The bar stocks up on supplies. Scores of anxious musicians ready their bands. Hundreds of people plan their Thursdays. The word is out.

One by one, acts will take the stage. Soloists and ensembles will come to compete for cash and prizes – and, almost as importantly, to perform at the Mai Tai Bar, one of the best venues for live entertainment in Hawaii. Some of the acts have a lot of experience performing in front of crowds; some have even recorded. Others are fresh to the scene. But they all have one thing in common. They’ve been hand-selected for participation what Hawaii’s most exciting music competition: The Mai Tai Rumble!

2008 will mark the 8th installment of the Mai Tai Rumble in Oahu. The event has proven itself as an entity with a life of its own.

The list of success stories goes on and on as Mai Tai Rumble champions, runners-up and even non-placing acts see their musical careers take off. Groups such as Reign, Epic Session, Red Degree, and the No-no Boys have all released CDs since participating in the competition. Acts like Pohaku, Hot Rain, and Wrecking crew went on to secure regular gigs at the Mai Tai Bar, and other local hotspots.


The Mai Tai Rumble has generated a 12% - 17% increase in annual sales at the Oahu location. In addition, the Mai Tai Bar in Oahu has seen a 25% increase in website hits the five months preceding The Rumble.