What's Up!

August film premieres Aug. 2: "Signs," "The Master of Disguise" Aug. 7: "Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams" Aug. 9: "XXX," "Bloodwork" Aug. 16: "Blue Crush," "The Adventures of Pluto Nash" (left) Aug. 23: "Serving Sara," "Simone," "They" Aug. 30: "fear dot com," "Slap Her, She's French"

Tommy Chong, half of the once wildly popular comic duo Cheech and Chong, has claimed the attention of a new generation of fans with his role as Leo (the photo lab owner) on TV's "That '70s Show." Chong, who, by the way, hasn't shirked from drug-themed humor after all these years, brings his musical comedy act, Tommy Chong and Shelby and the Family Stoned, left, to Honolulu for two shows Aug. 2-3 at Gussie L'Amour's. Tickets are $20 cash (extra fee if by credit card), available at Gussie's (3251 N. Nimitz Highway) and at Hawaii's Natural High (339 Saratoga Road).

• 9 p.m. Aug. 2-3 / Gussie L'Amour's / 926-3000, 836-7883

BALLET: Aug. 2-4

The Japanese folk tale "Momotaro the Peach Boy" is a familiar one to most Islanders. It's the story of a couple who find a magical peach floating down a stream; inside is a baby boy who is the answer to their prayers. Now Hawaii Ballet Theatre gives the tale an added dimension in "Momotaro & the Peach Girl," part of a dance concert titled "Momotaro and Other Delights," Aug. 2-4. Conceived and choreographed by Charlys Ing, the one-act ballet is about a childless woman who finds a baby girl in a magic peach and raises her to become a brave maiden, Momohana. On her way to fight a demon who steals the spirits of children, Momohana meets Momotaro, her brother. Tickets are $16 general, $12 children, military, seniors; group discounts available.

• 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4 p.m. Aug. 4 / Dillingham Theatre, Punahou School / 839-1596

FESTIVAL: Aug. 3-4

The annual AT&T Hawaii Dragon Boat Festival is a colorful display of team spirit as the boats race along a course off Ala Moana Beach Park. Dragon boat racing is a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition; these boats were made in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Up to 30,000 folks are expected to attend the festival this year. Also among the attractions will be food booths, crafts, entertainment (18 local bands and international dance troupes) and keiki activities. The boats race from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 3, and 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 4. The festival itself is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Don't forget your sunscreen. Admission is free.

• Aug. 3-4 / Ala Moana Beach Park / 951-0350

CONCERTS: Aug. 9-11

Hiroshima, the jazzy, fusiony ensemble that blends East and West sensibilities (remember the Hawaiian Electric theme from the group's "Go" album?) is heading this way for:

• A concert at the Hawai'i Theatre to benefit Hawai'i Centers for Independent Living, under the auspices of Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation. Tickets are $29.50, $39.50 and $75 (golden circle). 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9, Hawai'i Theatre. 528-0506.
• A performance at "A Taste of California," an HCIL benefit dinner/concert the next evening hosted by Yamaguchi and famed chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong. Single tickets are unavailable, and the event is nearly sold out. Table tickets for 10 are $1,500, $2,500 and $3,500. 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10, Hilton Hawaiian Village. 522-5400.
• A Big Island concert, 8:30 p.m. at the outdoor Hilton Waikoloa Village's Kamehameha Court. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40, including two drinks. (808) 886-1234.

ANNIVERSARY: Aug. 10

King's Village, the Waikiki shopping and dining destination at 131 Kai'ulani Ave., marks its 30th anniversary with style and hoopla. A 6 p.m. mini parade features the King's Guard and the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii; the celebration includes exhibition drill routines by current and alumni guards, hula by 2002 Miss Aloha Hula Malia Petersen; free birthday cake; entertainment by Rubber Soul, the Beatles sound-alikes; and more. Free.

• 3-7 p.m. Aug. 11 / King's Village / 944-6855

BENEFIT FILM: Aug. 15

"Elvira's Haunted Hills," featuring Elvira, right, the diva of horror who's often called "the Madonna of the macabre" because of her haunting presence and her penchant for doing the unusual, will be screened at the Hawai'i Theatre as a benefit for Gregory House, the state's AIDS housing program. It's a bewitching outing, for sure: a pre-show reception features Elvira (real name, Cassandra Peterson), complete with drinks, appetizers and silent auction, with a brief program with Elvira and actor Richard Chamberlain. $75 for VIP tickets (including the reception), $20 movie only.

• Reception 6-7:45 p.m.; seating from 7:45 p.m.; program at 8 p.m.; film at 8:15 p.m. / Hawai'i Theatre / 592-9022, 528-0506

BAYFEST: Aug. 16-18

BayFest 2002 salutes our military forces and offers just a grand ol' time on the windward side of O'ahu. Among the attractions are military displays and demonstrations, an exotic car show, the E.K. Fernandez midway of rides and games, food and entertainment. This year's performers include Hawai'i's own Hoku (Ho) at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 18; Atomic Eyes at 8:15 p.m. Aug. 16-17; Trickside at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 16; and Collective Soul at 9:45 p.m. Aug. 17. And there's fireworks: 9 p.m. Aug. 16, 9:15 p.m. Aug. 17, 9 p.m. Aug. 18. Admission is $4 general, $2 kids 4-11, $3 military before 5 p.m. each day. After 5 p.m., admission is $5 general, $3 kids 4-11, $4 military. It's always free for kids 3 and younger. The Advertiser is a sponsor.

