The Buzz

Ron Soliman

Memorable beginning

What better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend and the advent of summer than with Summer Jam 2003, from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

The Waikiki Shell heats up with Maxi Priest (pictured), Arrested Development, Eek-a-Mouse and local reggae and dancehall bands including Natural Vibes, Sudden Rush, Marty Dread, O-Shen and Typical Hawaiians. Advance tickets are $15 lawn, $20 terrace and $25 pool. At the door, tickets are $25 lawn, $30 terrace and $35 pool. 526-4400.

Catch the Wave Waikiki

Get ready for a mix of progressive hip-hop, two-step garage, drum 'n' bass and soulful house when Ming and FS prepare to set off a tsunami of sounds at the Wave Waikiki on Thursday. The duo has shared the stage with Sting, Moby, Run DMC and Mark Farina.

With their infamous four turntable performance and heavy sounds mixing drum patterns with scratching and bass, you know this party is going to go off. Doors open at 9 p.m. Cover is $20 before midnight for 18 and older. 941-0424.

Founders remembered

Halau Hula O Maiki presents "Kahikolu" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.

This 19th annual Founder's Day Celebration is held every year in honor of Maiki Aiu, right, founder of the halau and "mother of the Hawaiian Renaissance."

The event will be preceded by the Hula Malie Fun Run at 10 a.m. from Kamanele Park to Kahikolu garden at St. Francis School. From there, enjoy a day of entertainment, food and flowers. Tickets are $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door. Entry fee for the run is $20, which includes admission to the celebration. No alcoholic drinks will be allowed. 955-0050.

Bound for the West Coast

Come out and support the Hellbound Hounds on Saturday as they host a fund-raiser to prepare for their West Coast tour in June.

Hard Rock CafŽ will be filled with ska, punk, hip-hop and indie rock sounds from 9 p.m.to 2 a.m.

Besides the Hounds, manager Damon Cabral says Go Jimmy Go, Pimpbot, Little Moments, Saggy Teri and the Meat Curtains, Microscopic Syllables and DJ Tim Borsch will be in the groove.

There'll be prizes and specials from sponsors including Heineken, Eighty-Four Skate Co., Brown Boy Productions, Jenko, Gravis, Vestal, Electric and Sector 9. Cover is $10 for 18- to 20-year-olds and $8 for 21 and older. 955-7383.

Down with diabetes

Matsui is a two-time winner of "Best Female Artist" at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards and was named Top Indie Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Year by Billboard magazine in 1996.

The Tokyo native began classical piano lessons when she was 6 and has since released more than 14 albums, with the latest being the critically acclaimed "The Ring."

Sponsored by Good Neighbor Pharmacy, the dinner includes a silent auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Tickets are $150. 947-5979.

Drifting memorial

Shinnyo-En Hawaii hosts its fifth annual Lantern Floating Ceremony at 6 p.m. Monday, honoring the spirits of the dead. Small paper lanterns with lighted candles on wooden bases will be set afloat from Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park by local canoe clubs and students from local high schools. There will be live orchestrated music and taiko drums, and the event will be broadcast to the world via live satellite feed. Admission is free.

Consolatory prayer requests for a donation of $5 each can be made from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the two prayer request booths on Magic Island. 528-0202.

Putting pop in the parties

It's a weekend of pop parties as French Toast hosts the Avant Pop Art Exhibit tonight and the Indie Pop Party on Saturday.

The one-night art exhibit at Club Pauahi will be open from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., for 18 and older. Artists featured include Ray Potes, Cassius Clay, Mike Sarpy, Noey, Jeff Sanner, Otto and Timer. There'll be music by Postmodern, DJ Sleeze and Kavet the Catalyst. Cover is $5, free before 9. 521-7252.

The indie show takes off at Bedroq Bar & Grill at 9 p.m. Bands featured include teradactyl, Spare Batteries and the debut of Paul and Gwen's full-band project, Port Guyana. Admission is free, for 21 and older. 942-8822.

Move over, Bob Marley

Groove to great Hawaiian reggae sounds Saturday with "Reggae in the Valley."

Butch Helemano, above, brings his signature sound to lush Waimea Valley for intense rock and reggae stylings. Joining him will be THC, Dube Remedy, Kona and Adam, MC Rastafari Haile Israel and DJ Liloa.

Doors to the Waimea Falls Park Pikake Pavilion open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, with an additional $10 for reserved upper-level seats. 637-3138, 637-4544.

Local stars will shine

Start primping and preening for the local Grammys when the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts presents the 26th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards on Wednesday. The annual gala event begins at 5 p.m. in the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Hawaii Ballroom, with a no-host cocktail reception. That will be followed by dinner and awards at 6 p.m., and the live television broadcast at 7:30 p.m.

Featured entertainers include Danny Couch, Hulu Lindsey, Na Palapalai, 'Ale'a, Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, Na Leo Pilimehana, Keahiwai, Kalapana and Go Jimmy Go.

Tickets are sold out, but interested parties can still get on the waiting list: 235-9424.

For those who can't attend the Hoku awards or want to get the party started early, head down to the Downtown Honolulu Block Party tonight.

From 5:30 to 10 p.m., at Nu'uanu Avenue and Merchant Street surrounding Murphy's Bar and Grill, two stages will be set up for performances by a dozen local bands and entertainers.

Former Hoku winners and nominees will perform, including Kapena, Jake Shimabukuro, 'Ale'a, Raiatea Helm, O'Brien Eselu, Kahiau, Sean Na'auao, Believe, O-shen and Next Generation. The event benefits the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists. Admission is free.