What's Up!

Local favorite Kicking off the holidays Hanahau'oli School's popular Children's Fair has moved from April to November, and that means kids can have their fill of fun 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 8. Activities include face painting, pony rides, food booths, holiday-themed games, the North Pole Country Store and much more. The school is at 1922 Maikiki St. Admission is free.

Celebrate storytelling and oral history during the annual Talk Story Festival. Storytellers include Margaret Read MacDonald, Jack Boyle, Nyla Fujii-Babb, Lopaka Kapanui, Kealoha, James McCarthy and Makia Malo. Jeff Gere hosts. The first night offers Spooky Stories followed by a second night of New Voices. The final night of the festival focuses on "Tales of Aloha: Peace, Tolerance and Inspiration." Storytelling workshops will be offered 1-4 p.m. Oct. 25-26. Admission to all is free.

• 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 24-26 / Ala Moana Park, McCoy Pavilion / 692-5751

DANCE: Oct. 25

The Mark Morris Dance Group returns to Honolulu after a sold-out performance three years ago. The company, formed in 1980, has performed around the world, including Boston, London and Brussels. The evening will consist of a mix of ballet and modern dance works led by acclaimed choreographer Morris, who has created more than 100 works for the group and other dance companies. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45, with special group rates available.

• 8 p.m. Oct. 25 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: Oct. 25

Go, go, go, Johnnies and Janies, because it'll be a wop-bop-a-loo-mop-a-lop-bam-boom good time as three undisputed legends — Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard — rock the Blaisdell Arena in a rock 'n' roll super show. Tickets: $45 and $55.

• 8 p.m. Oct. 25 / Blaisdell Arena / (877) 750-4400

STAGE: Oct. 25-26

Let your imagination go wild as Robert Munsch's children's books come alive in "The Paper Bag Princess and Other Stories." Colorful puppets contribute to the vibrant play as the paper-bag princess outwits an arrogant dragon and Mud Puddle teases his playmate and her dog. Mortimer doesn't let anyone sleep and Angela's Airplane flies high into the sky. Tickets are $12 general, $10 seniors, military and University of Hawai'i faculty/staff, $7 for non-UH Manoa students and children, and $3 for UH-Manoa students.

• 4 and 7 p.m. Oct. 25 and 2 p.m. Oct. 26 / Kennedy Theatre mainstage / 956-7655, 526-4400

CONCERT: Oct. 30

OK, so she didn't make that 50th State Fair gig a couple of summers ago. This time Ashanti, left, is heading for a bigger, better venue — the Blaisdell Arena, bringing monster hits such as "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)" and "Foolish" with her. Tickets are $39.50 at the box office and Ticketmaster outlets. If you wanna dance, it's general admission on the floor; upper levels are reserved seating.

• 7 p.m. Oct. 30 / Blaisdell Arena / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: Oct. 31

Get "Spooked" this Halloween when Chicago house pioneer DJ Heather, left, brings her special blend of underground house, techno and classic disco to Honolulu dance floors for a spook-tacular bash. Originally from Brooklyn, Heather has taken control of clubs from as far away as Vancouver, B.C., Berlin, France and Ibiza. Also on the bill: local DJs Gary-O, G-Spot, Scotty Soul and Tim B. Tickets: $15-$25, for 21 and older.

• 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Oct. 31 / The W Hotel / 591-3500

CONCERT: Oct. 31

Celebrate Halloween at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel during Monster Bash, a monster of a party as Tino and the Rhythm Klub heat up the dance floor. Dress up for a night of horror and you could win for best costume. Prizes will be given out, including Sheraton dinner certificates for two, show tickets and other goodies. Cover is $5, with free validated parking available.

• 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Oct. 31 / Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Esprit Nightclub / 931-8472

CONCERT: Nov. 12

"Cheer Up!" because Reel Big Fish, above, is skanking back into town. The fun-loving ska band, known for such hits as "She Has a Girlfriend Now," "Sell Out" and "I Want Your Girlfriend to be My Girlfriend Too," is a big favorite with local concert-goers. This is the band's sixth appearance in the islands. The Matches open. Tickets: $17.50.

