The Buzz
Get into the reggae groove
Dive into summer tonight with the Reggae Summer Splash, featuring Jamaican sensation Barrington Levy, above. Volcanoes Nightclub is the hot spot for the dancehall sounds of the '80s vocal powerhouse. Local reggae acts B.E.T. and Red Degree open the show. Doors open at 8 p.m. with the 18-and-older show starting at 9. Tickets are $20 general, $25 VIP. (877) 750-4400.
It's only Natural (Vibrations)
Are you feeling irie? Get that righteous feeling and celebrate with local reggae favorite Natural Vibrations, back in town after a three-week West Coast tour of the Mainland. The gang returns just in time to kick off the Steinlager Summer Circle Survivor Series at the Hard Rock Café. The series starts Saturday and continues on June 12 and July 17. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., and the party rages until 2 a.m. Cover is $10 for 18 and older. 955-7383.
Where the Bluegrass meets Hawaiian Heat
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Tune in for the Unstrung Heroes
The unconventional, quirky jazz group Unstrung Heroes returns to the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Doris Duke Theatre Saturday night for more music and mischief. With (clockwise from bottom left) Rachel Gonzales on vocals, Nancy Masaki on cello, Les Peetz on piano, Ernie Provencher on bass and (not pictured) Chuck James on drums, the group performs a varied roster of songs including chamber music, old standards, '60s rock and modern classical music. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. 532-8700.
"Panahon Na!" for a Filipino celebration
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After the one-hour parade, stay at the park bandstand for food, fun and festivities. There will be a regional village with pageantry, cuisine, and art and crafts from the 13 major regions of the Philippines. Entertainers from Hawai'i, the Philippines and the Mainland perform traditional and contemporary music. The fiesta, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., also includes a health fair. Admission is free. 680-0451, ext. 6.
Prepare to set sail
Ahoy, mateys, here's an event for seafarers and landlubbers alike: The Hawai'i Boat Show and Ocean Expo 2004 starts sailing at the Ko Olina Resort and Marina. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, there'll be fun for all with water and land displays of boats and marine accessories, harbor cruises, boat test rides, dive tank demos, a keiki fun area, Coast Guard helicopter sea-rescue demonstrations, and entertainment with The Kingpins and Clai and Amie. Admission is free and parking is $5 per car. www.hawaiiboatshow.com.
Strickland puts Spanish Gypsy art form on display
It'll be an evening of hot stuff when award-winning flamenco guitarist William "Paco" Strickland makes his debut at the Atherton Performing Arts Studio at 7:30 tonight. Strickland strives to create awareness and appreciation for the sultry Spanish Gypsy art form. Tickets are $17.50 general, $15 Hawai'i Public Radio members and $10 students.
Besides the concert, Strickland is in town to perform during "Hawai'i Uncorked: Rapsodie espagnole," a benefit for Hawai'i Public Radio taking place Sunday at the Ko'olau Golf Club. Local slack-key guitarist George Kuo also provides entertainment. This year's focus is on the wines and cuisine of Spain, although there will be other wines available for tasting from the United States, Australia and Europe. The grand tasting and silent auction lasts from noon to 3 p.m., followed by a live auction from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $100 general or $85 for HPR members or those using an American Express card. In addition to these festivities, there will be four private tasting sessions with limited capacity that require separate tickets. The 11 a.m. tasting features "California's Silver Lining: Silver Oak's 1991-2000 all-magnum tasting" at $150 per person. At noon, enjoy "The All American Drink: Madeira" for $75 per person. At 1 p.m., discover "The Spanish Wine Renaissance" at $50 per person. And at 2 p.m., Jordan Winery takes the spotlight at $100 per person. Be at least 21.
Reservations for either event: 955-8821.
Turtles, turtles, turtles
Hail the honu when Sea Life Park celebrates Sea Turtle Day all day Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy a day of turtle-centric education and entertainment as sea turtle conservation awareness is raised. The fun includes education booths, Honu Beer, turtle tattooing, turtle arts and crafts, turtle lectures, turtle feedings and a Name the Baby Sea Turtle contest. Authors Patrick Ching and Tammy Yee will be on hand for a book signing. And enjoy entertainment by All Jammed Up, Hala'i, Simplisity, Na Leo and Makana. The event benefits World Turtle Trust. General admission is $24.96 adults and $12.48 children. Kama'aina can bring in a Pepsi product and gain entrance for $9.99 adults and $6 children. 259-2577.
