Zebra morphs to Mystique

By John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin

CAN a name change and a face lift work magic on Restaurant Row? George Kail is betting on it.

As of now, what was previously the Blue Zebra is now Mystique. The new club was created almost literally overnight. Three bars serve the main room, another bar serves patrons of the open-air mauka cigar bar, a fifth is located in the Leopard Lounge.

The lounge is a key feature. Kail experimented with jazz when he first opened the Zebra but found there

wasn't enough business for a jazz club. This time, jazz was an option in a separate, softer, environment (Azure McCall was there earlier this week). The soundproofing is surprisingly effective. Decibel levels on the dance floor edge up toward ear plug levels, but it is possible to speak without shouting in the room upstairs.

Let's hope it works. Kail opened the Blue Zebra as a progressive-jazz oriented club but saw it devolve into a booty club patronized by young adults. The name change and brief closure should prompt the migration of the "college night; $2 beer night" crowd.

This concept is reinforced in the main room. Techno reigns over urban booty music. The silver metallic dance floor is divided into several levels. Platforms and pedestals give exhibitionists room to show off as well.

New decor and a new collection of art add to the impression that Mystique isn't the same old club under new management.

Kail's ambitious morphing of the Zebra into Mystique opens a fresh chapter in local entertainment. Prior to opening the Zebra, Kail created the original Pink Cadillac with Jose and Jorge Comacho (the Waikiki club till exists but has gone through several owners and name changes since Kail severed ties with it).

Go back further in local entertainment history and Kail is the creator of the 3-D Ballroom, site of shows by acts including the Circle Jerks and Unit Three + Venus.