The Buzz

Be there Saturday night when the feel-good Intensified reggae party at Bikinis Sports Bar hosts a send-off party for local reggae favorite Ooklah the Moc. The band is heading for the Mainland early next month for its first West Coast tour. And when they come back, they expect to release a new album, "Rearrange Your Positive," too.

Doors open at 9 p.m., with roots-reggae grooves from DJ Big Barr of KTUH, followed by the band. Cover is $7 for 18- to 20-year-olds, $5 for 21 and older. 944-0001.

You can also catch Ooklah before they leave at a few more hot spots around town, such as at Pub Kagami on Feb. 27, Phillip Paolo's on Feb. 28 and Kapi'olani Community College on March 4.

One canceled, one postponed

• Sean Paul & His Band, Thalisa and Mr. Easy have canceled their O'ahu and Maui shows this weekend. Refunds available at point of purchase, or will be processed automatically if bought by phone or online. All other inquiries: (877) 750-4400.
• Reggae favorite Pato Banton, who was to perform on O'ahu and the Big Island this weekend, has a scheduling conflict. Barrington Levy, who was to appear on the same bill, also had a scheduling conflict. Promoter Hurricane Productions hopes to bring the two for a concert at a later date.

Pipeline Band is ready to celebrate

Hang ten with the Pipeline Band this weekend as it celebrates at its CD release party Saturday night. The band's second album, "Shadow Reef," was released in late October to favorable reviews about the original tunes done in an Island-reggae style comparable to UB40 and Big Mountain. They're also planning their first West Coast tour this summer. The band has a weekly gig at Kapono's from 10 p.m. Fridays to 1:30 a.m. Saturdays.

The release party also features local bands Kawau, Ten Feet and B.E.T. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the bash goes all the way to 2 a.m. at The Beach House in Aloha Tower Marketplace. Cover is $5. 566-0644.

Funny stuff at the Hawaiian Hut

It'll be two laughs a minute tonight during the comedy showcase "Make Me Laugh 2." Old and new comics, including Bo Irvine, Da Braddahs, Mel Cabang, Tony Solis, Cathy Tanaka, Shawn Felipe, Champ and Kaleo Pilanca, come together for this night of hilarity. There'll be two chances to catch the fun at the Hawaiian Hut, with shows at 9 and 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 735-0292, ext. 206.

Rhino Bucket at Gussie's

Los Angeles-based heavy-metal band Rhino Bucket charges into town this weekend. Formed in 1987, the self-proclaimed "last real rock band" is known for its Bon Scott-era AC/DC sound on its self-titled debut album and the follow-up "Get Used to It." Members Georg Dolivo, Reeve Downes, Brian Forsythe and Jackie Enx (formerly known as Liam Jason) proved they knew how to party on when their music was featured in the "Wayne's World" movie and soundtrack. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Gussie L'Amour's. Rated X is the opening band. Tickets are $7 advance (good for both nights) or $10 on the day of the show. 836-7883.

The Mardi Gras revelry takes to the streets at the annual Nu'uanu block party Tuesday night, one of many celebrations on O'ahu.

Load up on the fun and food before the Lent season begins, with some of these Mardi Gras events:

