If you couldn’t already tell by the flying hedge-of-grass balloon, FLUX Issue III released with a bang! We bid von voyage to The Jumpoffs, who are off to Los Angeles to record a brand new album; goodbye to the GRLFRNDS, who played their last show (although word on the street is they’ll be back for more!); were surprised by local superstar Braxton Olita of 30 Seconds to Mars; and rocked out with Clones of the Queen, Painted Highways and DJ Capecod. Tequila from Peligroso AND Primo Big Braddahs.

Photos by Daniel Brown

This past weekend, young and old alike partied for peace for the opening of Still Present Pasts // If Not Now When at the Bishop Museum. The exhibition, brought to Hawai’i by local organizers, Creative Modern Activism, spurred discussions about the experience of war and the possibility of peace. Still Present Pasts is the first component of the exhibition. Haunting photos from the Korean War of the division that split the country, and subsequently many families; first-hand video accounts tell the tale that many Koreans only talk about in hushed whispers; portraits of those forced to flee the war-torn country, Korean children scattered across the world and adopted. It’s really a quite moving. Helps us to understand the Korean plight and pain in a whole new light.

And the companion exhibit! In a word: WOW. Great work by local artists. If Not Now When, featured juried art from mainly local artists, organized by Trisha Lagaso Goldberg, curator for thirtyninehotel, and juried by Allison Wong, the executive director of The Contemporary Museum. INNW broaden the conversations about peace and justice even more.

That night the sounds of Paula Fuga, DJ Capecod and Linus could be heard from the FLUX booth, although we were too busy giving out free Sac Sac drinks (these juicy, sweet grape/pear/orange drinks from Palama Supermarket filled with ‘sacs’ of fruit flavor) and taking photos of patrons wearing hanbok. Other entertainment included: Youth Speaks Hawaii, eskae, Kavet & Nomasterbacks, and Korean hip-hop artists Skim and Denizen Kane, who made the ladies swoon.

It was a real good time. Thanks Creative Modern Activism and Ara Laylo for hooking us up! Kamsamnida!

Lulu’s Waikiki went off for the launch party of FLUX Hawaii’s WATER-themed second issue! GRLFRNDS raged on the mic all night long. Hot bodies stomped atop the bar for a sexy swimsuit fashion show by Hurley, RFAVELA and Havaianas, to the tune of a music mash-up by DJ Capecod. There were tons of prizes by Jedidiah, Hurley, RFAVELA and a Primo surfboard giveaway, shaped by Keoki. Patrons snatched up as much scrilla as possible in the whirling money machine! In a nutshell, it was bananas!

FLUX Hawaii brought together some of the city’s most beautiful and influential people for a Sneak Peek of our premiere issue, “Transition.” The party took place at chic new restaurant/lounge, Apartment3, and continued long into the night. Stay tuned for more to see what all the FLUX is about.

Enterprise First Fridays teamed up with FLUX Hawaii magazine in September 2009 to help decide the FACE of FLUX for our premiere issue in 2010. We commissioned five local artists to answer the question, “Where is Hawaii transitioning to? Their responses came graphically using a variety of different mediums, including paint, digital, photography and even toilet paper. Then we asked you, the public to VOTE for your favorite cover art by: Eukarezt, Sonny Ganaden, Haj Gollestani, Landon Osamu, Yumi Vong. Featuring an acoustic showcase with Yoza, Sebastian Hughes, and Gary Liu Jr and The Drowning Dreamers.

]]> http://fluxhawaii.com/archives/what-the-eff-2/feed/ 0 http://fluxhawaii.com/archives/listening-party-with-david-tamaoka-2/ http://fluxhawaii.com/archives/listening-party-with-david-tamaoka-2/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:32:07 +0000 Lisa Yamada http://fluxhawaii.com/?p=36614

On January 16, FLUX Hawaii held a listening party with singer/songwriter David Tamaoka at Borders Books & Music in Ward Centers. “My music is the stuff that flows out of me when my heart is moved,” David says of his music. “My songs range from heart-baring confessions to just plain fun indulgence. I’m inspired by relationship dynamics – tension, joy, love, lust, sorrow, triumph – all that.” Although David has a quiet presence, the audience was held captive by his passionate music.

]]> http://fluxhawaii.com/archives/listening-party-with-david-tamaoka-2/feed/ 0