A Cornucopia Of Music

An official fundraiser for Christa Wittmier takes place at Nextdoor Nov. 27 PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTA WITTMIER

So many Thanksgiving-themed words could easily make their way into this week’s column because of the abundance — cornucopia — of music-related events happening now through Black Friday (Nov. 27). I can’t hope to cover them all here, so forgive me if I’ve missed anything.

Our friends at Failed Orbit Records are throwing their next Space Jam show at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at The ARTS at Marks Garage.

This is part two in a series that showcases various local underground musicians — this time around featuring Poncho, THANKS, Young Gods and Out of Bounds.

Downbeat Lounge always has something going on, and this week’s no exception. On Nov. 21, the bar welcomes Oil In The Alley for a CD release party of its new album, Sacred Snail, starting at 9 p.m. The band fuses original rock music with improvisational comedy (think Flight of the Conchords). Comprised of seasoned improvisers, the rockers act as a once-widely famous band that has reunited years later for a comeback tour. Remaining in character throughout each performance, the band comes up with song titles on the fly with cues from the audience — and then creates lyrics to go along with it.

I should mention that the Manoa Valley Theatre’s run of The Who’s Tommy — a production based on the 1969 rock concept album Tommy, by (who else but) The Who — has been extended through Dec. 13 because it sold out before even opening.

The Republik has a number of events happening, including a Thanksgiving Tribute at 9 p.m. Nov. 25, headlined by homegrown rock-reggae group The Jimmy Weeks Project with support from The Late Ones, Kiwini Vaitai, DJ Hapa Boy, Elimac and Siaosi.

At 8 p.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 27, I’ll be spinning Hawaiian records with Oliver Twist along with a live performance by indie garage pop band The Bougies at Urban Outfitters Waikiki for the store’s one-year anniversary.

If you aren’t in Waikiki for the shopping pseudo-holiday, I recommend visiting Nextdoor for #CWSTRONG presents the #GIRLGANG Official Fundraiser for Chris-ta Wittmier, in support of Metro columnist Super CW.

In September, Christa quickly and triumphantly overcame her stage IV cancer to complete resolution, having been diagnosed in May. But, she still faces additional treatment for about another two years. This fundraiser will be the biggest and best yet for Christa, and your best option for a Black Friday experience that gives back.

ROGER BONG RECENTLY TURNED HIS BLOG INTO A RECORD LABEL: ALOHAGOTSOUL.COM