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Local favorite: Go for the grinds at 'A Taste of Hongwanji'

Jams/jellies, pickled vegetables, sushi, bento plates, stew and rice, fried noodles, baked goods ... hungry yet? Fill your appetite at "A Taste of Hongwanji," the annual bazaar fund-raiser for the Buddhist temple Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. March 21 on the temple grounds, 1727 Pali Hwy. You'll also find the temple's signature cookbooks, plants, gently-used items, a games/creativity corner for youngsters, and a tour of the temple by resident ministers. Admission is free. 536-7044.

STAGE: March 19-21

'Ohi'a Productions presents its spring musical, "Beneath the Ocean Blue," left, another collaboration between playwright Lisa Matsumoto and songwriter Roslyn, this time revolving around the wondrous characters who dwell in Hawai'i's underwater world. Tickets are $10 general and $5 for students and children 12 and younger.

7 p.m. March 19, 2, 4 and 7 p.m. March 20 and 2 and 4 p.m. March 21 / Paliku Theatre / 235-7433, www.etickethawaii.com.

CONCERT: March 26

A favorite of MTV's popular "TRL" show, Dashboard Confessional brings its requests live to the Islands. Fronted by singer/songwriter Christopher Carrabba, right, and joined by Sunny Day Real Estate's Dan Hoerner, the band's emocore style and alternative sound has garnered a cult following. Claims to fame include "Hands Down," "Screaming Infidelities" and "Rapid Hope Loss." Tickets: $20.

7 p.m. March 26 / Pipeline Café / (877) 750-4400

FESTIVAL: March 27

Celebrate Portuguese culture when the Hawaii Council on Portuguese Heritage presents "Festa." On the menu: some of Hawai'i's favorite foods including malasadas, Portuguese bean soup, Portuguese sausage hot dogs on sweet bread buns, a marinated pork plate and Portuguese tostitos. In addition, there will be a beer and wine garden, local comedy and musical entertainment, a craft sale, cultural displays and the music and dance of Portugal. Local funnyman Frank DeLima headlines the entertainment, along with musician Jesse Rivera and the 30-member Portuguese dance troupe Alma Ribatejana. Admission to the Festa is $3 general and free for children 12 and younger. Admission to Alma Ribatejana's encore performance at 6:30 p.m. is $5 general and $1 for children 12 and younger.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 27 / Ala Moana Park, McCoy Pavilion / 845-1616

DANCE: April 2-3

The celebrated Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre presents a restaging of "Hawaiian Myths and Legends," left. Award-winning choreographer Cheryl Flaharty directs this stunning visual and energetic work, which is an interpretation of the cultural mythology of the Islands. Former Iona dancer David DeBlieck returns to the company this season as a guest artist and co-choreographer, offering up aerial performances and dancers suspended by silk. Other collaborators in this production include contemporary Hawaiian playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl and composers Melinda Caroll and David Kauahikaua. Tickets range from $25 to $40, with student, senior and military discounts available.

8 p.m. April 2 and 3 / Hawai'i Theatre / 528-0506

CONCERT: March 19, 21

The Honolulu Symphony's Halekulani MasterWorks season continues in March with flutists Lady Jeanne Galway and Sir James Galway, right. Sir James has been nominated for a Grammy seven times, and Lady Jeanne has performed around Europe and the U.S. as both a soloist and chamber musician. The concert program includes works by Mendelssohn, Cimarosa and Mercadante. Samuel Wong conducts. Tickets are $21, $33, $38, $49 and $64.

8 p.m. March 19 and 4 p.m. March 21 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / 792-2000, (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: March 20

Island 98.5's popular Bomb Bucha concert is back in a big way. This year's star-studded performance roster includes Ten Feet, Natural Vibrations, B.E.T., Three Plus, Inoa'ole, One Drop and Opihi Pickers, plus others to be announced. Tickets range from $16 to $26.

4 p.m. March 20 / Waikiki Shell / (877) 750-4400

STAGE: March 26-April 11

Diamond Head Theatre knows it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that "Swing!" So it's breaking out the big band sounds of the '30s and '40s for its upcoming musical with a full onstage orchestra and fast-paced swing dancing. Tickets: $12-$42, with discounts for full-time students, active-duty military and seniors 62 and older.

8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays March 26-April 11 / Diamond Head Theatre / 733-0274

MIXED BAG: March 27

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with the 11th annual Gourmet Affair. You won't have to leave the Islands for "A Taste of Tuscany," featuring delectable dishes by local chef Sam Choy and celebrity chef Todd English, right. The night's festivities include live and silent auctions. Tickets for this fund-raiser are $200. Reservations are accepted through March 19.

6-10 p.m. March 27 / Hilton Hawaiian Village / 521-3811

CONCERT: April 3

Got your tickets for blink-182? The Honolulu gig is sold out, but you can still fly to the Maui concert if you're a really big fan. After debuting in 1993, the guys, left, quickly became known for outrageous stunts such as naked music videos and hilarious live shows. Blink has grown and changed through the years, but you can still expect some trademark quirkiness.

7 p.m. April 3, sold out / Blaisdell Arena / (877) 750-4400

Also: blink-182 plays at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center at 7 p.m. April 4. Tickets are $35. (808) 242-7469.

Coming up ...

• The Brothers Cazimero, March 12, Hawai'i Theatre
• St. Patrick's Day Block Party, downtown Honolulu, March 17
• Hawaii Internation-al Taiko Festival concert, March 20, Blaisdell Concert Hall
• "Yo Quiero Opera!" punk rock meets opera, March 20, McCoy Pavilion
• Moscow State Circus, March 25-28, Blaisdell Arena
• "Battle of the R&B Heavyweights," with Ginuwine, Avant, Jagged Edge, Keke Wyatt, April 2, Blaisdell Arena
• David Benoit and Michael Paulo, with the Honolulu Sym-phony Pops, April 9-10, Blaisdell Concert Hall
• 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
• Finch, emo/punk/pop/rock band, May 22, Pipeline Café