The Buzz

The Hawaii Chamber Orchestra Society continues its "Cameo" series of concerts Thursday at the Church of the Crossroads, 1212 University Ave. The Christmas program will include Telemann's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra (Chad Uyehara on viola); Scarlatti's Christmas Cantata with soprano Robin Craver; Mozart's "Allelujah" from "Exultate Jubilate," again with Craver; selections from Bach's Suite No. 3; selections from Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" Suite; and selections from Handel's "Messiah," sung by the church chorale. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 general, $8 seniors, $5 students, free for kids under 12; available at Bestsellers in downtown Honolulu, Hungry Ear Kailua and at the door. 734-0397, 247-0610.

More 'Nutcracker' debuts

We're dancing in the middle of "Nutcracker" season as two troupes step up this weekend. Details:

• Hawaii State Ballet, directed by John Landovsky, takes the stage at Mamiya Theatre, St. Louis Center for the Arts. Shows are at 7 p.m. today and Dec. 21, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 22, 2:30 and 6 p.m. Sunday; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 23. Tickets are $16, $18 and $22 general, $2 discount for seniors and children. 947-2755, 783-2747.
• Honolulu Dance Theatre offers "King Kalakaua's Nutcracker," a new version that places the holiday tale in Hawai'i with historical figures such as Kalakaua and Ka'iulani. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. today and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hawai'i Theatre. Tickets are $16, $20 and $24 general, $4 discount for seniors, children and military; other discounts are available for certain nonprofit and youth organizations, call 988-3202. 528-0506.

Last weekend, the Hawaii Ballet Theatre made its "Nutcracker" debut; shows continue at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Leeward Community College Theatre. Tickets are $22 general, $17 children 12 and under, seniors and military. 839-1596.

It's brunch time

"Christmas for the Keiki" is the theme of Sunday's Brunch on the Beach, the latest in the series of monthly events that aims to attract both visitors and residents to Waikiki.

The artificial grass on Kalakaua Avenue, big blue umbrellas, entertainment and food tents between Ka'iulani and Lili'uokalani avenues will be back. Entertainers this time will include the Honolulu Boy Choir, Halau Hula O Hokulani and the Society of Seven Las Vegas (which will present its "Lion King" segment).

Brunchers are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots program; drop them off at the stage.

As usual, restaurants — including the Sheraton hotels, Seafood Village, Pacific Beach Hotel, Keoni by Keo's, Lobster & Crab House, Duke's Waikiki, The Hau Tree Lanai, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, Sunset Terrace Restaurant & Bar, Skyline Cafe and Tea Chest Hawaii — will offer food and drinks to brunch on.

It all takes place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday (scrips for food will be sold beginning at 9:30 a.m.). Admission is free; you provide the sunscreen. 523-CITY (2489). (And don't forget the Sunset on the Beach events each Saturday and Sunday — 4 to 9 p.m. — that offer a free movie each night and food sold by scrips.)

It's 'Magic'

"The Magic of Christmas," stories of the young Santa Claus and his magical friends, takes over Prosperity Corner, 1151 12th Ave. in Kaimuki. After the performance there will be cookies and photos with the cast of characters. "The Magic of Christmas" will be offered at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. today and Saturday and Dec. 21 and 22. Free. 732-8870.

"Home for the Holidays" is the title of a concert by island favorite Ho'okena and featuring guest stars Nani Dudoit, singer/chanter Keali'i Reichel, musicians Kit Ebersbach and Noel Okimoto, and the swinging Zanuck Lindsey & Ginai of Hula Joe and the Hutjumpers. It begins at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Hawai'i Theatre. Tickets are $25 to $35 (discounts for senior citizens), available at the box office. 528-0506.