So Fuck Nest

The organizers of "No Suck Fest 2011", my popolo huzzbin Kevin Tit, emerging artist Dana Paresa & too-smart-for-me Shawn Shits were our guests the other month. It's a DIY music fest, featuring local bands, as well as mainland guests Mean Jeans and The Dopamines. Everything kicks off with a FREE event at Mercury Bar on Thursday July 21; then officially starts at Anna O'Brien's (nee Bananna's) on Friday July 22; and finally closes with an ALL AGES night at the LOFT on Saturday July 23 (with 21+ After Party at Mercury.)
Kevin started the fest a couple years ago, and now they're trying to make it an annual thing, like other similar festivals around the country. They've been throwing major fundraisers almost all year, and even had a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise money, for plane tickets to bring out the visiting bands. But the kids have also put a lot of their own money into promoting the shows as well. Advance tickets are available, with discounts if you buy for both nights.

When we were planning the interview on our show, I told Dana to bring anyone she wanted, to give it a party-like atmosphere. Although most of the kids didn't wanna be on camera, we had a lotta fun, and I met a few new cuties who have kept my mind & hands busy. Hopefully to decompress, they'll get all fucked upp that weekend, and I'll be able to administer my Blow Suck Test on them to make sure they're ok. I'm not a doctor, but my name's D.R. on TV.

Hawaii Book and Music Festival (May 17-18)

The 3rd Annual Hawaii Book and Music Festival This festival was fun, exciting, and best of all free! There were multiple stages for dramatic storytellers (they really get into it with yelling and action!) and talented local musicians (the soothing Hawaiian music could be heard throughout the festival grounds). The keiki area was impressive because of their bounce houses, carnival kiddie rides, and (none-in-Hawaii-yet)Target-sponsored canvas tote decorating tent. All free, even the tote bags! The Target dog mascot (human in a costume) was even there to take pictures with the kids. The Bank of Hawaii had a huge tent where people could bring old books from home to swap for new ones to enjoy. The friendly Honolulu Printmakers let kids make their own artsy prints to take home. Local publishers represented the voices of local writers. There were the major ones like University of Hawaii Press,Bamboo Ridge Press, along with many smaller, lesser known publishers. There were also author book signing sessions with local artists like Peggy Chun. Bamboo Ridge Press had a super deal on their books just for the festival. I got a brand new copy of Lee Cataluna's "The Folks You Meet In Longs" for $8 (normal retail is $14.95)!

There was a table also at the Bamboo Ridge Press area that had a mysterious message on t-shirts that said "Bumbye". You can check out what the buzz is about at bumbyehawaii.com. Barnes and Noble had a huge tent but further down that same row Revolution Books had also set up shop. Loved the diversity! Since it is a Hawaii themed festival there were also panels and serious discussions on issues that Native Hawaiians endure and concerns with Hawaiian language. It was great to see such a diverse representation of local talent (musicians, storytellers, and writers) and also local publishers that continue to help educate and entertain the community. This festival is for people of all ages who love words, spoken, sung and printed.