Back in the late ’90s, Manoa Marketplace was home to a bar by the name of Shipley’s Ale House. Ever since it closed in 2000, residents had to drive out of the valley in order to kick back with a cold one.

Tomorrow night, local reggae DJ Sovern-T (that’s him above, holding a copy of his latest mixtape) and Twilight Audio bring the party back to the neighborhood with a new Wednesday weekly.

(Image Courtesy DJ Sovern-T)

When it opened in 1996, Shipley’s was originally known for its expansive beer offerings and live music. While the beers were cut back over the years, a growing number of local artists were able to build their careers there.

Makana performed often, but was known then as the Ki Ho’alu Kid. Shawn Ishimoto was introduced as BB Shawn when he played there.

According to this Star-Bulletin story from 2000, the Stone Groove Family had just started to build a new weekly, called “Big Wednesdays,” when the bar had to close its doors.

Ironically, one of the rotating residents that will spin at what is now the restaurant Thai Sweet Basil is DJ SubZero – of the Stone Groove Family. And his most recent gig on that particular night was at the O Lounge for “Big Wednesdays” with the Vertical Junkies.

DJs Chris C and Jahson the 45 Revolver will also jump on the decks at this one, and live performances are planned for the upcoming weeks.

Oh, and don’t worry about a cover charge at this 18-and-over party. There isn’t one.

I’m looking forward to this, especially when you throw in $3 drinks all night and pupus available until last call.

Who’s coming with me?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 at 11:31 pm and is filed under Nightlife. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response.