• 7 p.m. Nov. 12 / Pipeline Cafe / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: Nov. 14

Soft rock duo Air Supply — Australian-born Russell Hitchcock and United Kingdom native Graham Russell — brings their sweet love songs from the Decade of Greed into town. Known for such timeless love songs as "Even the Nights are Better," "All Out of Love" and "Lost in Love," the crooners enjoyed many top 5 hits since their formation in 1975. Tickets are $45 for upper level, $55 for middle level loge, $45-$65 for floor level risers and $65 for floor level seating. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Dominican Sisters ministry to build an elder care facility on the North Shore.

• 8 p.m. Nov. 14 / Blaisdell Arena / 526-4400

CONCERT: Nov. 15

Grammy award winner Dave Alvin will showcase his folksy blues artistry during his Hawai'i debut. The singer-songwriter-guitarist will appear with guitarist Rick Shea. Alvin's albums include the electrifying "Out in California," the Grammy winning "Public Domain" and his first solo, "Romeo's Escape." Local guitar master Ledward Ka'apana also performs. Tickets: $25 at the door, or $20 in advance beginning Oct. 31.

• 9 p.m. Nov. 15 / Hawaiian Hut / 941-5205

Also: Alvin and Shea appear in concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. (808) 242-2787.

COMING UP:

• The Gridiron Show, Oct. 24-25, Diamond Head Theatre
• Hawaii International Film Festival, Oct. 30-Nov. 9
• Cecilio and Kapono, a symphony pops concert, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, Blaisdell Concert Hall
• Hawai i State Art Museum's first birthday party, Nov. 1
• Digital Underground, Nov. 3, Pipeline Cafe
• "All My Sons," by Arthur Miller, Nov. 7-Dec. 7, Hawai'i Pacific University
• Dilated Peoples, Nov. 10, Pipeline Cafe
• "Man of La Mancha," Nov. 13-29, Army Community Theatre
• Air Supply, Nov. 14, Blaisdell Arena
• Dave Alvin, blues and folk artist, Nov. 15, Hawaiian Hut
• Little Feat, Nov. 21, Kaka'ako Waterfront Park
• "Apartment 3A," Nov. 19-Dec. 7, Manoa Valley Theatre

BUZZING ABOUT:

It's WAR: The legendary jazzy rock funk band WAR is heading this way to headline a Nov. 8 concert at Sea Life Park, kicking off the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing festivities. Also on the bill are Island favorites Ho'onu'a, Go Jimmy Go, Ooklah the Moc and B.E.T. The concert begins at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight. Tickets are $23 advance, $30 on the day of the show; available at Sea Life Park, Hawaiian Island Creation stores, and the University of Hawai'i Campus Center. 259-7933 (charge by phone); 259-2577.

Roll 'em: Film fans, the biggie is coming up fast. The Hawaii International Film Festival, Oct. 30-Nov. 9, offers these alternative titles on the schedule:

"Mambo Italiano" (7:15 p.m. Nov. 3, Dole Cannery), the tale of two childhood guy pals — Angelo and Nino — who become more than pals in adulthood, to the dismay of their tradition-bound parents.

"Masters of the Pillow" (9:30 p.m. Nov. 3, Dole Cannery), a documentary that focuses on the sexuality of the hetero Asian-American male.

"Girls Will Be Girls" (7 p.m. Nov. 9, Dole Cannery), a drag-queen comedy about love, life and the quest for fame in Hollywood. The Los Angeles Times called it "a nonstop hoot."

Family fare: On a totally different film front, the family animated movie "Brother Bear" from the folks at Disney will open in theaters Nov. 1, a Saturday. After all, how many kiddies will be going to the movies the night before, Halloween? "Bear" is a tale about the bond between brothers and the human bond with nature, and it boasts a dynamic musical pedigree: six new songs from Phil Collins and a performance by Tina Turner.

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The Great Index to Fun (TGIF) four-week guide at least 10 working days before the event. This planner appears weekly, featuring major events only; others are listed in the weekend and daily calendars.

Write: TGIF, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802, or fax 525-8055.

E-mail: tgif@honoluluadvertiser.com

Schedule is subject to change.