Open mic at Wahooo’s gains steam in 4th run

Open mic at Wahooo’s Seafood Grill & Bar has been catching on, and this past weekend it was so crowded organizer Haunani Kaui had some musicians on the waiting list.

It was standing-room-only for both the gathered regulars who have been coming to the somewhat-standard event, and the musicians who make it happen.

The event was the fourth of its kind in recent months, and has been gaining steam.

And it wasn’t just music. On the lineup was Leilani Rivera and her Halau Hula O Leilani, with Darlene Kaui, Ryleine Scheidel, Rachel Scheidel in the background entertaining the crowd for a lovely evening.

Guests Elena Ka‘auwai, Yvonne Pascua, Agatha Abernathy and Tim Abernathy said hearing the music was the perfect way to spend the day, especially as it was the 10 year anniversary for the Abernathys.

While Suzanne Green jokingly said she “lives here” about her faithfulness to the open-mic scene, Kat and Dane Slezak admitted they’ve become regulars, calling themselves self-proclaimed “groupies” who “really enjoy the music.”

Musician Larry Jefferson, who didn’t make the full lineup, said he was OK with that, as he’s just happy to be where music is.

Owner John Borales had an all-you-can-eat buffet, with $15 a plate for never-ending food (from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.) which included pork laulau, pineapple chicken wings, peel-n-eat shrimp, inamona poke, deep-fried shrimp and macaroni salad.

Those at this past week’s event include Da Goats, Halau Hula O Leilani, Hoaka, Titus & the Kaua‘i Boys, Shiloh Pa, Anson, Himmy Roberts, Mark and Teresa James, Aunty Bev Kauanui, Steve Mu, Lady Ipo & Friends, Limited Edition, Skip and Rhoda, Keola Alalem, Laura Brady, Kalena Mande, Alan Domingo and Robert Ramson.

The next open mic will be a “paniolo jam,” and will feature cowboy-style music. Those interested are encouraged to call Kaui in advance, at 652-9050.