• Studio 1 Gallery celebrates Mardi Gras on two nights with Aloha Brasil. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Saturday for the kickoff party and on Tuesday for the band's encore presentation. Cover is $5. 550-8701.
• Mardi Gras 2004 happens Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with DJs Adrian and James Yao. Honolulu's gay surf club, Na Aikane He'e Nalu O Hawai'i, returns to La Mariana Sailing Club for a dance party of lounge, trance and progressive house. Cover is $10 for this benefit for the Surfrider Foundation and Gregory House Programs. 783-2501, 848-2800.
• The weekly Feng Shui Ultralounge features the Mardi Gras Carnival edition on Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Ciao Mein and Poolside Bar. Grooves provided by DJs G-Spot, Daniel J, IKON, Scottie Soul, Delve.Oneder and XL. Cover is $10, for 21 and older. 957-0303.
• Big Tom's weekly Fresh party hosts the Mardi Gras Carnivale, with local DJs Marz and Regina, Derek Daniels' carnivale dancers and a firedancer performance after midnight. The party happens 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturday, at Level 2, 2301 Kuhio Ave. Cover is $10 at the door, or $5 before 11 p.m. or all night with a military ID; for 21 and older. 955-4852.
• Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Celebration happens at the Ocean Club on Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.-4 a.m. There will be the Dr Jazz Sextet, masked go-gos and free beads. Find the baby in the king cake for a year of good luck. Cover is free before 8 p.m. and $4 after; for 23 and older. 531-8444.
• Fat Tuesday at Kapono's features the Live Mega Music Bob-a-Thon Jamboree with 99.5 Bob FM. Free beads, crazy contests and music by Rizon, Jack the Dog, Shining Star and Tino & the Rhythm Klub heat up Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover is $10, for 21 and older. Those who arrive before 7 p.m. and anyone named Bob, Robert, Bobby, Roberta or Bobbi get in free. 536-2161.
• Gordon Biersch hosts its annual Mardi Gras Festival with a parade, costumed performers, mudbug boil and party featuring Zanuck Lindsey and Friends. It happens Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 599-4877.
• Dixie Grill celebrates Mardi Gras from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Dixie Grill in 'Aiea hosts Back Street, while the Ward Avenue site will have J.P. Smoketrain and Dominic Leonard. No cover charge. 485-2722, 596-8359.
• The Fourth Annual Nu'uanu Mardi Gras Block Party takes place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday along Nu'uanu Avenue, between Pauahi and King streets. The night's festivities, presented by Nu'uanu Merchants, include music by H2O and Aloha Brasil, games, New Orleans cuisine, "liquid tents," retail booths, art displays, stage presentations, palm readings and a Krewe Ball costume contest at 9 p.m. A percentage of the proceeds benefit The ARTS at Marks Garage community program of the Hawaii Alliance for Arts Education. Admission is free. 521-2900.
• Carnivale! A Mardi Gras Celebration happens at Hula's Bar and Lei Stand with Derek Daniels' Party Favor dancers. Former New Yorker and current Honoluluan DJ Maxxx spins tribal and Latin rhythms for a very Miami-type sound. The party starts at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Cover is $5 general, $3 for those with a HUI card. 923-0669.
• Ryan's Grill wraps up its 6th annual Carnival Celebration with Island favorite Ten Feet performing from 9 p.m. to midnight Tuesday. 591-9132.
• Pipeline Cafe presents Fat Tuesday on Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., for 21 and older. 589-1999.
• The Pussycat Lounge hosts a Mardi Gras party with hip-hoppers Psychokinetics from San Francisco. Also in the house will be SubZero's Strong Arm crew, and DJs A2Z, KSM, Sub Zero and D:ManD. It happens Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Wave Waikiki. Cover is $10 before midnight, for 21 and older. Or wear gold, green and purple and get in free before midnight. 941-0424.

Annual Backyard Jam is Sunday

Admission is free, and there's free shuttle service from the Kapi'olani Community College parking lot. 545-3228.

Remembering Glen Grant

"A Tribute to Glen Grant" will be held at 7:30 tonight in honor of the master storyteller, author, historian, teacher, radio personality, ghost-tour guide and "Chicken Skin" entrepreneur who died last June. The event, the first public tribute since the memorial service, happens three days before Grant's 57th birthday.

The evening's events include a spoken-word performance by Poetry Without a Net and a screening of "The Red Hibiscus," a short film directed by Robert Pennybacker and dedicated to Grant's memory (the film's main character is partially based on Grant). Clips from local television specials featuring Grant will also be screened. The night will close with an open-mike session for those who want to pay a personal tribute.

It all happens at Glen Grant's The Haunt, at 2634 S. King St. Admission is $10 advance, $12 at the door, and $8 for senior citizens and students. Proceeds go to the Glen Grant Memorial Scholarship. 943-0371.

Fairs for family and friends

• Sacred Hearts Academy's Superfair 2004, with a "Back to the Future" theme, runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and Saturday on campus. There will be entertainment, food, Xtreme Fun rides, games, farmers' market, white elephant sale, plants and a craft fair. Admission is free. 734-5028, ext. 229.
• Wailupe Valley Elementary School hosts a Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday on school grounds at 939 Hind Iuka Drive in 'Aina Haina. There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable bouncers and slide, games and activity booths, country store and food. Admission is free, and proceeds will buy school supplies and books. 377-2414.