What's Up!

Advertiser Staff

CONCERTS: Jan. 2, 4

Deborah Voigt, right, pre-eminent dramatic soprano and a leading interpreter of Wagner and Strauss roles, will join the Honolulu Symphony in a pair of concerts. This will be the Hawai'i debut of the acclaimed opera star; maestro Samuel Wong conducts. Tickets are $16-$59. 8 p.m. Jan. 2, 4 p.m. Jan. 4 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / 792-2000, (877) 750-4400

FESTIVAL: Jan. 3

The first-ever Kokua Festival, combining entertainment and environmental awareness, takes over Kualoa Ranch on the Windward side of the island. The day-long affair features presenter Jack Johnson, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom and Willie K, Makana, Michael Franti and Spearhead, and DJ Logic; food booths; and eco-friendly businesses. Admission is $30 presale, $35 the day of the festival, free for kids 6 and younger with accompanying adult. 10 a.m.-sunset / Kualoa Ranch / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: Jan. 14

The man with the golden voice is set to steal hearts again when he returns to the Islands. Over a career that spans five decades, Tony Bennett, right, is best known for his signature hit, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," although later albums have garnered him a younger audience as well. Tickets: $55 and $75. 8 p.m. Jan. 14 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / (877) 750-4400

Also: Bennett performs at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater Tickets: $35, $55, $75, $95. (808) 242-7469.

CONCERT: Jan. 7

Last year's rock 'n' roll darling, The Strokes, returns for another engagement — this time with sophomore album "Room On Fire" under its belt. Tickets are $20, on sale at Ticketmaster outlets and the Blaisdell box office. It's an all-ages show, but those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 7 p.m. Jan. 7; doors open 6 p.m. / Pipeline Cafe / (877) 750-4400

STAGE: Jan. 9-11

Here's another chance to catch the awesome acrobatics of the New Shanghai Circus as the world-renowned troupe returns to the Islands. Watch as their agile forms twist and turn into jaw-dropping positions and perform mystifying feats. This show, "Mongolian Dreams," also includes a Mongolian strongman and the Mongolian archers, who fire arrows with their feet while hanging upside down. Tickets are $20, $25 and $30 for adults; $15 and $20 for seniors, military and those 12 and younger. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9-10 and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 10-11 / Hawai'i Theatre / 528-0506

The Shanghai troupe will also be at:

• Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theatre at 7 p.m. Jan. 2 and 2 and 7 p.m. Jan 3. Tickets are $10, $16 and $22 for adults. (808) 242-7469.

• Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Jan. 4. Tickets are $20 adults, $9.95 children 12 and younger, and $30 for Golden Circle.

• Kealakehe High School gymnasium in Kona at 7 p.m. Jan. 5. Tickets are $17.50 adults and $7.50 children 12 and younger.

• Kahilu Theatre in Waimea on the Big Island at 7 p.m. Jan. 6. Tickets are $20 general, $7.50 children 12 and younger and $30 Golden Circle. (808) 885-6868.

• Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo at 7 p.m. Jan. 8. Tickets are $17.50 general and $7.50 children 12 and younger.

CONCERT: Jan. 10

Legendary rock bands Chicago and America come together for one special night in Honolulu. Chicago's timeless rock songs have transcended airwaves across the nation since the 1960s, with hits such as "Hard to Say I'm Sorry," "Hard Habit to Break" and "You're the Inspiration." America is best known for songs including "Horse with No Name," "Muskrat Love" and "Only in Your Heart." Tickets are $49 and $59. 8 p.m. Jan. 10 / Blaisdell Arena /(877) 750-4400

CONCERT: Jan. 14

Punk rockers The Vandals want to vandalize this joint with a concert early on in the new year. The band's hardcore punk sound has persisted on since its formation in the '80s, spawning such hits as "Legend of Pat Brown," "Day Farrah Fawcett Died" and "Let the Bad Times Roll." Tickets: $17.50. 7 p.m. Jan. 14 / Pipeline Cafe / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: Jan. 28

Heads up, Parrotheads! "Margaritaville" is heading to Honolulu via the ever-popular Jimmy Buffett, right. Always an Island favorite, the musician/actor/journalist/author returns with old favorites and the Coral Reefer Band. Tickets: $35 general/lawn and $75 reserved. 7 p.m. Jan. 28 / Waikiki Shell / (877) 750-4400