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Local favorite: Iolani School prepares for a family fare

"Blast to the Past" is the theme of Iolani School's annual family fair, noon-10 p.m. April 16-17 at the school's baseball field. There'll be goodies at food booths, homemade jam and jellies, fresh produce, plants, haku lei, hand-sewn quilts and ceramics. Other attractions include a silent auction, country store, boutique, games, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, student talent show and Xtreme Fun rides. Entertainers include Vaihi, Chant, Kikaida, Opihi Pickers and Keahiwai. Admission is free. 943-2339.

CONCERT: April 9-10

Jazz master David Benoit, right, joins the Honolulu Symphony for the next concert in the Hawaiian Airlines Pops Series. Composer-pianist Benoit is a pioneer of the smooth jazz sound whose latest release, "Right Here, Right Now," includes a bossa nova-spiced track titled "Swingin' Waikiki." Concert guests Michael Paulo on saxophone and Sonya Mendez on vocals join in on the fun. Matt Catingub conducts. Tickets are $20, $30, $40, $50 and $65.

FESTIVAL: April 17

The theme of this year's East-West Fest, left, is "'Ohana Brightens the World." Organized by the East-West Center's international students, the annual community festival celebrates culture and diversity with performances by students from countries in Asia and the Pacific, food, displays, interactive exhibits and games. The festival comes to a close with a paper lantern parade and international disco. Admission is free.

CONCERT: April 23-25

Imagine the ultimate rock tribute concert and you'll get "Rock Legends." This event celebrates the success of classic bands The Beatles, ABBA and Queen with renditions of timeless songs such as "Yesterday," "Dancing Queen" and "We Will Rock You." Forty members of the Honolulu Symphony will accompany the tribute performers. Tickets range from $35 to $65. The Advertiser is a sponsor.

STAGE: April 30-May 1

Giddy up, cowboys, as the Sounds of Aloha Chorus presents "Rhinestone Rides Again." This barbershop melodrama set in the old west features the Tropichords, the Pacific Trades, the Sounds of Aloha Chorus and international barbershop quartet champions Four Voices, right. Early cowpokes who get there at 7 p.m. are treated to John McCreary on the Robert Morton Theatre Organ. Tickets are $12, $18 and $25, with discounts for Hawai'i Theatre members, students, seniors, military and groups of 10 or more.

CONCERT: April 10

Senegal native and spiritual pop singer Baaba Maal is bringing beautiful music to the Islands via his 34-date world tour. Born into a fisherman's caste in Western Africa and despite his parents' hopes that he become a lawyer, Maal went on to follow the music in his heart to become a pillar of the African music world. His unique sound ranges from pure traditional grooves to pulsating vibrant fusion. Tickets are $25 general, $20 military, seniors, students and UH faculty and staff.

Also: Maal performs April 7 at Kahilu Theatre on the Big Island, April 8 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and April 9 at Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

MIXED BAG: April 15-18

The First Hawaiian International Auto Show once again showcases new 2004 models with sports cars, luxury models, sport-utility vehicles and new trucks among the mix. Admission is $7 general, $5 seniors and military, $4 children ages 7-12 and free for children 6 and younger. Discount coupons will be available at First Hawaiian Bank branches on O'ahu, participating McDonald's restaurants, participating new car dealers and at www.autoshowusa.com.

STAGE: April 23-May 2

The University of Hawai'i-Manoa Department of Theatre and Dance presents "Nozaki Village," left, a kabuki comedy-drama done in English. Kabuki, which means song, dance and skill, is a popular Japanese theater form that originated in 1603. "Village" tells the story of a country girl, a city girl, two suitors and a cunning clerk who all strive for love. Julie Iezzi directs. Tickets are $18 general, $15 seniors, military and UH faculty/staff, $12 non-UHM students and youths, and $3 UHM students.

FESTIVAL: April 23-24

The 2nd annual Waikiki Spam Jam street festival is back with more Spam than ever. The event kicks off with the making, unveiling and eating of the world's longest Spam musubi. The first night features a Spam Jam concert and comedy revue at 6 p.m. at All Star Hawaii; admission is free if you bring a can of Spam, which will be donated to the Hawaii Foodbank. The street party happens on the second day, with Spam dishes prepared by local chefs. Two stages of entertainment, hula performances and craft tents also are in store. Admission is free.

COMEDY: May 1

The legendary touring comedy troupe The Second City is set to bring laughs galore to the Islands. The Chicago-based comedy theater has in the past produced such comics as Bill Murray, Mike Meyers, Gilda Radner and Tina Fey. Get ready for hilarious sketches, comedic songs and cutting-edge improv with rising comedy stars. Tickets are $20, $25 and $30.

Also: catch the laughs at 7:30 p.m. April 29 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets are $20, $25 and $30. (808) 242-7469.

Coming up ...

• Na Palapalai, April 23, Hawai'i Theatre
• May Day Concert with The Brothers Cazimero, May 1, Waikiki Shell
• Toto, with the Honolulu Symphony Pops, May 7-8, Blaisdell Concert Hall
• Kumulipo II, May 8, Hawai'i Theatre
• GiRL FeST, multimedia festival, May 28-June 5, venues to be announced
• "The Honeymoon-ers: The Lost Episodes," starring Joe Moore and Pat Sajak, June 17-20, Hawai'i Theatre
• 'Ukulele Festival, July 25, Kapi'olani Park bandstand
• Hawaii International Jazz Festival, July 30-31 at Hawai'i Theatre, Aug. 6-7 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center