Aloha means goodbye
Long time fans of ESPN Sportscenter know Larry Beil’s catch phrase, “Aloha means goodbye.” For Jessica and I, it means “Back to Las Vegas,” a little more rested, and, perhaps, with clearer heads.
Friday’s big decision was: Do we go to Gordon Biersch, have dinner outside, and catch an unfamiliar band, the 808 Band…. OR, do we take in another night with our new friends, Powerhouse, at Ige’s Restaurant for ‘Flashback Friday’ OR, do we try to do both. These are BIG decisions.
A little bit of steady rain, as we exited the condo, and our decision was made much easier. It was off to Ige’s. Despite my best use of internet maps, I managed to get lost and made an appropriate U-Turn, to try and get back to a nearby landmark, and start anew. As I swore under my breath, at the red light, I looked up to my left, and there it was, the brightly lit, blue and yellow Ige’s sign. OK, this was an omen, as well as a sign.
Ron Ige carries on his family restaurant tradition that dates back to 1940. It’s a family style restaurant and bar, that seats maybe 250. Lots of strategically-placed flat screen TV’s for University of Hawaii football and more.
We arrived about 8:15pm (music starts at 8:30pm). and the place was packed. We settle in for a New York Steak (Hawaiian Style) and Seafood Casserole. The house specialty is the Shoyu Pork. The band members spotted us and seemed both surprised, and pleased, to see us again.
The brass section was different, Friday, featuring Ray Williams and Steve Matsumato on trumpets; Kenjji Santiago on trombone.
The band gathered steam over its three sets. The dance floor was packed during most of the last set. Powerhouse closed with You’re Still A Young Man and Long Train Runnin’. Even after a long night, Ray and Steve were still able to ‘make it happen’ for Young Man.
We spent time with tenor sax man, Wayne Nakamura, who will be visiting Las Vegas for a conference in the next couple of weeks. Jessica and I have committed to bringing Wayne to the Palms to hear Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns.
Tonight, it’s a red-eye to Las Vegas, and back to reality. That is, if you can call ‘living in Las Vegas,’ reality.
Don’t forget: Support Your Local Horn Section
Best Aloha,
Andy Ebon - CEO of Soul
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