The Buzz

Stallions come to town

The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions leap into action Thursday, kicking off a series of 11 shows at the Blaisdell Arena. The majestic and graceful stallions perform in a family-friendly event that reflects on the history, training and relationship of the horse and rider. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3-4 and 9-11; 2:30 p.m. Sept. 4-5, 11-12; and 6 p.m. Sept. 5. Tickets are $19.50, $24.50 and $35. Children 12 and younger and seniors 60 and older get $2 off. Group discounts of $5 are available for groups of 15 or more. (877) 750-4400.

It's movie time at The ARTS

"2," a film by director Robert Pennybacker and cinematographer Ken Libby, premieres at 9 p.m. Thursday at The ARTS at Marks Garage. The experimental, dramatic film — inspired by the hyper-realism of films by John Cassavetes and Alan Arkin — stars Donalyn DelaCruz and Lopaka Kapanui as a contemporary Island couple who try to overcome their differences by spending a whole day alone — together — but the tale unravels into something unplanned. The 26-minute film may be noted for its use of a Sony CineAlta high-definition camera that captures sharp details and luminous colors and for its spontaneous, live music performed by a combo during the screening of the film. Tickets: $5 at the door. 923-0373.

Aquarium concerts continue

Waikiki Aquarium's summer concert series Ke Kani O Ke Kai continues Thursday with Na Hoku Hanohano award winners Maunalua. Enjoy the warm sunset, light breezes and sweet harmonies all in one place at this outdoor concert. Local restaurants will have food booths with scrip available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert happening 7-8 p.m. Tickets are $18 general, $10 youths 7-12 and free for those 6 and younger. Tickets for Friends of the Waikiki Aquarium members are $15 general and $7 youths. Proceeds benefit the aquarium programs and exhibits. Reservations: 923-9741, option 3. Only the first 550 reservations will be accepted.

Stars of taiko at the Shell

Masters of traditional Japanese drumming from Japan, Hawai'i and the Mainland will create a cross-cultural fusion in "International Stars of Taiko in Concert," 7 p.m. Saturday at the Waikiki Shell. The program will spotlight the rhythms of Hiroo Asanuma and the original techniques of Japan's award-winning Yoshiya Kawasuji. Seiichi Tanaka of San Francisco will bring a modern beat to the concert, which also will feature the internationally renowned Hiroyuki Hayashida and the ensemble drumming of Japan's acclaimed Kiyonari Tosha. Members of the all-women taiko ensemble Amanojaku — Mayumi Kawana, Hiromi Ogawa and Harumi Wakui — will combine elements of traditional and contemporary music in their performance. Tickets are $30 for seats, $20 lawn. (877) 750-4400, www.hawaiitaiko.com.

Advertiser library photo

Two days of Greek delights

The 24th annual Greek Festival gets under way this weekend at Ala Moana Park's McCoy Pavilion with a plethora of goodies. This year's celebration promises to be vibrantly energetic with authentic Greek food, baked goods and beverages. The fun also includes entertainment by solo guitarist Sotos Kappas, contemporary Greek music of The Hellenic Sounds Band, The Nissiostis Dancers and belly dancing. The festival takes place from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is $3 adults and free for those younger than 11. The event is a fund-raiser for Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. 521-7220.

A la Sammy Davis Jr.

Singer-dancer-actor Sammy Davis Jr. lives on in "A Tribute to Sammy," featuring Garry Moore, above, as the famed Rat Packer. Kimo Kahoano, George Chun and Al Waterson join Moore for a night of humor, music and fun. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel Esprit Nightclub. Tickets are $15, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Hawaii Lupus Foundation. 538-1522.

Natural Vibrations at two gigs

Natural Vibrations, above, spreads the love this weekend with a concert on the windward side and another in town. At 7 tonight, the band hits the Ron Bright Theatre at Castle High School for a benefit concert for former radio personality James "Jimbo" Medeiros, who is waiting for a kidney transplant. "Ka Mele O Ke Ola" — or The Music of Life — also features Ilona Irvine, TOA and the Opihi Pickers. A silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 advance or $15 at the door. 235-3791, 372-9113.

