The Buzz

Music meets art downtown

"Absolut Art ... " is the title of the latest art-and-music event at photographer Hesham's studio, 186 N. King St., second level. This show begins at 7 p.m. today. Among the featured artists are Kelly Rowe, a 16-year-old photographer attending Punahou; photographer Lilia McGuire; Khedija and Aliyah, a mother and daughter offering paintings and mixed-media creations; Cory Morgenstien, paintings; and Mike G., graffiti wall. On the musical front, the featured DJs are Asia, Fame, Delve, Oliver Twist and Lukas; the band, The WannaBeats, with Zanuck Lindsey; and there's a special set by Trace. Despite its vodka-ad-like title, this is a no-alcohol show. $5 donation. 371-4543.

The return of the Kingston Trio

The Kingston Trio, that folkie 1950s and '60s ensemble with a Honolulu connection, returns for a series of concerts at Punahou School. Two of the original members — Bob Shane and Dave Guard — graduated from Punahou; the third member was Nick Reynolds. In its heyday, the trio was the hottest thing in show biz (with the signature hit "Tom Dooley"), making the cover of Life magazine in August 1959 and setting the groundwork for the folk movement that spawned legends such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter Paul & Mary, and The Byrds. Shane, and new partners George Grove and Bob Haworth (Guard died in 1991, Reynolds is retired), will offer three concerts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1952. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Dillingham Hall. Tickets are $35; a Dress Circle ticket, at $75, includes beer, wine and pupu plus a post-concert reception with the trio. 943-3683.

A tribute to American songs

George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers ... if you know these names, you know the wonderful music these composers created. "Night & Day: American Songbook 2," two concerts by the Hawai'i Vocal Arts Ensemble, celebrates American standards of the 1930s through 1950s with special guest vocalist Buz Tennent. The concerts, led by musical director Timothy Carney, are the ensemble's final performances of its 10th season. Last year's concerts, titled "Stardust & Moonlight," were sold-out affairs. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at the ensemble's favorite venue, Chaminade University's Mystical Rose Oratory. Tickets are $15 general seating, $12.50 students, seniors and military; $35 for preferred seating. 524-0815, ext. 245.

Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Fire up your creativity

It's art, it's fun, it's a great reason to reconnect with the loveliness of the windward side of O'ahu. What is it? It's the Raku Ho'olaule'a, the annual pottery fest at Kualoa Regional Park. One of the event's chief attractions is the community kiln, open to the public: You buy a pot or tea bowl for $5, you glaze it, the potters fire it up raku-style for you, you pick it up after an hour or two, depending on how busy they are (the two bowls above were fired at earlier ho'olaule'a). Friendly folks will be there to assist you in the glazing process. While you wait, you can walk along the beach and check out the creations of the potters who have been camping out for intense sessions of ceramic nirvana. The community kiln will be open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday (the ho'olaule'a continues until 5 p.m.). Bring a picnic lunch, maybe a swimsuit and a lot of sunscreen. 596-8128.

Fishing for a good time

Grab the kids, fishing poles, barbless hooks and nonlive bait and head for Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden Saturday for a Keiki Fishing Derby that celebrates National Fishing Week. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories — youths 4-7, 8-12 and 13-17. Those who aren't participating in the derby can still do the catch-and-release thing along the shoreline. Recommended: walking shoes, insect repellent, rain gear, water and lunch and a sense of watery adventure. Park at the visitor center and follow the red fish signs to the shoreline, about a 20-minute walk. Sorry, no pets; and kids must be accompanied by adults. Derby hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Kane'ohe park, at the end of Luluku Road. It's free. 233-7323.

Traditions of Micronesia

"Enchanting Evening in Micronesia" is the next festival in the city's continuing Hawai'i Ethnic Heritage Series. Dances, music, singing, arts and handicrafts, and food are among the attractions beginning at 7 p.m. today at Honolulu Hale. The festival is free, as is parking at the civic center parking garage. 523-4674.

All the rave

It's all about love, unity, respect ... and dancing your you-know-what off. It's the Love Festival Tour, the 10th incarnation, and it's landing in Honolulu with many DJs in tow. Among the spinners will be MARS, Thee-O, Huggie, DJ Rene, DJ Reza, G-Spot, Neil K., Space Cowboy, PSI, IKON, Bass Drum Ben, Mizota, T Bear and who knows who else. Two areas of sound will offer house, jungle, trance, drum 'n' bass and live bands. The all-ages party rages 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturday at 111 N. King St., corner of King and Maunakea. Tickets are $25 general, $20 advance at Jelly's, Cheapo's (University and Pearl Kai), The Beat, Hungry Ear, Tower Records, the University of Hawai'i-Manoa Campus Center and Virus Afterhours. 591-3500, www.thelovefestival.com.