The Buzz

International reggae star Don Carlos, the former lead singer of Black Uhuru whose solo career has flourished, headlines the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Rip Curl Cup Wrap Party, 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturday at Volcanoes Nightclub. Also on the bill: Neken, Hot Rain and the winner of the KPOI/Vans Triple Crown Battle of the Bands winner. You can meet some the world's top surfers, too. Tickets are $25 on the day of the concert, $20 in advance; for those 18 and older. 528-7071.

Two hot shows at the Wave

Head for Wave Waikiki in the middle of the week and you'll find two ripping events:

• The Minneapolis indie hip-hop duo Atmosphere — Ant and Slug — whose latest release is "Seven's Travels," performs Wednesday on a blistering bill that includes Mr. Dibbs (1200 Hobos), Cresent Moon (Odd Jobs), Old Joseph, Topic and more. Doors open at 9 p.m.; for 18 and older. Tickets are $25 in advance at TooGruvz, $30 at the door (100 tickets only). 386-7776.
• Razed in Black, featuring mastermind Romell Regulacion, stomps back to Hawai'i Thursday night at 10 p.m. DJ Swamp takes over at midnight. Also: DJs Evil, Matthew Grim and G-Spot, and hip-hop with Jedi and Sovergn T. Doors open at 9 p.m.; for 18 and older. $8-$15. 591-3500, 941-0424, ext. 12.

Laughing through the pain

Relationships, sex and the dreaded "C" word (cancer) are among the all-too-real topics comic Robert Schimmel takes on in his often-raunchy way. Schimmel, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (it's in remission), was named Best Male Stand-Up Comic in 1999 by the American Comedy Awards. He brings his brand of humor to two concerts at Pipeline Café, 8 p.m. Thursday and Dec. 12. Tickets are $20, $25. 926-3000.

Harmony for the holidays

Much harmony and humor are in store at "The Elf Who Saved Christmas," a holiday concert that features the Sounds of Aloha Chorus and quartets. The Hawai'i Pacific University International Vocal Ensemble is a special guest. The show begins at 7:33 p.m. today and 4:03 p.m. Sunday at Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College. Tickets are $20. 262-7664.

Updating adult-themed ' 'Tis Pity'

The University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Department of Theatre and Dance delves into very adult material from 17th-century playwright John Ford. " 'Tis Pity She's a Whore," directed by Dennis Carroll and updated to a 1980s landscape, includes themes of incest, feminism, religion and politics and incorporates farce, dark humor, violence and murder. Obviously, viewer discretion is advised.

"Whore" takes the Kennedy Theatre mainstage at 8 p.m. today, Saturday and Thursday through Dec. 13 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 14. The Dec. 12 show will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Tickets are $15 general, $12 seniors, military, UH faculty/staff, $10 non-UH students, $3 UH students. 956-7655.

Trees, trees and more trees

If you haven't decorated your own Christmas tree yet, there's inspiration at the annual Festival of Trees, a fund-raiser for the The Queen's Medical Center Auxiliary. You can shop for ornaments, bid on mini trees that have been decorated by well-known and not-so-well-known community elves (including five Advertiser staffers) or just take in the festive atmosphere in the Kaka'ako and Kewalo Rooms of the Ward Warehouse. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $1 adults, free for keiki 12 and younger. 547-4397.

Rocking on the North Shore

Olivia, the skate-punk band, will rock the Surfarama event put on by the North Shore Christian Fellowship at 5 p.m. Sunday at Sunset Beach Elementary School. Other activities include a surf slide show, video and prizes. Admission is free. 637-6225.

Mendelssohn String Quartet in concert

The acclaimed Mendelssohn String Quartet — first violinist Miriam Fried, violist Ulrich Eichenauer, violinist Nicholas Mann and cellist Marcy Rosen — performs with award-winning pianist Jonathan Biss, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Orvis Auditorium. The quartet has performed in prestigious halls and festivals around the world, and is known for its spirited playing and innovative, contemporary performances. The program includes the Haydn Quartet in C Major, op. 76, no. 3 ("Emperor"); Bolcom Quartet no. 11 (2002); and Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor, op.34. Tickets are $24 general, $15 students and Honolulu Symphony members. 956-6878.

Hawaiian Hut hosts Latino dance party

"A Latino Merry Christmas Bash" should be hot holiday stuff, with a dance party and performances by Son Caribe, above, El Conjunto Tropical, Arsenio and DJ Ritchie "Salsa" Sanchez from Puerto Rico. And there's a silent auction and door prizes, too — all as a benefit for the Music Foundation of Hawai'i. The party hours are 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday at the Hawaiian Hut on the grounds of the Ala Moana Hotel. Tickets — $12 at the door, $10 presale — are available from the Music Foundation of Hawai'i (951-6699); Alma Latina Productions (285-0072) and the Hispanic Center of Hawaii (941-5216).

Making merry at Santa's workshop

Musical of a spiritual nature

The gospel quartet The Original Imperials, winner of four Grammy Awards, 15 Dove Awards and members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, will perform at 9:30 p.m. today at the Hard Rock Café. The ensemble also were background singers for Elvis Presley from 1969 to 1971. Hawai'i musician Koa and his band will perform. $5 cover. 955-7383. Also, the group will perform at "A Christmas of Remembrance," 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Admission is free. 239-8811.