The Buzz

Step up to the dance

Elizabeth Merida and Marissa Glorioso take part in "Spring Footholds," beginning this weekend. Andrew Shimabuku

The 15th annual Leeward Community College Dance Festival features 10 local choreographers and 50 dancers performing forms ranging from jazz, modern, ballet, contemporary Hawaiian and West African dance and drumming. Performers include Tau Dance Theatre, Giinko Marischino, Honolulu Ballet Theatre, the Kuumba West African Dance and Drumming Collective, the University of Hawai'i-Manoa dance ensemble and the LCC dance ensemble. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday in the LCC Theatre. Tickets are $10 advance, $12 at the door. 455-0385.

The School of Hawaii State Ballet performs with the Junior Company during Act II of "Swan Lake." John Landovsky and Georgina Surles direct. Show times are 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Mamiya Theatre on the Saint Louis School campus. Tickets are $15. 947-2755.

The University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Department of Theatre and Dance brings "Spring Footholds: Suggestions Under Consideration" to the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. The show features original choreography by Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates Malia Bowlby, Larisa Eastman, Janie Ewing and Christopher Steven Quiocho. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and May 7-8 and 2 p.m. May 9. A discussion follows the May 7 performance. Tickets are $10 general, $8 seniors, military, UH faculty/staff and non-UHM students, and $3 UHM students. 956-7655.

The Rhinestone Cowboy (Scott Moura) saves Sioux City Sue (Stephanie Conching) from the villainous Black Bart (Hank Drayton) in "Rhinestone Rides Again."

In harmony at 'Rhinestones'

"Rhinestone Rides Again" at two shows this weekend at the Hawai'i Theatre. It's a barbershop melodrama of the Old West, presented by the Sounds of Aloha Chorus, along with performances by the Tropichords, Pacific Trades Quartet and international barbershop quartet champions Four Voices. The show starts at 7:34 p.m. today and Saturday or come at 7 for the sounds of John McCreary on the Robert Morton Theatre Organ. Tickets are $12, $18 and $25, with a $5 discount for seniors, students, military and groups of 10 or more. 528-0506.

In the house: Paul Oakenfold

Oh, my ... consider "Starry Eyed Surprise." Yup, we concur that Paul Oakenfold's lone stab at a mainstream pop hit ... well ... pretty much sucked, big time. But there's no denying the London-bred DJ/producer/remixer some justifiable props (and equally justifiable hisses) for introducing the joys of house music to thousands of British club kids back in the '90s. It's not his fault, after all, that the masses eventually embraced house to the point where it has become the official soundtrack of upscale martini-lounge nights and W-Hotel bars the world over. It's not his fault house has bred more bastard offshoot music genres than rock 'n' roll. Bitter? Not us. And who are we kidding here, anyway? We love house music! Honest! 9 p.m. Saturday, Pipeline Café. $20. (877) 750-4400.

Among the cast members of Kawananakoa's "The Emperor's Nightingale" are, standing, from left, Michael Blickos, Jennifer Luong, Shane Doi, Jay Kesner and Michael Cabagbag; kneeling, Wai Yan Lam.

Students take the stage

Go back to school this weekend with two student stage offerings:

The Pearl City High School Dramatic Arts program features its second ever full-length play with "The Princess Bride." The hilarious characters in this fairy tale adventure come to life again, led by director Steven H.Y. Kam. Showtimes are 7 p.m. today and Sunday in the Pearl City Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Pearl City High School. Tickets are $5 at the door. 453-6500.

Kawananakoa Middle School Drama Club presents the Hans Christian Andersen tale "The Emperor's Nightingale." This adaptation of the classic story features colorful puppets, a friendly dragon and original music. Showtimes 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday in the school auditorium. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children. 587-4430.

Spice up your Cinco de Mayo

Get ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style:

Compadres Bar & Grill in Ward Centre features a one-week celebration with strolling musicians Saturday and Sunday, Margarita Madness Monday and pre-Cinco Taco Tuesday from 4 p.m. On Wednesday, catch a balloon artist 4-6 p.m. for keiki and 10 p.m.-midnight for adults, and El Mariachi Loco 10 p.m.-closing. Across the walkway, the Compadres Party Zone heats up 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with the Stone Groove Family. Cover is $5, for 21 and older. 591-8307.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Center of Hawaii host a Cinco de Mayo blowout bash Sunday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Kapi'olani Park bandstand area. The day begins with a 5K fun run at 7 a.m. followed by an awards ceremony. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy the food, arts and crafts, low-rider car display and keiki games. Entertainment featured includes Duchicela, Folklorico Del Mar, Internacionales Pasteles, Latino's Band, DJ Miriam, El Conjunto Tropical, Los Amigos Mexican Folklorico Group, Greg and Junko MacDonald, the Royal Hawaiian Band and the Honolulu Symphony Choral Group. Admission is free. 941-5216, 285-0072.

The Ocean Club hosts a Cuatro de Mayo celebration Tuesday with a mariachi band and go-go dancers. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. No cover before 8 p.m. and $5 after, for 23 and older. 531-8444.

The Cinco de Mayo Waterfront Block Party at Aloha Marketplace starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, with salsa dancers, pi–atas and strolling mariachis. The center atrium will heat up with Rolando Sanchez and Salsa Hawaii performing before Los Amigos hits the stage. At Big Island Steakhouse, catch music with Pai'ea while Don Ho's hosts DJ Kevin Nakasone. Gordon Biersch boasts the sounds of Guy Cruz and Friends followed by Zanuck Lindsey and Company, and Kapono's features namesake Henry Kapono early in the evening with Son Caribe later that night. Admission is free, for 21 and older. 566-2337.

Get outta town and party at Kemo'o Farm Pub and Lakeside Lanai during a Cinco de Mayo bash featuring El Conjunto Tropical, 7-11 p.m. Wednesday. Cover is $5, for 21 and older. 621-1835, 622-5009.

Hula's Bar & Lei Stand combines Cinco de Mayo with a Boys' Day Bash at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Get shaking to the Latin beats of DJ Renee and the go-go moves of Derek Daniels' Party Favor Dancers. No cover. 923-0669.

Wave Waikiki hosts a Cinco de Mayo party 9 p.m.-4 a.m. Wednesday. Cover is $5, for 21 and older. 941-0424.

For kids of all ages