• Noon-1 a.m. Aug. 16-17, noon-11 p.m. Aug. 18 / Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, Kane'ohe Bay / 254-7679, bayfesthawaii.com

CONCERTS: Aug. 16-18

"From Hot Slidin' Steel to Soulful Molasses Drippin' Blues." That's the theme of the two-island Summertime Blues Festival featuring Dave Hole and Sean Costello and their bands, each making their Hawai'i debut. Australian Dave Hole, whose latest album is titled "Outside Looking In," has been performing for three decades. Known as an explosive slide guitarist, Hole has had fans and critics raving around the globe. Sean Costello, left, from Atlanta, is among the new generation of great, hard-driving blues guitarists. At only 22, Costello, whose latest release is "Moanin' for Molasses," was hailed as "Leading the New Blues Revolution" on the cover of Blues Revue magazine (February/March 2002).

Tickets for each concert are $25 general, $22 advance. The concerts:

• Aug. 16, 8:30 p.m. (doors open 8:15 p.m.), South Seas Village at The Hawaiian Hut, Ala Moana Hotel. 941-5205. Tickets available at Tower Video (Kapi'olani), Tower Records (Kahala, Pearl Kai), Rainbow Books (University), Hungry Ear (Kailua), MWR Kunia.
• Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.), Palace Theater, Hilo. (808) 934-7010.
• Aug. 18, 7 p.m. (gates open 6 p.m.), Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, Kona. (808) 322-3441.

Big Island concert tickets are available at the Palace Theater, MJS Music, CD Wizard, Kilauea General Store (Volcano), Kipuka Smoke Shops (Hilo, Kona), Keauhou Beach Resort, Mele Kai Music, Byrds CDs (Waimea).

CONCERT: Aug. 18

At least 20 ki ho'alu masters will mark the 20th anniversary of the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, a daylong attraction linked to a Brunch on the Beach that weekend at Kapi'olani Park Bandstand. The strummers, performing at various times, include the Makaha Sons, Maunalua, Cyril Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi, Makana, Barry Flanagan, Ernie Cruz Jr., Bla Pahinui, right, Michael Kaawa, David Kahiapo, Ocean Kaowili, George Kuo, Jeff Peterson, Donald Kaulia, Raymond Kane, Kimoke (Barry and Kamuela), Walter Carvalho, Young Danny, Ron Loo Sr. and Jr. Melveen Leed will be a guest star and the brunch booths will provide food and beverage. Bring your own mats. Free.

• 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 18 / Kapi'olani Park Bandstand / 239-4336

CONCERT: Aug. 30

Here's a combo worth tuning in to: Kalapana, The Mana'o Company and Andy Bumatai share the limelight in an end-of-summer evening at the Sheraton Waikiki. It should be a homecoming of sorts, since all acts have a show biz past and an active presence. Kalapana, now showcasing Malani Bilyeu, D.J. Pratt and Gaylord Holomalia, is carrying the torch since the death of founding member Mackey Feary. The Mana'o Company reunited, tweaking its membership, two years ago, and earned a lion's share of Na Hoku Hanohano Awards earlier this year. Bumatai is back to doing stand-up comedy after playing the role of a businessman for the past few years. So: expect to hear "Songbird," "Spread a Little Aloha" and local-style comedy. Tickets: $25, $35, $45.

• 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30 /Hawaii Ballroom, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel / 922-4422 (Sheraton), 526-4400 (Ticket Plus)

COMING UP:

• No Doubt in concert, Aug. 10, Blaisdell Arena
• Keiki Fun Fair, Aug. 10, Honolulu Shriners Hospital for Children
• Keiki Fair, Aug. 10-11, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
• Made in Hawai'i Festival, Aug. 16-18, Blaisdell Center
• Bayfest, Aug. 16-18, Marine Corps Base Hawai'i
• Summertime Blues Festival, Aug. 16-18, South Seas Village at Hawaiian Hut, Palace Theater, Hilo, and Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, Kona
• "A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline," Sept. 4-22, Manoa Valley Theatre
• "Oklahoma!" Sept. 5-21, Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter
• Aloha Festivals floral parade, Sept. 14, from Ala Moana Beach Park to corner of Kalakaua and Kapahulu avenues
• Lou Rawls, with the Symphony Pops, Sept. 27-28, Blaisdell Concert Hall
• Hawai'i International Film Festival's Fall Film Festival, Nov. 1-10 on O'ahu, Nov. 8-10 on the Neighbor Islands
• "Nutcracker," Hawaii Ballet Theatre production, Dec. 14-15, 21-22, Leeward Community College Theatre

BUZZING ABOUT:

• There's always next year: Martin Nievera won't be having a Hawaiian Christmas after all; plans for him to guest with Ho'okena didn't jell, but the buzz is that he's booked a 10-city tour with Maximedia International in March 2003, and Hawai'i is on the agenda.
• More on Maui: "'Ulalena," the multimedia Hawaiian theatrical production at the Maui Theatre in Lahaina, has updated the show and increased performances (a second show Saturdays) to accommodate summer vacationers, through Aug. 31. Further, a Producer's Package ($65) includes choice seats, on-stage picture-taking with cast after the show, drinks in the new VIP lounge and more. Call (808) 661-9913.
• Beauties: Patricia Lei Murray, Candes Meijide-Gentry and Cheryl Toma Sanders, all former Miss Hawai'is, make cameo appearances in the Lee Cataluna-Keola Beamer musical, "You Somebody," extended a week, through Aug. 11, at Diamond Head Theatre.

Submit information for

The Great Index to Fun (TGIF) four-week guide at least 10 working days before the event. This planner appears weekly, featuring major events only; others are listed in the weekend and daily calendars.

Write: TGIF, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802, or fax 525-8055.

Schedule is subject to change.