THE NIGHT STUFF
Final party lets sound sisters focus on future

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Sisters in Sound is not calling it quits. Honest!

The quartet's long-running, pioneering and still enviously well-attended, all-female DJ monthly Isis, however, is another story.

After more than a year-and-a-half of standard-setting parties celebrating the talents of female turntablists, musicians, artists, and poets, SIS closes the book on Isis Saturday with a final party at the place it all started.

In July, the management of Auntie Pasto's Kapahulu informed promoters of its after-hours events — Isis, Chemistry Lounge, etc. — that the restaurant would not be renewing its nightclub insurance policy beyond September.

Faced with choosing a new location for Isis or ending it, SIS — DJs Chia, Marloca, Toki and newly adopted member Ms. Angel — opted for the latter.

"At the time, we were going through the transition of having Ms. Angel on board with us and (founding Sister) Zita leaving. We weren't thinking of ending Isis," said Chia. "But (after Auntie Pasto's decision) we just started thinking that maybe it was a sign. A sign for us to move on and do something different."

Two relocated Isis parties in July and August, while successful, convinced SIS that they were doing the right thing.

Saturday's finale is expected to be somewhat bittersweet for SIS, but all four members are excited about what's next.

Already in the planning stages are several one-off — and for the time being, hush-hush — concept parties SIS will offer more details about in the months ahead.

The Sisters will also continue their monthly Escape parties at Indigo Eurasian Cuisine, and involvement with Girl Fest events such as last month's Speakeasy Speakout.

Truth is, with so much of its attention focused on the future, SIS has barely had a moment to reflect on Isis' many accomplishments.

"There's more female (DJs) that are out," said Chia, after some thought. "There are more parties promoted by females, more female-oriented events. And that's one thing that we were reaching for when it started. So we're all pretty happy with that."

Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8005.

What: Sisters in Sound present the final Isis

Where: Auntie Pasto's on Kapahulu Ave., 739-2426.

When: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday.

Cover: $8.

Younger than 21 OK? No.

Sisters in Sound are: Ms. Angel (Malia Lyonn), Chia (Monica Chen), Toki (Cheri Allison), Marloca (Marlo Dowell).

Special guests will include: Live samba from Sambanda, live hip-hop from 12 Inch Species, the didgeridoo stylings of Haboh, and guest spinning by DJ Rebel Girl.

Creating the atmosphere: Percussion and vocals by Lahela and Maria, saxophone by Mariah, aromatherapy by Chelsea Love, and florals by Jeanne.

First Isis: Feb. 23, 2002, at Auntie Pasto's on Kapahulu. The first Isis party was called Luna, and was planned as a one-time event.

Former SIS member: DJ Zita (Maritez Apigo) returned to San Francisco in July, and is still DJing.

Sisters in Sound Present "Escape": 10 p.m.-2 a.m., second Saturday of every month, Indigo Eurasian Cuisine.

Catch Ms. Angel on KTUH-FM: Spinning house, trance and downtempo on "The So Very Show," 9 p.m.-midnight Thursdays.

Keeping up with the Sisters: www.sistersinsound.com

Night notes ...

Tuesday's Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Battle of the Bands at Hard Rock Café selects the first of four bands ultimately getting a shot at a slot on November's Triple Crown Surf Fest bill at Kualoa Ranch. Battles on Oct. 7, 14 and 21 lead into an Oct. 28 final for the big gig. Starts at 10 p.m. Wanna enter? Call KPOI at 591-9369.

All the live reggae you can stomach for just $10? Oh, yeah, mon! Tonight's Reggae In The Crater at Volcanoes Night Club collects some of O'ahu's best players in one place for a 10-hour irie buffet. On the bill: Ho'onu'a, Natural Vibrations, B.E.T., Ooklah the Moc, Hot Rain, Free Sound, Stir Crazy and Maacho and the Cool Connection. 6 p.m-4 a.m., 18 and older. Call 528-7071.

Happy 1st Birthday, Chemistry Lounge! Congratulate Matty, 10 p.m. Tuesday at Auntie Pasto's Kapahulu. It'll also mark Auntie's final after-hours party. Chem Lounge moves to Meritage at Restaurant Row Oct. 7.