Kevin Hughes dishes out sex therapy
at Texas Rock 'N' Roll Sushi Bar.

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The subject is sex:
laugh and learn

By John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin

RELATIONSHIPS -- who hasn't had a bad one?

Comedians of both sexes have found the subject a rich source of material for years. Certified comic sex therapist and neuropsychobiologist Kevin Hughes approaches the man/woman thing from a fresh and nonadversarial perspective. His jokes aren't of the old "Take my wife ... please!" variety. He simultaneously entertains and educates.

Hughes is fast, funny and self-deprecating from the moment he takes the stage. Anyone old enough to be interested in the opposite sex will find him a hilarious gold mine of practical information. For instance:

Men and women experience emotions differently.

Women can hear sounds an octave lower than men can.

Younger women date older men because men over 40 are generally better at letting women talk, and at listening to what they are actually saying.

A woman can use 25,000 words daily. The average male is finished for the day when he reaches 8000.

Young men may be surprised to learn that women are far more tactile than they are and need to be treated accordingly. Few women of any age will be surprised to hear that men are visually oriented ("We see boobs and there's no blood left in our brains!").

Although Hughes discusses male and female perspectives on a couple of sex techniques, his show is more about how to maintain a fulfilling relationship between sexual interludes. Much of that advice is directed to men, particularly that there are times when a woman wants her man to listen to her without interrupting or trying to the solve the "problem" for her. He also provides women with dead-on explanations of basic male behavior.

Hughes explains why men are like goldfish, the disadvantages of being a monkey, why affection beats passion, why female sarcasm is wasted on most men, and why so many men his age (over 40) are divorced. (Apparently one of the few sex therapists or relationship counselors who is still on his first marriage, he's been with "best friend," Kathy, for 18 years.)

Hughes' engagement should put the Hyatt Regency Waikiki back on the map as an entertainment destination in Waikiki. Comedy Cow alumnus Michael Staats is low-key but effective as the opening act.

Anyone old enough to be interested in the opposite sex could probably use a few tips from Hughes.

Sushi & Sex

What: Kevin Hughes at Texas Rock 'N' Roll Sushi Bar, Hyatt Regency
When: 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
Cost: $12.50, includes free valet or self parking; two-drink minimum
Call: 923-6755