'Gay-friendly' party returns
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A gay-themed Volcano Party Festival, patterned after similar festivities in Montreal and Miami, will be staged Friday through May 2 on O'ahu and Maui. Launched last year, it is being touted as the premier gay-friendly event of the Pacific.
"We drew 1,500 last year, so we hope to match or exceed that this year," said spokesman Eduardo Hernandez. He said it was too soon to know if the turmoil in Iraq or the SARS scare would affect attendance this year.
Participants will have a hearty bill of party fare, he said.
The Volcano Party is based on a Montreal tradition, The Black & Blue Party, which targets the gay and lesbian community and generated more than $25 million in tourism spending there last year. A similar event, the Winter Party in Miami, also draws thousands, providing a boost in the Florida economy.
Besides raising awareness of gays and lesbians, the Canadian venture also raised more than $1 million for HIV/AIDS services last year.
The Hawai'i version has a way to go. This year's is the second annual event, combining DJ parties with Hawai'i's tropical attractions.
The producers see the event as a means to create and expand business and marketing reach for Hawai'i's ailing tourism industry.
On O'ahu, events are scheduled at Hula's Bar & Lei Stand, the Hawai'i Convention Center and the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort. On Maui, the lone attraction is at The Grand Waikapu on May 2.
The Maui AIDS Foundation is teaming up with the Life Foundation on O'ahu to provide HIV prevention information to those attending. Proceeds will benefit the Maui AIDS Foundation.
• • •
Volcano Party
O'ahu events:
- Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. — "Aloha Party" kickoff, Hula's Bar & Lei Stand.
- Friday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. — "Steam Party" at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort ballroom.
- Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. — "Paradise Party," with David "Dazer" Mulheisen, Marriott poolside.
- Saturday, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. — "Volcano Party," Exhibition Hall, Hawai'i Convention Center, with Tracy Young.
- Sunday (overnight Saturday), 2 to 9 a.m. — "Eruption Party" at Mist dance club.
- Sunday, 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. — "Closing T-Dance," Wave Waikiki, with DJ Brett Henrichsen.
Maui :
- May 2, 7 p.m to 2 a.m. — "Lava Party" at the Marilyn Monroe House, now known as The Grand Waikapu, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright on a commission from the late actress. With DJ producer Julian Marsh in his Maui debut.
Tickets: $75 for a kama'aina weekend pass, offered for a limited time; $125 at the door; on sale at 80% Straight, Hula's Bar & Lei Stand, Diamond Head Video Kapahulu.
Reservations: (877) 242-4900
On the Web:
