Posts Tagged ‘Oahu’

Get down and party like it is 1977 with Disco Icons ‘The Village People’ New Year’s Eve December 31 2009 at The Sheraton Hawai’i Ballroom.  This high octane act is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet dancing as well as shouting out the letters to their most famous song; “Y—M—C—A, It’s Fun To Stay At The Y—M—C—A.”

It all began when Native American Felipe Rose was spotted dancing in his Indian Costume in a crowd in New York’s Greenwich Village.  Producer/Composer Jacques Morali and partner Henri Belolo were inspired to put together a group based upon Village icons, building the group around the vocal talents & showmanship of Victor Willis, the original Cop and Naval Officer.  Willis brought his friend Alex Briley in to play the character of a GI, auditions were held, recruiting original member David Hodo, the Construction Worker.  Along the way original Leatherman/Biker Glenn Hughes was replaced by Eric Anzalone in 1995, while Cowboy Jeff Olsen  joined in 1980.  Ray Simpson has been the lead singer AKA Cop for so long that only diehard fans recall the early days of Victor Willis.

THE VILLAGE PEOPLE snagged stardom during the crazy hazy Disco Days/Daze of the late 1970s into the early 1980s with deceptively simple infectiously danceable tunes: Macho Man, Key West, Go West, Y.M.C.A., In The Navy, Manhattan Woman, Can’t Stop The Music.  Though they have never repeated the heady success of their earliest days their legions of fans do not care, what they want are those original hits and The Village People continue to deliver with a high octane show that is a visual delight.

The Village People bring in New Year 2010 at the World famous Sheraton-Waikiki.  Doors open at 9PM, there will be music from the 70s and 80s, and then The Village People explode onto the stage at 11PM.  Scope out http://www.newyearseveinwaikiki.com/ for further info about the many options for combining dinner with one heck of a show, there are two packages offered: “Platinum Package: Five-course dinner at Twist at Hanohano Two seating s: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Platinum seating for the show, Two drink tickets during the show, Party hats & favors$295 per adult; $235 per child 16 & under.” As well as a Gold Package offering a “Premium Seafood Spectacular at Kai Market,” Seating begins at 5:30, every half hour to 7PM.  Gold Seating for the Show, two drink tickets during the show, party hats & favors, all for $255 per adult, or $195 per child under age sixteen.

Concert-Only Ticket Pricing (includes tax and gratuity)   [ Reservations ]

All seating includes party favors; Platinum tickets: $150 Seating in the first six rows. Gold tickets: $125, Seating in rows 6-12. Silver tickets: $90 Seating in rows 12 and beyond. Standing room only: $75.  Further info via phone 1-808-921-4600 between 9AM and 5PM.

Self parking is available for $8.00 0r go with Valet Service for $13.00  The Sheraton-Waikiki is an easy bus ride away, as well as a comfortable walk from anywhere in urban Honolulu.  The Village People are a terrific way to welcome 2010.

President Barack Obama, Hawaii born, has been battling to get his health care bill through the US legislature so he can sign it into law. Obama has vowed to stick it out in Washington until that is done, even if it means postponing or canceling a vacation to Hawaii.

But, as far as we can tell, the first family won’t be canceling their trip at all, and will most likely be headed to Hawaii for arrival at Hickam Airforce Base aboard Air Force One sometime tomorrow (Thursday December 24th.)

The health care bill is expected to make it through the senate tomorrow morning. In the wee hours here in Hawaii, the President and family are expected to take off and head for their ocean side retreat in Kailua on the island of Oahu.

President Obama, who was confirmed earlier this week to be headed for a Hawaiian Holiday vacation has changed his mind. He’s the leader of the free world, he can do that.

Barack Obama will be waiting until the US Senate finishes working on the health care bill that is so near and dear to the President. The work could last until Christmas Eve. The Senate is working to iron out compromises on a bill that is all but passed through the legislature and is now just working on the finer details.

President Obama was expected to travel to the island of Oahu and stay where he stayed last year on the islands windward side in the town of Kailua near the Kaneohe Marine Base. Official word has yet to be given although rumors have it that the decision on when the president will leave DC should be made by today.

President Obama is coming back to Hawaii for his holiday vacation this year.  It’s his first trip back to the islands since he came last year after winning the presidential election at the end of 2008.

Obama, who was born in Hawaii (even under scrutiny and doubt about Obama being born in the islands) has been leading the free world, as they say, for almost a year. He comes back to Hawaii as his health care bill tries to make it through the legislature. He comes back to Hawaii as the war continues in the middle east. And he comes to Hawaii as students and teachers are furloughed.

It will be interesting to see if the President speaks on the people of Hawaii about the poor choice of cutting their children’s education potential, or if he’ll remain silent about it. The president will again be staying in Kailua on the island of Oahu near the Kaneohe Marine Base.

We’ll keep you posted with photos and the like as much as we can.

Since its opening in 1994 The Aloha Tower Marketplace has been one of the best places for dining & shopping in the core of urban Honolulu and since November 2008 every third Wednesday Evening  from 5PM to 10PM has become the place for locals & visitors alike to experience the best of local vendors, entertainers and art.

