The Buzz
Baby, we love their way
Get a sample of Big Mountain unplugged when the internationally recognized reggae group performs at Borders Books and Music in Waikele at 7:30 tonight. The band, with hits such as "Touch My Light" and "Baby, I Love Your Way," will play selections from its newest CD, "Cool Breeze." Admission is free, but seating is limited. There will also be an autograph-signing session following the show. For more information, call 676-6698. In addition to this appearance, Big Mountain will be performing in Hilo at Uncle Mikey's on Thursday, Honolulu at Kapono's on Jan. 17-18 and Kaua'i at the Kaua'i War Memorial on Jan. 19. Times and prices to be announced.
Celebrating the Korean Centennial
A kayagum chamber recital on Sunday is just one of 23 events scheduled in January celebrating the 100th anniversary of the immigration of Koreans to the United States. The kayagum is a traditional 12-string Korean zither related to the Japanese koto and the Chinese ku-cheng. Professor Byungki Hwang from South Korea does double duty as both a composer for and performer on the kayagum and is considered a master of the instrument.
Accompanying him will be Woong-Sik Kim, recognized as one of Korea's top changgu players. The changgu is an hourglass-shaped drum used in almost all types of Korean music. Hwang and Kim are East-West Center visiting artists, co-sponsored by the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, the Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to the United States, and the East-West Center.
The show features Kayagum Sanjo and Changgu Nori, followed by three of Hwang's own creations, "Forest," "The Silk Road" and "Spring Snow." It all takes place at 7 p.m. at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Orvis Auditorium. Admission is $12 general, $8 students, seniors, military and Friends of the East-West Center. 944-7177.
A parade is yet another aspect of the January celebrations honoring the centennial of Korean immigration to Hawai'i, 3-5 p.m. Sunday. Sponsored by the Korean Centennial Committee, the parade will feature more than 2,500 people, including grand marshal Donald Kim, South Korean Ambassador Song-Chul Yang, former Miss Universe Brook Lee, and the South Korean Navy Marching Band. It begins at Fort DeRussy and continues through Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue, ending in Kapi'olani Park. 947-0191.
Tickling the ivories
Famed Irish pianist John O'Conor performs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Doris Duke at the Academy. O'Conor has consistently awed audiences around the world with his smooth techniques and keyboard mastery. He has performed with various ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic and the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, and released a number of classical recordings. Admission to the concert is free, through the philanthropy of Sally and Christian Aall, in honor of the concert-goers who regularly support the art museum's performing arts program. A reception will be held following the concert. 532-8700.
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Takács Quartet in town
As part of the Honolulu Chamber Music Series and the University of Hawai'i Presents Series, the Grammy-nominated Tak‡cs Quartet performs at 7:30 tonight at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Orvis Auditorium. The program includes works by Mozart, Ravel and Schubert, performed by Edward Dusinberre and K‡roly Schranz (violins), Roger Tapping (viola) and Andrés Fejér (cello), heralded as one of the world's foremost string ensembles. Tickets are $24 general and $15 for students. A free meet-the-artists session takes place before the performance, 6:30-7 p.m. at the UH Music Building, Room 36. Charge by phone at 956-6878, or call 956-3836 for more information.
Puppet master appears
Jim Gamble returns to Hawai'i with his new marionette production, "Celebrate America!" The colorful cast includes Sam the American Eagle as the narrator, Yankee Doodle, Smokey the Bear and a Great American Circus clown. Gamble, an award-winning puppeteer, has been delighting children all over the globe for more than two decades with his beautifully crafted marionettes. There will be only one show, at 7 p.m. Saturday at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Kennedy Theatre. Tickets are $10 general, $9 seniors, military, UH faculty and staff, $7 non-UHM students and children, and $3 UHM students. 956-7655, 526-4400.
New Year traditions
Family traditions will be the focus of the 2003 New Year's Festival, held at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. The all-day celebration features family traditions adopted by local Japanese families such as mochi-pounding, Osechi Ryori presentation (New Year's food tasting) and a traditional New Year's blessing by the Daijingu Shrine. Also part of the festivities: Kikaida Returns, with the release of a new DVD, an auction, art exhibit, autograph session and stage appearance. Admission is free; validated parking. 945-7633.
Walk on the wild side
On Tuesday at Wave Waikiki, Doorman Productions and Pussycat Projects present "Re-Activate," featuring two top-notch Chicago DJs promoting their newest CD, "Fully Sorted." Fusing hip-hop and jungle, Danny tha WildChild is hailed as one of the nation's leading turntablists. Danny has appeared with such groups as Q-Bert, Method Man, Moby and Eminem. On the other side of the drum-n-bass scene is Danny's pal Brian "Phantom 45" Sarpalius, who is regarded as one of the best jungle jocks in Chicago, aka "the third city of jungle." This crowd-pleasing DJ and genre promoter is known to just spin what he feels.
Also performing with Danny and Phantom are local faves DJ KSM, DJ Hbomb with MC Pupil, DJ Kause with MC Enemy, and MC Trace. Upstairs working the hip-hop groove will be DJs SubZero, D mofo D, Syzel and Epic. Doors open at 9 p.m. Cost is $10 before midnight for all, 18 and older. After midnight, cover is $15 for ages 18-20 and $10 for 21 and older. 941-0424.
