The Buzz

The Ionz — from left, Jake Dalit, keyboards; Richard "Diehard" Matsushige, bass; Jason "RastaBot" Silva, drums/backing vocals; Ray "Iray" Sagaysay, lead vocals; Josh Bishaw, lead guitar/backing vocals; and Chris Mew, guitar/percussion (missing from photo) — will be part of the lineup at Players University tonight.

The last reggae stand at Players University

Intensified Reggae Nights at Players University come to a close this weekend with one last concert. The Ionz, Irie Souls and Stir Crazy, along with KTUH DJ Big Barr and the Intensified DJs, come together for some rock steady and reggae. Starting in April, the Intensified nights featured local roots reggae every Friday with live bands and DJs spinning reggae sounds. Those events did so well, a Saturday night weekly was added to Players in 'Aiea. The Intensified parties on Saturday nights will continue in 'Aiea for now, said promoter Damon Cabral. But catch the last University show — 9 p.m.-2 a.m. today — before it's gone. Cover is $5, for 18 and older. 949-5527.

In support of indie films

Undergo a metamorphosis at "Transformation" tonight at Studio 1. A fund-raiser for the local independent film festival Cinema Paradise 2003, the night features an art show, performance art and music from 5 to 9 p.m., including the work of sound and video artists from New York, San Francisco and Hawai'i, along with performance art by Giinko Marischino and preview clips from the film festival. Admission is free. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the club transforms, and for $10, the 21-and-older crowd can enjoy an eclectic mix of sounds. Performances include Brazilian beats with DJ Caju, Batucada Drummers, b-boys, Shaolin Kung Fu, Capoeira Senzala, Malosi on electric berimbau and DJ J-Boogie of San Francisco. The official lineup of Cinema Paradise will be announced, too; the festival takes place Sept. 19-25 at The Art House at Restaurant Row. 550-8701.

Advertiser library photo

Join the Palolo community Saturday for the ninth annual Palolo Pride Community Celebration. This year's theme is "Rebuilding a Foundation of Healthy Living for Palolo." There will be fun for all with entertainment featuring Sudden Rush, games, food, crafts, health booths, information booths, door prizes, classic car display, motorcycle display and children's rides. It all happens 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Palolo Valley District Park. Admission is free. 733-7358.

Windward Community College hosts ho'olaule'a

Head over to Kane'ohe Saturday for the 3rd annual Windward Ho'olaule'a at Windward Community College, featuring ono food, handmade crafts, local entertainment, Xtreme games and a fishing derby in the lo'i. There will be two stages of performances, with Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, above, Kapena, Ledward Ka'apana, Dita Holifield, Simplisity, Three Scoops of Aloha, Kamalamalama, Pila Nahenahe, Hawai'i Loa, J.P. Smoketrain, Touch of Gold and the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base band. Ka Pa Hula Kaia'ulu o Ko'olaupoko and Halau Hula O Na Wahine will also perform, and the Aloha Festivals royal court will make an appearance. Imaginarium shows and tours of the Aerospace Exploration Lab, NASA Flight Simulation Lab will be offered all day. Enjoy free movies at Paliku Theatre or the art exhibit "Crossings 2003:

Korea/Hawai'i," which will be showcased at Gallery 'Iolani.

Ho'olaule'a hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m.. No coolers are allowed at this non-alcoholic event.

Admission is free. 235-7400.

A musical celebration

Enjoy the music of Hawai'i today during Na Mele Nei, a weekly concert series presented by Native Books and Na Mea Hawai'i. Starting Sunday with a three-hour concert held in conjunction with the grand reopening celebration of Native Books and Na Mea Hawai'i, the series will continue every Sunday thereafter from 2 to 4 p.m. into October. This Sunday's concert begins at 1 p.m. at the Ward Warehouse amphitheater stage with I. Mihana, Moana Chang and Boat Days and Weldon Kekauoha and Tapa Groove, above. Performers in the coming weeks include Opihi Pickers, Maunalua, George Kahumoku and Believe. Admission is free. 596-8885.

A blend of sounds on the guitar

International guitarist Alex de Grassi brings his steel-string acoustic guitar stylings to the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Doris Duke Theatre at 7:30 tonight for one concert only. Born in Japan and raised in San Francisco, de Grassi recorded his first album, "Turning: Turning Back" in 1978 with Windham Hill Records. Since then, he has gone on to record with RCA/Novus, Tropo Records and other labels. Known for his blend of gypsy, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and jazz rhythms, watch de Grassi in action as he weaves together a passionate mix of music. Tickets are $20 general and $18 for museum members. 532-8700.

Free concert at the Moana

The Army Community Theatre's sixth season of Sundays @ 2 Matinee Readers Theatre kicks off Sunday with "Abie's Irish Rose." This comedy by Anne Nichols features Abraham Levy, who brings home his Irish bride to his father, introducing her as Jewish to please him. When the bride's father arrives and the truth is revealed, a comic war breaks out. Showtimes are 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 and 21 at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. Tickets are $6. 438-4480.

Organizer Karen Sewai is ready to celebrate at Saturday's Dae Jan Chi Festival at McCoy Pavilion.

Giving thanks at a Korean festival

Join the Korean community Saturday at the Dae Jan Chi Festival, or the Korean Thanksgiving, which traditionally marks the annual harvest. From noon to 6 p.m., Ala Moana Park's McCoy Pavilion will be alive with food, door prizes and entertainment featuring folk singer Kum Mi Lee from Seoul. Performances will also include Chan Ung Park of Ohio State University, Halla Huhm Dance Studio, the Senior Citizen College Dance Group and taekwondo demonstrations. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., there will be a mochi-making contest, followed by a folk-singing contest from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. 947-1225.