The December 16 2009 Night Market at Aloha Tower Marketplace provides an excellent opportunity to snag one of a kind gifts in time for the holiday season.  Billed as, “A Star’s Christmas,” the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ will provide a music performance for the season featuring ‘The Waikiki B-Boyz Breakdance’ and ‘Tahitian Dance Show by Ia Ora O Tahiti Nui.’  There will also be a fashion show featuring local designers and an art gallery showcasing ‘Kupihea’ and ‘Sheree Pokipala.’

Vendors vary at the Night Market at Aloha Marketplace but most often one will find terrific items from, ‘Purotu Design’ with “Unique Tahitian Pearl Jewelry for all of life’s beautiful moments,” ‘Invad Clothing’ surf-wear and more, ‘Sola2’ Island Casual Clothing, ‘Masina Imports’ “Everyday Wear with Polynesian Flair,”  ‘Gratitude International’ offers unique jewelry made from recycled materials and keeping in tune with the ‘Green Theme’ ‘Encore Bags’ has recycled handbags and accessories.  Among the other likely vendors, ‘Pele Pens’ has beautiful locally made Koa wood pens, ‘Plumeria Sun’ has breathtaking Pareo, ‘Roots of Hawai’i’ features herb teas, Awa and more, ‘Touch of Art in Hawai’i’ has bone jewelry, ‘Fatu’ crafts hand carved Mother-of-Pearl jewelry and belts, ‘HK Fashion’ provides Hawai’i’an Print Bags, ‘Haku’s Etc by Mikala’ features crafts made by Hawai’i’ans,’ ‘Patchi’ sells plants, and if you are in need of a tune-up check out ‘Massage /Reflexology by Bert MacDonald.’

Night Market at Aloha Tower Marketplace is more than just great items for sale and terrific music and dance and art, it is showcase for the local community and that includes its needs & concerns, which prompts activities such as a raffle drawing for ‘Ora O Tahiti Nui’ raising funds for their March competition at the Waikiki Shell, with prizes as varied as gift certificates from the various vendors.  One is encouraged to scope out the website www.AlohaTowerNightMarket.com .

It is easy to find the Night Market at Aloha Tower Marketplace, aim yourself at the historic Aloha Tower  to the right of Chai’s Island Bistro when you face the Ocean.  For those who drive there is validated parking, though the marketplace is an easy walk from anywhere downtown or a ride away on the number 19 bus, or take any bus cruising through the heart of Honolulu and jump off at the Fort Street Mall and once again head in the direction of The Ocean.  If you are local and have yet to experience the Night Market, ‘A Star Christmas’ will be a great introduction to what is fast becoming a great tradition every third Wednesday of the Month, Night Market at the Aloha Tower Marketplace.

It was a small day on the north shore of Oahu, but the swell was dropping and the rest of the week looked like it was gonna be junk, so the contest directors did what needed to be done. They held the contest.

The quarters, the semis, and the finals, all held on a day when getting barreled wasn’t gonna win you the contest. You needed aerials to make it count, and Taj Burrow did just that. The only barrel of the finals scored Kelly a measly 3.93 whereas the aerials for Taj Burrow scored him a 7.00 and a 5.83 and a win in the final jewel of the Vans Triple Crown and $90,000.

Winning the overall three contest prize was Australian Joel Parkinson who was eliminated on Saturday which also eliminated him from an ASP world championship title which would go to Mick Fanning, a fellow aussie surfer and friend. In fact, this image to the right is Joel Parkinson falling on his final wave which would have had him cliniching the ASP.

It’s been a great 6 weeks on the North shore of Oahu with the Vans Triple Crown, womens triple crown, the eddie, a couple of other free surf comps and more.  Congrats to all the surfers.

Parko wins the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and Kelly Slater and Taj Burrow are going to be in the Pipe Masters finals at 1 PM Hawaii standard time which comes out to 3 PM pacific time.

Check out the finals live over at the triple crown website. Small surf is going to make for an interesting battle. While you’re waiting you can check out photos from saturdays Pipe Masters action as well as Mick Fanning’s World Title pictures.

There are only 8 surfers left competing for the coveted Pipeline Masters trophy.  Today, we’ll find out who will hold it over their head, and we will also find out who will win the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

Still left in competitino is Dean Morrison, CJ and Damien Hobgood, Flynn Novak, Bede Durbidge, Taj Burrow, Hobgood, Dane Reynolds, and six time pipe champion Kelly Slater.  It should be a great final, whoever makes it in.  Just 7 heats left.

The contest will start at 9 am HST and you can watch all the action live at the pipe masters website.

Micktory shirts were all around as 28 year old Mick Fanning was in the water along side childhood surfing mates Joel Parkinson and Dean Morrison. It was Saturday, December 12th, during the last stop on tour and the last event of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. The stage was set during the 3rd and 4th round of competition.

Joel Parkinson, in the hunt for both the World Title and The Vans Triple Crown title, just needed to win in order to stay in the running for both. If he lost his heat, Mick Fanning would win. Mick, two heats later, entered the water to watch as Parko’s heat and the last heat of the 3rd round finished up before he and Dean Morrison could jump into the lineup.

Parko couldn’t do it, and Mick was crowned Champion with a hug from both out on the water. Fanning had to wait out the next 40 minutes of his own heat before being greet on shore by the rest of his crew and fellow surfers to a champions carry off.