CONCERT: July 29

Michelle Branch, left, is branching out "Everywhere," as this youthful singer/songwriter prepares to make her Hawai'i debut. Her passionate, reflective music helped her first album, "The Spirit Room," take off and her latest album, "Hotel Paper," garner platinum status. Tickets are $30 and $35 reserved and $20 lawn.

CONCERT: July 30-31

Always the biggest birthday party in the Islands, this year's KCCN FM100 Birthday Bash XIV once again offers up a full plate of music over two nights. The lineup for July 30 includes Natural Vibrations, Vika and Local Culture, Ho'onu'a, Sudden Rush, Pau Hana, 'Ekolu, Kekai Boys and Opihi Pickers. Keep jamming on July 31 with Kapena, Natural Vibrations, Kon Tiki, Three Plus, Na Palapalai with Keali'i Reichel (right), O-shen, Keahiwai, B.E.T. and The Next Generation. Tickets for one show are $18.50 lawn, $19.50 terrace and $26 pool. Two-show admission prices are $27 lawn, $29 terrace. The first 5,000 through the gate each night receive a free FM100 Birthday Bash windshield reflector.

CONCERT: July 30-31

The Hawaii International Jazz Festival is back for its 11th year, this time to pay tribute to Hawai'i's families of jazz and to present historic sounds from the early years of jazz in the Islands. The first night, "Swingtime in Hawaii," honors local artists including Melveen Leed, Jimmy Borges and Gabe Baltazar, left. Clarinetist Ken Peplowski also joins the lineup. The second night, "International Jazz," showcases Grammy award-winning pianist Lalo Schifrin, along with Gypsy Pacific of Maui, Honolulu Jazz Quartet and saxophonist David Choy. Tickets are $20, $35 and $45.

Also: The Hawaii International Jazz Festival also takes place at 7 p.m. Aug. 6-7, with jazz saxophonist Eric Marienthal the first night and Honolulu's Swingtime Big Band the second. It takes place in the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's Castle Theater. Tickets are $20, $35 and $45. (808) 242-7469.

CONCERT: July 31

It's all about the love, baby. Get swept up in the amorous sounds of the Love Festival 2004 as it makes its annual stop in the Islands this summer. Featuring Richard "Humpty" Vission, Nocturnal Sound Krew, MC Supernatural, DJ Rectangle, Tonz of Drumz featuring CRS and APX-1, Doran, DJ Reza, Ikon, G-Spot, Kause with MC Enemy and Bass-X, this outdoor concert has got it goin' on. Tickets for this all-ages dance-a-thon are $20 and $25.

CONCERT: Aug. 6

The summer season is all about the sun, the breezes and the stars ... or the Summer Show of Stars. Get starry-eyed with the rock 'n' roll sounds of Dion, sentimental stylings of Bobby Vee, do-wop harmony of The Crystals, and rock on with Dave Sommerville and the original Diamonds. Tickets are $45.

OPERA: Aug. 6-15

The summer is about to get HOT as Hawaii Opera Theater presents Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Mikado." Sung in English, this comedy offers a hilarious look at the customs of a Japanese village through a Western looking-glass. The cast includes Jamie Offenbach as the Mikado of Japan, Kevin Anderson as Nanki-Poo, Kathy Krosovec as Yum-Yum and Cathy Foy as Pitti-Sing. Tickets are $20-$75 for the 8 and 4 p.m. shows. Tickets for the 2 p.m. Aug. 7 matinee are $10 (up to four tickets, as long as one is for someone younger than 18). Group/military night is 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14, with all seats $20.

CONCERT: Aug. 11

North Shore native/singer/songwriter Jack Johnson returns to his roots for a solo acoustic performance benefiting the Kokua Hawaii Foundation. Joining him will be fellow surfer/musician Donavon Frankenreiter, right. The evening also includes a screening of Johnson's new surf documentary, "A Broke Down Melody." It's sold out.

Also: Johnson, Frankenreiter and the movie appear at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theatre. Tickets are $26 and $36. (808) 242-7469.

CONCERT: Aug. 14

Start feeling irie in the Islands as Reggae in Paradise welcomes Bunny Wailer, left, and Luciano. A founding member of the Wailers and now the trio's only surviving member, the Grammy award-winning Wailer roots reggae style will be backed by Solomonic Reggaestra. The spiritual R&B reggae sounds of Luciano will be backed by the Jah Messenjah Band. Also appearing will be reggae artists Dean Fraser and Mikey General along with local bands. Tickets are $35.

Also: Reggae in Paradise will be at 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at the War Memorial Baseball Stadium on Maui.

CONCERT: Aug. 14

Relax to the soothing sounds of acoustic Hawaiian music during the 21st annual Ka Himeni Ana Hawaiian song contest. The concert follows the tradition of performing Hawaiian-language songs without amplifying voices or instruments. Past winners of this venerated event include 'Ale'a, Moana Chang and Family and Kanilau. Uncle Keola Beamer serves as master of ceremonies. Tickets range from $6 to $30.