Music to My Ears: The Haute 5 Live Music Venues in Hawaii
For those that don’t already know, Oahu’s got some serious musical talent. Live music artists are jamming all over town, from the mega Blaisdell Concert Hall & Arena (Bieber Fever-10.8.10) to my personal favorite little hole in the walls like On Stage, Anna Bananas, and Jazz Minds. There’s no shortage of haute music here. I turned to local concert promoter Matty Hazelgrove of BAMP productions to share his take on this weeks Haute 5 live music venues in Hawaii.
Pipeline
Pipeline is one of Oahu’s most well-known bar and nightclubs and also host to a bevy of independent concert promotions. Pipeline was the recent venue for shows Shinedown and The Used. Upcoming concerts include Owl City and Chevelle. This place really packs it in with three bar venues and a VIP lounge area. It’s also a popular live show location because of it’s all ages are welcome appeal.
Pipeline is located at 805 Pohukaina St., 808.589.1999, www.pipelinecafehawaii.com.
Hawaii Theater
The historical Hawaii Theater also known as the “Pride of the Pacific” opened it’s doors in 1922 in the now ‘place to be seen’, downtown Honolulu. Originally a host for vaudeville, plays, musicals, and silent films, it’s now a multi-purpose, state of the art performance place. This intimate venue makes for a perfect date spot with haute eateries all around offering pre and post show pre-fix menus. It’s certainly my pick of the bunch after taking in a memorable Jack Johnson performance there.
The Hawaii Theater is located at 1130 Bethel St., Downtown/Chinatown, 808.528.0506, www.hawaiitheater.com.
Thirtyninehotel
Thirtyninehotel’s mission is to bring high quality modern art and music to Hawaii. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. this too cool for school multi-media space always tantalizes your audio-rythmic pleasure. In addition to haute tunes the cool club also has a roof top bar and lanai (Hawaiian for patio) plus award winning classic and signature cocktails. Each Tuesday is Kaleidoscope, a regular party delivering their cult following the art of music via local and visiting live artists and deejays. Next up, check out the Hollow Spheres on Aug. 17.
Thirtyninehotel is located at 39 N. Hotel St., 808.599.2552, www.thirtyninehotel.com.
Next Door
One of Chinatowns most popular places to party, Next Door was creatively transformed from a former warehouse into an haute spot. The brick-walled space feels like a metropolitan city style spot with exposed beams, 30-foot high ceilings, and cool minimalist décor. There’s a revolving door of Nationally-renowned deejays per week and live performers like Amos Lee and Matt Costa have also played at this hip venue.
Next Door is located at 43 N. Hotel St., 808.548.NEXT, www.nextdoorhnl.com.
Waikiki Shell
An outdoor play house in Hawaii is a must-see. The world famous Waikiki Shell is the ultimate venue for outdoor concerts with Diamond Head as a backdrop and famous Waikiki Beach just across the way. Home to the annual earth friendly Kokua Festival (our green version of Coachella), the Waikiki Shell seats 2,400 people with a capacity for an additional 6,000 guests on the lawn. The Waikiki Shell is a perfect setting for a memorable live concert experience.
The Waikiki Shell is located at 2802 Monsarrat Ave., 808.591.2211, www.waikikishell.com.