The Buzz

'X' marks the spot

Movie fans can meet the man behind the blockbuster hit "X-Men" and the sequel released last week, "X2: X-Men United," when Bryan Singer, above, makes his way to the University of Hawai'i-Manoa Campus Center Ballroom at 6 p.m. today. It's his turn in the spotlight during a session titled "A Conversation with Director Bryan Singer." Presented by the newly established cinematic and digital arts program, the event will be hosted by founding co-director Chris Lee. Sequel writers Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris will also appear, as well as local girl Kelly Hu, who is Lady Deathstrike in the sequel. The panel will answer questions after a showing of footage from "X2."

Admission is free. 956-2501.

Stepping up with 'Unspoken'

In dance, feelings are conveyed without saying a word. Hence "Unspoken," Hypersquad's contemporary dance concert that continues through Saturday at the Leeward Community College Theatre. A variety of dance styles is included in the concert including Latin, jazz, ballet, b-boy and b-girl, lock and pop, street and hip-hop.

Showtimes are 6:45 p.m. today, and 12:45 and 6:45 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $11 presale, $13 at the door. 676-4973.

Celebrating 'Ewa

Admission is free. 685-0111, 384-8583.

Feeling hot, hot, hot

Advertiser library photo

The competition closes with the finals May 17 at the Pacific Theatre. Performers will display their skills during the intermissions of the "Horizons" night show at 6 and 8 p.m.

Tickets for the shows at the Hale Aloha Theatre are $7. Admission for the finals are $29 general, $18 children, including admission to the "Horizons" show. Annual pass holders get in free with a reservation. 293-3333.

Kapolei Middle School dancers competed in last year's event.

Dancing to an ancient beat

Students from across the state will gather at Kapolei Middle School's cultural mound at 10 a.m. Saturday for the Hawai'i Secondary Schools Hula Kahiko Competition. The competition allows students to receive and demonstrate skills and cultural training unavailable in the classroom, plus foster school pride and positive competitive spirit.

Tickets are $6. Lawn chairs and umbrellas are welcome, but coolers and tents are not allowed. 521-6905.

Celia Chun performs in "Evolution," Saturday at The ARTS at Marks Garage.

Dancing downtown

"SCUM & Evolution," a program pairing two works by choreographer Matthew Wright and performed by the Honolulu Dance Theatre, will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at The ARTS at Marks Garage.

"SCUM," funded through the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Choreographic Fellowship Award, uses dance, text, poetry and music by Tom Waits to explore the psychological nature of human emotions that are produced under adverse social conditions. Warning: Expect adult language and sexual and violent imagery.

"Evolution," winner of the Hawai'i State Dance Council Choreographic Award, depicts various transitions of matter as it evolves, divides and restructures itself in a continuing struggle to survive in an ever-changing environment. The dance features Celia Chun and music by Igor Stravinsky.

This is the premiere performance of "SCUM," choreographed especially for The ARTS at Marks Garage, and "Evolution" has been reworked to fit the intimate venue, Wright said.

Tickets: $5. Reservations: 988-3202.

For our furry friends and other critters

Educational displays, live animal demonstrations and the latest in pet products and services for pampering your best friend are part of the Hawaii Pet Expo 2003 Saturday and Sunday.

Expo hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Admission is free, but nonperishable food items for the Hawaii Foodbank are accepted. Feel free to bring your pet, although animals must be under their owners' control at all times and dogs must be leashed. 845-1762.

'We are all Friends'

Saturday brings the 11th annual Filipino Fiesta, with this year's theme being "Magkakaibigan — We are All Friends." The fun begins with a parade at 9 a.m. from Ala Moana Beach Park to Kapi'olani Park. There, the celebration continues with food, games, arts and crafts, cultural displays and entertainment by local, Mainland and international stars. The Filipino Community Center will host the Filipino Regional Village Exhibit, which offers the chance to learn more about the Philippines and its various cultures.

Admission is free. 548-0335.

Benefit concert in Punalu'u

Groove to some stars under the stars when the Mele Kupulau 2003 gets started Saturday at Restaurant Punalu'u (formerly Ahi's) in Hau'ula. Performers ready to jam for the spring concert include 'Ilona Irvine, above, Ho'onu'a, Clarence Kaniho, Halau 'Ilima Ku Kahakai, Sani, Imua, Kahiau and Na Mele Rasta. There'll be crafts, food and game booths to add to the fun.

Gates open at 11:30 a.m., with entertainment 1-8 p.m. Beach chairs and mats are welcome, but no coolers or outside food are allowed.

Tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the door. Children 4 and younger are free. Proceeds benefit the Hawaiian-language immersion program at Hau'ula, Grade 4 and other children organizations of Ko'olauloa. 293-3265, 293-3370.

Models of fashion

Vivian Aiona, wife of Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, models a fashionable thrift-store outfit for the Salvation Army fund-raiser.

It all happens at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Tickets are $45. Reservations: 988-2136.