The Buzz

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And a whole lot of old National Geographic magazines, too, if the past is any indication. Hey, that's not a bad thing for the history buffs among us. Oh, and what event are we talking about here? The annual Friends of the Library book sale, of course, the biggie that takes over the McKinley High School cafeteria for a week's worth of book-loving, book-buying craziness. The frenzy begins 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, continuing at the same hours through next Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 14. Admission is free, but bring along a fan (it gets really hot in there) and your thirst for the written word. 536-4174.

Composer Maurice Ravel is best known for his famed orchestral piece "Bolero." If not instantly recognized by its 18-times repeated accelerating-to-a-climax melody line, then "Bolero" is certainly remembered for a corn-rowed Bo Derek's announcement in 1980's flick "10" that it was only piece of music she'd deign to make love to. But Ravel also composed a number of lesser-known, though equally satisfying, solo piano works as well. Fresh from recording sessions of the composer's entire solo piano repertoire, pianist Heidi Lowy will present a program of Ravel piano compositions at Hawai'i Public Radio's Atherton Performing Arts Studio. Fresh from a series of European recitals, Lowy has performed at Carnegie Recital Hall and Lincoln Center. 7:30 p.m. today, 738 Kaheka St. $15 ($12.50 HPR members, $10 students). 955-8821.

Island comedian Frank DeLima turns 52 on Sunday and that's cause for celebration. It's also a birthday party for a good cause, a fund-raiser for his Student Enrichment Program, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday at The Wisteria restaurant banquet rooms. Tickets are $25 (of which $17.50 is tax deductible) and include a brunch buffet and lots of laughs, courtesy of the birthday boy, of course. Oh, that's him on the right, with Glenn Medeiros, who once shared a comedy show with DeLima, on the left. Seating is limited. 591-9276.

Is this weather hot enough for you? Well, you can get even hotter at Anna Bannana's, 2440 S. Beretania St., on Sunday, when a trio of hot groups takes over the perennial nightspot 6-10 p.m. The three are First Circle, the West African drumming and dance troupe; Capoeira Hawaii, a Brazilian martial arts group; and Samba Axe, which offers Brazilian drumming and dance. This is a smoke-free event, except for the smoke that'll be generated on the dance floor. $10. 377-DRUM (3786), 946-5190.

The Contemporary Museum

Let your imagination run wild at ArtSpree 2001, the free creativity fest that includes hands-on activities, music, dance, performance art and arts demonstrations at The Contemporary Museum, 2411 Makiki Heights Drive. But don't bother driving all the way up there: Take the free hourly shuttles from/to Roosevelt High School and from/to Waikiki's King Kalakaua Plaza, where parking will be free for ArtSpree participants. What's on the program on the museum grounds? Sink your hands and minds in clay, printmaking, fiber arts, cardboard art, puppet-making and more. Focus your eyes and ears on Jake Shimabukuro, the Movement Center, Tangentz, Greg MacDonald and others. Expression sessions feature art activities for the little ones. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 526-1322.

Lucky sevens

On the seventh day of the seventh moon, the stars Vega and Altair cross paths in the Milky Way. In Chinese mythology, the stars represent a couple who are forbidden to love each other; after pleading to the gods for compassion, the two are transformed into stars that meet just once a year, on July 7. There are other versions of the tale across Asia, but only in Japan is the event celebrated with great enthusiasm. Here in Honolulu, TEMARI, the Center for Asian and Pacific Arts, and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii offer the free Tanabata Star Family Festival, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the cultural center. Among the activities will be hands-on art programs, astronomy lessons, storytelling, bon dance lessons and TEMARI's Art Marketplace, featuring creations by local artists and craftsmen. 735-1860.

Lu'au and lots of music

The best parts of a baby lu'au, but without the gurgling guest of honor. Tonight's Hawaiian Island Creations Laumei Lu'au at Blue Tropix will feature a buffet Hawaiian-style dinner and — count 'em — six Island music acts. Said organizer Rod York, "laumei" refers to a legend associated with a Samoan village. The party itself got its start at downtown's Garden of Saigon restaurant. Tonight's show will feature 45-minute sets by Toa, Polymite, Milo Shade, B.E.T., Rod Tanu and Ho'onu'a. And, hey, you don't even have to bring a gift. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. today at Blue Tropix. Tickets: $20 ($15 advance). 944-0001.