounge at 7 p.m. Sign-ups are at tgehawaii@gmail.com. There’s no cover charge but it is only open to those 21 and over.
03.05 > Tue.
‘Carnival-New Orleans’ at Blue Note Hawaii
Mike Lewis, trumpeter and local band leader, performs at Blue Note Hawaii with special guest Adela Chu and her Troupe. Setting the mood for Mardi Gras, the exciting performance starts at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5. All ages are welcome and tickets start at $25 for lodge and bar seating to $45 for VIP. A full bar and dinner menu are available. (bluenotehawaii.com, 777-4890)
Mardi Gras Bar Crawl
Chinatown venues Nextdoor, Bar 35, Downbeat and Manifest join forces to bring a raging party to downtown celebrating life and Mardi Gras in Hawaii. Don your party beads and feathered masks for Fat Tuesday festivities with crazy company, entertainment, and drink and food specials. The fun starts at 8 p.m. and goes till the early morning hours. (allevents.in/honolulu/mardi-gras-bar-crawl)
03.06 > Wed.
Island 98.5 Rocksteady Reggae Series
Jamaican reggae group Black Uhuru share their jams in a show at Blue Note Hawaii starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $35-$45 with kamaaina discounts available. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the band will play again the following day at the same time. (bluenotehawaii.com, 777-4890)
Sunday 03.03
Larry Carlton Plays – Blue Note Hawaii
The world-famous guitar great, Larry Carton performs at Blue Note Hawaii March 1-2 at 6:30 and 9 p.m. and then again on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The Grammy-winning musician has 38 albums to his credit and performed on more than 100 albums that have gone gold or platinum. Tickets are $45-$65 and can be purchased online. (bluenotehawaii.com, 777-4890)
Saturday 03.02
DJ Jet Boy presents island music – Downbeat Lounge
Saturday night brings positive, jammin’ vibes at Downbeat Lounge with island music performances by singer-songwriter Hanale Bishop, rock-reggae band DNA and guitar-musician Gunner Nagata presenting his new project Pure Half. The show starts at 9 p.m. for those 21 and older only with a $5 cover charge. (downbeatdiner.com)
Tuesday 03.05
Fat Tuesday Celebration – Downbeat Diner
Downbeat Diner joins the Mardi Gras block party (as part of the Chinatown Bar Crawl) with live performances from soul-hip-hop band Leelu Express, pop singer Christ Moon and indie R&B artist Joshua Rasheed. Guests 21 and over can drop in starting at 9 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge. (downbeatdiner.com)
Thursday 03.07
7 Pairs of Iron Shoes – Downbeat Diner
The local, howling folk rock and alternative country band 7 Pairs of Iron Shoes fills Downbeat Diner with head-banging, body-moving songs sure to show everyone a great time. There is no cover charge for this show that begins at 9 p.m. for attendees 21 and older only. (downbeatdiner.com)
