THE NIGHT STUFF
Go Jimmy Go heading home for two concerts

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Go Jimmy Go comes home for a couple of concerts and some R&R before resuming a Mainland tour. Advertiser library photo

It's been six weeks since Eric, Cam, Fern, Bison, Shon, Ian and Andrew departed Honolulu for the cramped environs of a recreational vehicle touring the western United States. In that time, the band has driven "The Cream Machine" (we didn't want to ask) up and down the California coast and through Utah, Idaho and Washington.

GJG booking agent Rick Smoot said an unexpected high point on the band's road trip was a three-show run through Idaho earlier this month. One of those shows, in the smallish burg of McCall, drew a packed house to a java joint called the Common Ground.

"The guys told me it had this hippie-ish feel to it," said Smoot. "There were all these people and kids just running around taking in the music, high on caffeine. The night was definitely a surprise for the band."

Go Jimmy Go's first-ever Washington State visit days later drew sold-out crowds of Hawai'i ex-pats and Seattle fans to a club called Ohana's. Fresh from playing as many as six nights a week on the road, the band should return to Honolulu with an extremely tight live show.

The guys will perform twice here — both times at Anna Bananna's. Thursday's 9 p.m. show offers an opening performance by Pimpbot, Fern's other method of musical release. Entry is $10 for ages 18 to 20, $6 for ages 21 and older. The No No Boys open a 9 p.m. June 4 show for ages 21 and older only. Cover is $6.

With Fern home again, Pimpbot players Chris, Rylan and Tom are looking forward to more rehearsals, and finally playing at least three more shows in support of their intelligently libidinous April release "Vertical Lobster."

In addition to its opening slot with GJG, catch Pimpbot at Tropics, 9 p.m. Saturday, or at Club Pauahi, 8 p.m. June 5. Both shows are $5.

Go Jimmy Go leaves again on June 8 for summer RV adventures through Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New York and parts of Canada. The band will then head south before returning west for the Summer of Ska festival in Orange County, Calif., Aug. 7. The August release of the band's third CD, "Open The Door," should bring 'em home for a few dates before they head back out again.

"They're going to be doing some touch-up work on the album while they're in town for the next two weeks, too," said Smoot. "It's just another reason they needed to come home. ... That, and some R&R."

Expect a re-release of Go Jimmy Go's first album "Slow Time" on June 22 with two new tracks. More information at gojimmygo.com or pimpbotmusic.com.

Reach the Beach

Seems like the place has been open for more like two years. But the folks at The Beach House insist this weekend's multi-act live throw-down really does celebrate the venue's first year of pier-side life. And so the Beach House Bash Weekend launches tonight with Na Palapalai, Natural Vibrations and B.E.T., among others. Tomorrow night's lineup will feature Ho'onu'a, Koa'uka and more. Performances both nights at 6 p.m., entry $10; 21 and older. Call 566-0644.

Fresh imports

The cadre of promoters in charge of Feng Shui Ultralounge and Get Fresh! weeklies have been working overtime in recent weeks to bring in a diverse lineup of off-island turn-table talents. Arriving on the heels of Bay Area house master John Howard's appearances at both weeklies last weekend, Florida-based DJ Keith Mackenzie brings in the breakbeat tonight at Indigo Eurasian Cuisine's Get Fresh! and Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki's Feng Shui. Doors open at 10 p.m. Entry is $8 to $10 at Get Fresh! Feng Shui opens at 9:30 p.m., with $10 entry. Both are 21 and older.

Unknowns shine

A new batch of relatively unknown Honolulu bands will take the stage for Sunday's second coming of GIG. First held at Kapono's last year, GIG is basically a six-hour noncompetitive showcase of emerging bands. Participants sell tickets to fans and friends and collect a portion of the gate. The prize? Exposure.

Performing at Kapono's this year are Mystic, Mundo Muzik, Freelance, Neutral Ground, Kawao, Rizon and Ino'aole. Special guests B.E.T. also turn in a dockside performance. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $10 in advance, $14 door. More information at 678-3010.

Flash and twinkle

A long holiday weekend brings with it another edition of the very dressy Star Bar, Sunday evening at Longhi's in the Ala Moana Center. Matty H., Flash H., Komo L. and G-Spot are your hosts. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., for 21 and older only. Entry is $10. Express entry passes available at www.groovetickets.com.

The other idol

Finally, there's tonight's kickoff of Black Garter Café's Gay American Idol karaoke contest. Two weeks of competition end with a June 11 crowning of a Black Garter Idol, who moves on to compete at the Honolulu Gay Pride Festival's main contest June 19. From 8 to 9:30 p.m., at Bikini's Sports Bar & Grill, 1700 Kapi'olani Blvd. More information at 531-4140.

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