MARS DOES A JINGLE FOR DONKI

Bruno Mars has produced a lively, catchy ad — with the flavor and finesse of a music video — for Don Quijote, the Japanese retailer with everything from fun souvenirs, groceries, and – in Japan only, not here – a range of Kit Kat candy flavors you can purchase nowhere else.

So Mr. Uptown Funk is being hyped as the Kawaii King, for creating, and performing in, his flashy new bop.

Mars clearly did the jingle at the Mega Donki branch, in Shibuya, dancing and prancing up and down the aisles, laden with rows of merchandise.

Donki, as Don Quijote is widely known (shorthand for the store’s name), is one of my favorite go-to places in Japan, whenever I visit, with a major pause in the Kit Kat aisle.

The music video – already drawing a million-plus views – clearly depicts joy and delight, as Mars sings the lyrics, “Donki iku yo” (meaning “I’m going to Donki”) – with a contagious tempo. It’s quite logical that the jingle will be viewable for quite a spell, at the Shibuya Donki, and should emerge as a landmark attraction for fans and shoppers alike.

The Donki mascot, Donpen, romps alongside Mars, and in case you didn’t know, he’s an identifiable blue penguin wearing a red Santa cap. Not seen here, however, is Donpen’s pink female equivalent, Donko.

View the video at httpsn://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpaMpp17w-g …

Jazz Quartert at new waterfront lounge

John Kolivas brings his Honolulu Jazz Quartet to a new Hawaii Kai venue, The Lounge at Island Sound Studios, on the waterfront in Hawaii Kai, on Sept. 7.

The Lounge is located to the right of Longs, nestled within the recording studio, and a stone’s throw away from the Hawaii Kai Marina. The space can accommodate 50. Further, a smaller upstairs space, the Velvet Monkey, a Speakeasy, can accommodate 25.

The HJQ recorded its second album, “Tenacity,” at Island Sound.

Its concert, themed “Modern Storytelling in Jazz,” will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m., preceded at 6 p.m. by Lovejack, the opening act, who’s a cellist formerly with Streetlight Cadence.

“When people hear instrumental music, they often wonder what is the story or inspiration behind the tunes,” said Kolivas. “We are happy to share some tidbits from our original compositions and arrangements of fun cover tunes.”

The studio was purchased two years ago by brothers Kyle and Bryan Spicer, and have reimagined the site as a special boutique performance space. On event nights, Chef Karol provides a gourmet menu and signature drinks…

 ‘Lovey Lee’ at Kumu Kahua

Moses Good’s “Lovey Lee,” a drama about a young queer Hawaiian in the 1970s, is now in production at Kumu Kahua Theatre.

The play is about a pioneering youth trying to find his place in life, amid Hawaii’s changing cultural renaissance.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, now through Sept. 21, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, now though Sept. 22.

Subscription admission prices are not affected but Kumu Kahua has increased single ticket admissions, as follows: $28 for general admission, $23 for seniors and military, and $13 for students – Fridays through Sundays; Thursdays will continue to have special pricing of $23 for general admission, $18 for seniors and military, and $8 for students. Reservations:  (808) 536-4441…

And that’s Show Biz…