Pro Bowl weekend is shaping up to be another good one, although it seems like things are falling into place a little later than in recent years.

It’s always tough to nail down the specifics on different parties that happen in conjunction with the NFL all-star game, usually because the promoters involved are all mainland-based and consider locals as an afterthought. With tourists flocking to the island and spending mad cash, most Hawaii residents simply can’t compete when it comes to ballin’ out of control in the VIP at one of these events.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the festivities from the cheap seats.

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So much for taking it easy.

Despite promising himself and his family that he would “take a nice break this year,” local stand-up comic and TV/radio personality Augie Tulba will be awfully busy in 2008. In fact, he just returned yesterday from a four-day trip to Saipan.

It’s always fun to talk story with this guy. I wrote about him last year, when Tulba was more than a little anxious about his first headlining performance at the Blaisdell Arena.

Tulba, his wife, Star-Bulletin photographer Craig Kojima and myself all sat on the grass at the corner of Ward and Kapiolani, eating plate lunches before Kojima snapped some shots and I got my interview.

As he told me then, “”The last time I was here, I got knocked down … it was my last pro fight.”

Tulba called last week to give me a little update before he left for Saipan. He was excited to share the details about a deal to move “The Augie Show” from OC-16 to KFVE.

Up first, however, is a TV special set to air Wednesday at 8 p.m. on KHNL. The one-hour program will feature highlights from “The Augie Show” and promote his upcoming slot on KFVE.

I’ll have more details about Tulba’s move from OC-16, upcoming gigs and his return to the Honolulu radio airwaves in Friday’s “In the Mix.”

Big Island MMA fighter BJ Penn has the opportunity to become just the second person to hold UFC titles in two different weight classes when he faces Joe Stevenson tomorrow.

The first person to do it? Randy Couture.

Tomorrow’s pay-per-view will be broadcast from the United Kingdom, which poses a unique problem for fight fans that live in Hawaii. Starting time is scheduled for 10 a.m. and a lot of people head to local bars to watch the action.

But what if your favorite watering hole is closed at 10 a.m. tomorrow? Robbie Acoba has got you covered at Eastside Grill.

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Just returned from UH-Manoa… if you haven’t listened to KTUH lately, Fridays are probably one of the best days (and nights) to do so.

It all starts at noon with Davey Shindig and Molly Firecracker hosting “Party Shuffle” until 3 p.m. They’re followed by longtime KTUH DJ Loriel and his weekly “Friday Afternoon Bashment,” with G-Spot’s “Underground Sounds” taking over from 6 to 9 p.m. and Jake “The Snake” Miyasato’s “The Mix Down” from 9 p.m. to midnight.

As they like to preach to anyone who will listen, KTUH is Hawaii’s “only alternative” to traditional commercial radio. While there is some really bad programming by students who have no business being on the air, Fridays are an example of how college kids can get it right.

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Gotta make this short and sweet, since I’m supposed to be at an interview in 25 minutes.

If you haven’t clicked over to the Features section of our online edition yet, be sure to check out what we’ve got on tap in this week’s HiLife. Gary Chun talked to Dan Storper, CEO and founder of Putumayo. The organization presents a CD release party tomorrow; John Berger also weighs in with a review of the new album.

We also got the scoops on a new play, “Maui vs. Hercules,” that starts this weekend at St. Andrew’s Cathedral’s Tenney Theatre, as well as details on the “Month in Chinatown” event that kicks off next week.

Heading out to the club? Check out Crawlspace for details on the “Old School Funk and Dance Party” and a special holiday editon of “Recess.” My weekly column, “In the Mix,” has exclusive info about the Living Room NOT closing and “Late Night with Andy Bumatai” making it to 100 shows, along with my thoughts on the “Starlight Ball” and a New Year’s party at the Wyland Waikiki.

Okay. I’ve got to get to UH-Manoa. Check back in a few hours for another couple of options you have to choose from this weekend.

Links:
Star-Bulletin Staff Picks
Honolulu Nightlife Listings
Honolulu Movie Theater Schedules
Star-Bulletin Movie Reviews

If you were wondering why there weren’t any updates to this blog yesterday until late in the evening, the explanation can be found in the picture above.

I spent the morning at the State Capitol, following former UH Wahine volleyball player Kanoe Kamana`o as she handled her duties as office manager for State Sen. David Ige. It was her first full-blown Lege opening, as well as my own.

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Less than 24 hours after making their initial announcement, promoter BAMP Project is now telling fans of the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus that the band’s scheduled appearance in the islands has been canceled.

From BAMP:

According to reps from The Red Jumpsuit Aparatus, the band will no longer be able to perform in Hawaii. We will receive a press release shortly from the band and will pass along the details to you guys.

The Starting Line will still be performing on Feb 19th at pipeline cafe and tickets will still be go on sale on 1/19/08.

We will be working to get them back out as soon as they are available.

Related Post:
“BAMP announces multiple shows“