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Truth from Dare: Sliding into spring

BY DERIN DEREGO / Special to the Star-Advertiser

Spring is definitely in the air. True, the weather this past weekend was less than desirable, but the past couple days have been amazing. And I actually enjoyed the cold temperatures and downpours this past weekend since most of the winter season was fairly warm.

Usually spring signifies the start of the busy social season. There are parties to attend, concerts to see, spring break travels, etc. This year, however, seemed to start off busy from the get-go. I can’t think of the last time I had a mellow weekend.

I actually thought last weekend was going to be a relaxing one, but ended up having a couple of friends in town. It’s great seeing out-of-towners, but playing tour guide can get exhausting since most guests usually want to pack as much daytime and nighttime outings into their stay.

The highlight of my weekend was attending the annual “Red Party” at Hula’s Waikiki, which is a fundraiser for the Life Foundation. Hula’s really is one of the friendliest places to grab a drink, and their view is one of the best on the island.

Entertainment was provided in the form of a variety show with well known female impersonators, burlesque performers and even hula dancers. After the formal program, DJ Soundcheck kept the crowd from leaving with music from a variety of genres and time periods.

This week will definitely illustrate that spring is in full swing. Thursday, March 14, sees the return of “Crazy, Sexy, Pearl.” The quarterly pau hana gathering arose several years ago when a group of business movers and shakers — who call themselves the Slopes of Diamond Head Hui — thought it would be fun to bring various social groups together for refreshing drinks and delicious pupu. The no cover happy hour takes place at Pearl Ultralounge in the Ala Moana Center.

Friday, March 15, will be epic as “Godfather of House” Jesse Saunders serenades partygoers at the Sunset Room during “Destination Fridays.” I’m used to seeing the world renowned DJ in much larger spaces, so watching him take over the turntables at this intimate indoor/outdoor space should be amazing.

On Saturday, March 16, “Space Truckin” returns to thirtyninehotel in Chinatown. This month’s edition features eclectic DJ duo Tiger & Woods. Made up of Larry Tiger and David Woods, the duo is known for their unique remixing of rare disco and dance tracks along with quirky costumes that mask their identities. If you’re looking for great dance beats blended with some offbeat antics, this is your cup of tea.

One of the signature occurrences every spring is St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the lushfest falls on a Sunday and downtown Irish hotspots O’Toole’s and Murphy’s Bar & Grill will be hosting their usual St. Patty’s Day block party on Nuuanu Ave. and Merchant St. Festivities begin early in the day and will rage all through the night as various Chinatown venues are hosting parties after the main one ends at 10 p.m. I’m undecided as to how long people will actually stay out since it is a Sunday, but past years have seen thousands of people flocking to this annual gathering.

As you can see celebrating has definitely moved into overdrive. At the rate this year has been going, we’re all going to need to pace ourselves. If it felt like a busy January and February, March will definitely up the social ante.
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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.