THE NIGHT STUFF
Club 1 a smooth mix of dress-up and retro beats

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

After midnight, Brenda Kwon of Nu'uanu and Sid Louie of Honolulu swayed to the retro rhythms at Club 1, which made its debut Saturday night. Photos by Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser

Near the Studio 1 bar, Elaine Codilla of Waikiki chatted with Anthony Giuliano, center, of Wai'alae Iki and Antonio Payton of Waikiki.

As the music at Club 1 picked up, all Miki Mattes of Makiki wanted to do was dance.

Definitely retro in sonic content — but with nary a hint of nostalgic Gouda — the debut Club 1 outing July 12 was an admirable experiment in matching old-school music with new-school club sensibilities. Co-conspiring promoters Flash Hansen (Pussycat Productions), Russ Inouye (Split/Veejay) and G-Dog and Sub-Zero (both of Stone Groove Family) were well-intentioned hosts, creating a Saturday weekly with classy downtown originality and lots of promise.

The big question I have after Club 1's well-attended bow, however: Is there a large enough 21-plus club audience in town to support a weekly that first off, spins well-chosen, mixed-genre old school, second, expects its patrons to significantly step up their fashion choices, and third, isn't at the W?

God rest Barry White's eternal soul, I hope so.

The decor in Studio 1's main room was transfigured to theme. Long swaths of red silk lining the walls met a ceiling centerpoint where a large disco ball hung, lit by red spots. Maroon felt tablecloths covered scattered tables, topped with glowing votives. An overwhelmingly well-dressed crowd was still mostly gabbing and mingling when all four promoters took the mike for some audience props just past 11 p.m.

Perhaps sensing that what was required next to move the gathered was something to actually move to, G-Dog made a wise decision to throw down Mr. White's '70s bedroom masterpiece "It's Ecstasy (When You Lay Down Next To Me)" to introduce his 45-minute set.

The people, of course, couldn't help but follow. And any hopeful hip-hop kids still in the room hoping for some 50 or Ja suddenly found themselves in the aural equivalent of Dante's Ninth Circle of Hell. Mission accomplished.

Co-turntablists Sub Zero and Mark Chittom were in fine form later in the evening, but G-Dog's early set was easily the night's high point for me if for no other reason than his confidently diverse turntable adventures. Only on G-Dog's floor could Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam's "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and the Doobie Brothers' "What A Fool Believes," played side by side, not only make perfect sense, but keep people moving.

Pet Shop Boys' "West End Girls" and Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It" kept the floor filled. But I knew all comers were mere Kwai Chang Caines to G-Dog's Master Kan when he dared to throw down a couple of minutes of "Tom Sawyer" — uh-huh, the very same "Tom Sawyer" by those whack Canadian prog-rockers Rush — before fading into "Rock The Casbah" by The Clash. Did it work? Is Geddy Lee the Great White North's Steve Perry?

"This mix is back-in-the-day dope!" exclaimed a chatty male in Studio 1's restroom, as Laid Back's "White Horse" drew muffled cheers just outside.

And no one had even thought to play "New World Man" yet.

Got a night spot, night event or club event we should check out? Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8005.

What: Club 1.

Where: Studio 1, 1 N. King St. (Nu'uanu Avenue and North King), 550-8700.

When: 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays.

Our arrival/departure: 11 p.m./1:15 a.m.

Cover: $10.

Younger than 21 OK? No.

Age of crowd: 20s-40s.

What to wear: Dress up! A handful of men were in suits or dress shirt/jacket combos; the remainder were mostly sporting dress shirts and slacks. Others were in solid tees, designer tees and jeans. Most women chose cocktail dresses. Others wore camisoles, tanks, blouse tops and jeans. Other accessories: berets, skull caps, designer sneaks and eyewear.

Peak crowd while there: 300-plus (600 was the evening's door count).

Queue?: Yes.

The soundtrack: Retro R&B, soul, and dance from the 1970s through early '90s. "Don Quichotte" (Magazine 60), "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" (Crystal Waters), "Everything She Wants" (Wham!)

My request list for this weekend: Parliament, Beastie Boys ("Hey Ladies" or "Shadrach"), Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, The Time.

Geddy Lee's 50th birthday: July 29.

Current whereabouts of Magazine 60: Unknown.

Night notes ...

It's another Rebel Girl Underground Saturday as Kasi and her RGU crew take over Chuck's Cellar in Waikiki. On the tables this month are San Francisco-based Missy, Sisters In Sound's Toki and RGU's own Lady J and Primmitiv. Along with the always-sweet sets, expect a little bit of art, a little bit of live sax and drumming, and a little bit of breaking. At 150 Ka'iulani Ave. 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., 21 and older. $5.

The DJ lineup at tonight's Trip The Lights hip-hop monthly at Studio 1 features Oliver, EQ, Jedi, Risup, and Kavet the Catalyst. Kakimochi Funk kicks the b-boy moves. Emcees and art round it out, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 18 and older. $5.

Also tonight, another OM Records monthly at Wonderlounge, this time featuring San Francisco-based songwriter/producer/DJ Andy Caldwell. At the W Hotel's Diamond Head Grill. Doors open at 9 p.m., 21 and older. 922-3744.