At 9 p.m. Saturday, Natural Vibes heads for Aloha Tower Marketplace for the Summer's End Bash Concert at Kapono's. The roots, rock and reggae dance party also features Dub Phylum and Ooklah the Moc. Tickets are $15. 842-0927.

All together now

Musical harmony takes centerstage at "Barbershop Bandstand," a concert offered by the Na Leo Lani Chorus and featuring sounds of the '50s and '60s. The 2002 Sweet Adelines International Quartet Champion, Fanatix, above, headlines the show. Also in the entertainment lineup: Young Women in Harmony 2004 Quartet Champion, Better Than Chocolate, The Young Women in Harmony Hawaii State Chorus, Pacific Trades, The Skylarks, Island Fever and Synergy. Dick Souza hosts. Show time is 7 p.m. Saturday at the Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College. Tickets are $15. 235-7433.

Show biz at the Beach

Sunset on the Beach, the festival of food booths, entertainment and movies, gets an extra dose of stardust this weekend: Each night will feature the premiere of a filmed-in-Hawai'i television series, and cast and crew members also will appear. Two episodes of "Lost," about survivors of a plane crash on a Pacific island, will be screened from 7:30 p.m. Saturday; "Hawaii" will be screened Sunday (afterward, "The Bourne Identity," starring Matt Damon, hits the screen). Celebrity arrivals begin at 6 p.m. each day. Sunset events begin at 4 p.m. each day at Queen's Surf Beach in Waikiki. Admission is free. 523-2489.

Lots of folks are familiar with Liliha Bakery's Coco Puffs (here's baker Rogelio Cacho with a tray of the delights), but you can learn even more about the community at Saturday's I Love Liliha festival. Andrew Shimabuku • The Honolulu Advertiser

Starring the Liliha community

Show your love for Liliha at the I Love Liliha community day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Delight in the many offerings at this fun-filled fair, including food booths, live entertainment, crafters, produce, plants, keiki activities and health fair. It all takes place on the Lanakila Elementary School grounds. Admission is free. 234-0404.

There's still time to dance

The summer season of bon dances is nearing the end, but two festivals are happening Saturday on O'ahu:

• 5-10 p.m. at Kapahulu Center. 737-1748.
• 7:30 p.m. at Aiea Hongwanji Mission. 488-5685.

Admission is free, but bring some cash for snacks and drinks.

Swing and film at the museum

Summer don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing, so kick up your heels and let loose as ARTafterDARK presents this month's theme, "Summer Swing!" Tonight's pau-hana party from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Honolulu Academy of Arts features demonstrations and mini-lessons with dancing duo Jennifer and Matthew Wong. Swingtime in Hawaii provides big band sounds, and "Roman Holiday" screens in the Doris Duke Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Film tickets are $3, while admission to ARTafterDARK is $7 general, free for museum members. 532-6091.

All for laughs

If you feel the need to laugh — and who doesn't? — there's the comedy revue "Make Me Laugh 3," at 9 p.m. Saturday at the South Seas Village, Hawaiian Hut at the Ala Moana Hotel. Among the featured comics are Ed Kaahea and Dave Lancaster, above from left, who comprise Booga Booga. Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 in advance. 545-3642.

How to get tickets

• Blaisdell Center box office: 777 Ward Ave. Sells tickets for Blaisdell Center and Waikiki Shell events. Information: 591-2211.
• Goldenvoice presentations: Ticketmaster outlets, including Times Super Markets, and Blaisdell box office. Charge by phone: (877) 750-4400.
• Hawaii Opera Theatre: The box office is at 987 Waimanu St. Single tickets available in the fall, season tickets available now. 596-7858 on O'ahu, (800) 836-7372 from the Neighbor Islands. www.hawaiiopera.org.
• Hawai'i Theatre box office: 1130 Bethel St. Charge by phone: 528-0506.
• Honolulu Symphony box office: 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 202, at Dole Cannery. Tickets for symphony events at Blaisdell Center are also sold at the Blaisdell box offices. Charge by phone: 792-2000.
• Ticketmaster: Tickets for Blaisdell Center and Waikiki Shell events and Times Super Markets. Charge by phone: (877) 750-4400. Online at www.ticketmaster.com.