The Buzz

Well, it's a bit early for Halloween, but here's a stage event that's definitely on the spookier side of the human spectrum. "Escurial: Master and Servant," continuing at The ARTS at Marks Garage downtown, is an interactive piece based on the medieval practice of "King for a Day," in which a king and a fool switch places. This time there are elements of sadomasochism, bondage/discipline and — egads! — necrophilia. Throw in some jealousy and revenge and you've got a night that's not for the faint-hearted.

"Escurial" is directed by Troy M. Apostol. Show times are 8 p.m. today and tomorrow; admission is $10 at the door. 521-2903.

Pumped up for Halloween

It's still Greek to everyone

Delve into the Greek world during "Agamemnon," a loose adaptation of the classic play presented by the University of Hawai'i-Manoa Department of Theatre and Dance. Based on Aeschylus' first play in the "Oresteia" trilogy, the stage production focuses on the cyclical nature of violence by exploring war, lust, murder, betrayal and revenge. This version, which kicks off the Late Night Theatre season, adds a few twists to the song and dance by incorporating Asian theater forms.

Show times are 11 p.m. today and Saturday, and Oct. 24-25 in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. A discussion about the play follows the Friday night performances. Tickets are $8 general, $7 seniors, military and UH faculty/staff and non-UHM students, and $3 for UHM students. 956-7655.

That Latin flavor

"One Culture, Many Races" is the theme of this year's Hawai'i Hispanic Heritage Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at Kapi'olani Park and bandstand. Sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the festival features food booths, arts and crafts vendors, cultural displays and children's games.

Entertainment for the afternoon includes Son Caribe Salsa Band, El Conjunto Tropical, Aloha Rumberos, Hot Salsa Dancing Hawaii, Dream to Dance Studio, Isla Tango, Capoeira Hawaii, Augie Rey and Band, Juan DeVilbiss-Mariachi Dos, Los Amigo's Mexican Folkloric Dance Group, Tommy Valentine y Sus Amigos, KIIDS Dance Company, Arsenio the band, Alpha Tribe, Orquesta BataCumbe, Aloha Brazil, Puerto Rican Ballet de Hawaii, Dances of Bolivia and Los Pleneros.

Admission is free. 545-4344, 941-5216.

Free outdoor concert at KCC

Enjoy some music under the stars at the Kapi'olani Community College's Outdoor Concert, sponsored by its Office of Student Activities. From 5 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, relax to free entertainment on the college's Central Mall Lawn; bring a picnic dinner, beach mats, lawn chairs and coolers (but no alcohol, please).

Here's the entertainment lineup:

• 5 p.m.: Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate hula halau.
• 6 p.m.: falsetto star Raiatea Helm (above).
• 7:15-7:45 p.m.: fall 2003 student talent show winners.
• 8 p.m.: Pati, reggae-Jawaiian melodies.
• 9:15 p.m.: headliner Three Plus.

734-9576.

Banding together

This is no small event. The Menehune Classic promises a night of big music and even bigger fun, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday at Moanalua High School. The marching-band festival will showcase high-school musicians from around the island (above is the Moanalua marching band and color guard), decked out in all their finery to present their half-time shows to a judging panel. Admission is $5 general and $3 for children ages 5-18. Proceeds benefit music programs at the high school.

948-9146.

Have brunch in Waikiki

Brunch on the Beach is back this weekend after taking a break last month for the annual Aloha Festivals celebration. From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Kalakaua Avenue will be dotted with those big blue umbrellas that have become synonymous with this eating fest. Besides great food, this month's headlining entertainment will be 'ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro; he and his band will entertain the crowd with songs from his new album, "Crosscurrent." Admission is free. 923-1094.

At the symphony this weekend

Johann Brahms' mighty and illuminating work of art comes to life when the Honolulu Symphony performs "Majestic Requiem."

The Honolulu Symphony Chorus and renowned soloists Sandra Andersen and Burr Chochran Phillips will join the symphony in performing Brahms' "Ein Deutsches Requiem" (A German Requiem). Samuel Wong conducts the orchestra, while Karen Kennedy directs the chorus.

This Halekulani MasterWorks concert also includes Sisler's "Cosmic Divide," Busoni's Concertino for Clarinet and Chamber Orchestra and Debussy's Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra. The last two pieces feature clarinetist Scott Anderson, above.

Concert times are 8 p.m. today and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are $16, $28, $33, $44 and $59. 792-2000, (877) 750-4400.