Loading ...In the Mix: New Year’s Eve 2007
By Jason Genegabus
jason@starbulletin.com
ANOTHER LOCAL nightlife landmark is calling it quits this weekend after nearly three decades of service in Waikiki.
Originally known as the Jazz Cellar, the Cellar Waikiki opened on Lewers Street in 1979 and featured live music nightly during most of it’s first 15 years in business. In the late ’80s, the club was named one of the “Top 50 Rock Clubs in the Country” by Rolling Stone magazine.
Cellar co-owners Rich Groder and Heine Fountain endured the change in Honolulu’s drinking age to 21 years old in 1986, the closing of sister club Cilly’s in 1994 and the Waikiki Beach Walk’s construction from 2005 to 2007.
But they were unable to survive the 50 percent drop in business that construction caused, and crowds that have since returned to Lewers appear to favor newer additions in the surrounding area.
The Cellar says aloha with a full weekend of parties, starting with an invitation-only event from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday featuring live entertainment by Rod Tanu and the Volcanoes (doors open to the general public at midnight). On Saturday they’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve early, with Steepcliff playing live and DJ Rude Dogg on the decks, and all former Cellar staff are invited to an “Employees Only Farewell Party” from 8 p.m. to midnight on Sunday.
Call 923-9952 for more info …
BEFORE WE get to my picks for New Year’s Eve, I’ve got some ideas for those who want to start celebrating on Friday and keep things going all weekend long.
New York’s DJ Roxy Cottontail (pictured) is in town for the holidays and will join DJ Eskae at thirtyninehotel for “Soul Clap” on Friday, after spinning at the Lupe Fiasco show the night before and turning in a guest set during “Kaleidoscope” last week at NextDoor. Check out my blog for an exclusive video interview with the promoter/DJ/rapper.
Head back to thirtyninehotel on Saturday for a special edition of “The Next Movement,” with DJs Sifu “Jive”Walker and mr.nick on the decks, live hip-hop by the Deadbeats and a fashion show featuring clothes by JJ Enos, Ron Kayano and Split Obsession.
In Waikiki, Lotus Soundbar launches its new “Empire” weekly with DJs Marlon, Betty, Mike J, Packo, Technique, Sonik and friends.
And don’t sleep on Sunday nights at the Living Room. “Faded 5 Sundays” is one of my top choices this year when it comes to ending the weekend on a high note …
AND NOW, let’s get down to business.
My pick for the most ambitious New Year’s Eve party of 2007 goes to Flash Hansen and Matty Hazelgrove, the dynamic duo behind those wildly successful “SKYLiNE” parties at the Hanohano Room.
They’ll migrate to the W Honolulu for “Season Finale,” an event that will transfor the entire hotel into their own personal playground. Guests will have access to party areas in the hotel lobby, guest rooms, Diamond Head Grill and the penthouse suite, with special appearances by “butchure couture artist” Adam Saaks, national touring percussionist Ricky Rock and drummer Jacob Marshall from the band Mae.
E-mail vip@flashandmattyboy.com for more info and VIP reservations.
Also in Waikiki, DJs G-Spot (pictured), Ms. Angel and Quicksilva will ring in 2008 with the James Kraft Trio during “Get Lucky at the Top” at the Top of Waikiki. DJ FLX will headline at Lotus, with DJs Revise, D-Box, Bass-X, Toki and Saya on hand as well …
MORE PICKS: Pipeline Cafe will change its target audience on New Year’s Eve for the first time that I can remember, shunning the typical club kids for a more mature crowd. Tribute band Led Zepplica will return after a sell-out show in July; doors open at 8 p.m. and a champagne toast is planned at midnight …
Xyloh and Venus Nightclub join forces with a “Fire and Ice” theme party. Chill out at Xyloh early with DJs Dawn, Erick and Trancis, then migrate to Venus after 1 a.m. and heat things up with DJs Corey Ferren, Kyoko, EP, PSI and Paul Brandon until 6 a.m. …
Another after-hours option this year is the Loft, with DJs Ira, Haboh and special guests going until 10 a.m. That party is BYOB, too …
I’M PAU for 2007 – party safe this New Year’s Eve, and I’ll see you back here next week for one last look at the year that was.
Happy New Year …
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