Truth from Dare: Reality check

Thousands of people were in Chinatown for Hallowbaloo last weekend before a tsunami warning ended things earlier than planned. (Star-Advertiser File)

BY DERIN DEREGO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

Sometimes things happen that really open your eyes to things as they are. Case in point: Saturday’s tsunami warning and the domino effect it had on a number of events.

I first heard about the earthquake and subsequent tsunami when I was awakened by a security alarm in the hotel I was staying at. After checking a number of news sources, it became evident to me there probably wasn’t going to be too much to worry about. Hoping to continue my plans for the night, I got ready to go out.

Midway through my regimen I found out the Hallowbaloo block party was canceled and most nightspots were closed. Like most people, I quickly took to various social media outlets and began ranting about my frustration with being stuck in Waikiki without anything to do.

Fast forward to Monday and threat of Hurricane Sandy, and I began to see the light. Witnessing streets I’ve strolled down in New York City under several feet of water made me realize how lucky we were a tsunami didn’t make it ashore here. And how silly it was complaining about a “false alarm” when, in reality, that’s the best kind of alarm to have. (The next time you see me, feel free to call me Tom, because looking back it was quite petty.)

The one casualty of this most recent brush with nature was Hallowbaloo. By all accounts, the party was shaping up to be one of the biggest yet; there were reportedly more than 10,000 people already in Chinatown when the evacuation began. Unfortunately, there were two hours left for the event, so many of the bands and performers brought in for the night didn’t get a chance to perform, and many attendees left unfulfilled.

So what’s a group of savvy entrepreneurs and in-the-know scenesters to do? Make lemonade out of lemons, of course. A number of venues decided to work together and reprise “Club Hallowbaloo” tonight.

I’ll admit, Chinatown wasn’t on my radar for Halloween this year, since there are a number of big parties going on elsewhere. And I also thought, like many others, that I’d be spending my Saturday night emerged in the madness. Since that didn’t happen, and because I consider myself part of the Chinatown renaissance that began several years ago, I’m definitely going to show my support and make my rounds to various hotspots taking part in “Club Hallowbaloo.”

Later that night I’m heading to “Sideshow” at the Modern Honolulu. I like this spot for a variety of reasons, but on nights like tonight, I like that it has a Waikiki vibe without being in the thick of traffic that will be crawling through Kalakaua. I’m also very interested to see who takes home the $2,000 in cash for the best overall costume. Promoters Flash Hansen and Blaise Sato figured rather than fly in DJs, why not give guests a shot at awesome prizes? The second place winner gets a trip to Las Vegas, and third place wins a two night stay at the Modern and tickets to see “Wicked.” Definitely head there if you’ve got a costume you’re proud of.

Tiffany returns to Honolulu this week for a Friday, Nov. 2, concert at The Republik. (Courtesy photo)

Another spot that’ll be great for costume watching is Hula’s Bar and Grill for “Hulaween.” The gay nightclub always has one of the most festive Halloween parties. Creativity and attitude run rampant among those that get dressed up, so expect to see a battle of the fiercest during their costume contest at midnight.

If you’re not wiped out by the end of the week, Friday, Nov. 2, is another First Friday. In addition to the usual happenings, there’s a make-up and art show at the Loading Zone (second floor above Amy’s Place on the corner of Hotel and Smith). The party is in celebration of Dia De Los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” and features works by 13 artists.

If you’re looking for something a little more light-hearted to do, pop singer Tiffany is back for a concert at The Republik on Friday. I think I have to make an appearance just to hear her sing “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “I Saw Him Standing There.” And if you’re still in the spirit of things, grab your girls, get on your ’80s gear and head to the show. It’ll definitely make for a fun girls night out.

As the saying goes, there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Last weekend was kind of a downer for us, but be thankful nothing like what happened in Sandy’s wake happened here. The nightlife powers-that-be have regrouped and come up with all kinds of stuff for this week, so get over it and get out on the town.
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When he’s not out and about at the hottest parties and other events in Honolulu, Derin “Dare” Derego works as an account executive at a local radio station group. Reach him via email at derinderego@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter.