by La Cutie of www.DoSomethingTonight.com
ACID WASH is one of the BEST weekly events in Hawaii’s nightlife, playing favorite 80’s music every Wednesday with a definitive style that has made ACID WASH WEDNESDAY one of the biggest PARTIES ever. DJ VEGAS MIKE is best described as breaking down the boundaries of normal weekly nightclubs, even though it started as a slow night, he stuck with his guns and made it the party it is today. Here is a conversation I had with him on the upcoming 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of ACID WASH WEDNESDAY.
PHOTO BY LA CUTIE FoToS
La Cutie: Four years of Acid Wash! That must feel magnificent! Did you ever think it would last this long?
VEGAS MIKE: It’s awesome, but it has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. When we started Acid Wash at Next Door, it was only open six months and I moved here to help open the club, so I didn’t know that many people yet. I knew the night would find a niche’ audience, but I didn’t think we would be talking about it 4 years later.
La Cutie: The name Acid Wash is a perfect name for a 80s night event, how did you come up with the name Acid Wash?
VEGAS MIKE: I didn’t actually. Back in the Next Door days, the boys and I had a brainstorming session (if you know what I mean) and Ivan came up with it. It’s a good name, thanks again Ivan.
PHOTO BY LA CUTIE FoToS
La Cutie: Will this ACID WASH anniversary be any different from your other anniversaries?
VEGAS MIKE: Well last year we didn’t have one. It was during the changeover between the Loft and Living Room. I just moved back from Vegas. There was a lot going on and not all of it good. 2 years ago we had a big fat drunken blow out, and the first year we had Jerry Cassale from Devo. I think this one will be more like the 2nd year…lol
La Cutie: What do you think are the biggest changes of ACID WASH in the past year?
VEGAS MIKE: Location, location and location. Loft to Living Room to SOHO, it’s hard to keep people interested when you change venues that much, but everything happens for a reason. Soho is our home now, they’re good to us and we love being there.
PHOTO BY LA CUTIE FoToS
La Cutie: Why do you believe ACID WASH has been successful, what is your secret formula?
VEGAS MIKE: The formula is the same as the day we started. No cover, cheap drinks and play songs the girls like. Our success is based on the people that have made Acid Wash their Wednesday night spot. Without our crowd, we are nothing and I would like to thank each and every one of them for that.
La Cutie: What is your most memorable moment of the past 4 years?
VEGAS MIKE: There are a few… Bringing Andy Rourke from the Smiths and Daniel Ash from Bauhaus/Love and Rockets to Next Door was huge. Getting to bring Acid Wash to The Palms in Vegas and having Dennis Rodman’s birthday at my party was a big one. Opening night at The Living Room was an incredible night, and the mechanical bull at Soho was one I won’t forget anytime soon. There have been many.
PHOTO BY LA CUTIE FoToS
La Cutie: How did you guys (the original four DJs) team up for ACID WASH?
VEGAS MIKE: I had the idea in late 05′, to do an 80’s night. After the holidays were over, I told G about it, he got Quik involved, and then Nocturna came on board. There wasn’t anything else to do on a Wednesday back then… NOTHING. So we started with absolutely no budget and had almost no people there, but that changed soon enough, and the rest is history.
La Cutie: This is the first time in a long time that the original four DJs (G-spot, Nocturna, Quiksilva, and yourself, Vegas Mike) have played together, when was the last time you guys were all together?
VEGAS MIKE: We were all together about a year or so ago, but the last time we all played together was probably April of 08′ I think. There was some friction between some us for a while, but I’m very glad to say that it’s all behind us. Life is too short, and this island is too small to hold grudges. Every family has problems and differences with each other, working it out is what keeps the family strong.
PHOTO BY LA CUTIE FoToS
La Cutie: Well, Vegas Mike, the DST team (DoSomethingTonight.com) are grateful for Wednesday’s drunken nights. We have enjoyed the journey with you and ACID WASH.
Do you have any shout outs you would like to make?
VEGAS MIKE: My shouts are to everyone that helps the night happen, Miss Jenny Lee, DJ Nocturna, La Cutie, DST, Daniel, Joy, Marty, and Max @ Soho, And everyone that hangs out with us on Wednesday night. Thanks to all.
La Cutie: We are looking forward to many more party nights at ACID WASH and so we end this interview with a 80s trivia question. So, who shot JR?
VEGAS MIKE: I don’t know who shot JR, I never watched that show.
Never a cover, always a good time. We hope you can join us.
2$ drinks before 11pm
CONTACT Mike Licata:
MikeLicata@Live.com
Facebook.com/Mike.Licata
Myspace.com/VegasMike
“Acid Wash Wednesday” @ SOHO
Facebook.com/AcidWashWednesday
Myspace.com/AcidWashWednesday
