The Buzz

Mr. Vegas at the water park

This summer, go out with a blast as the sexy, sizzling 1043XME End of Summer Luau brings in dancehall reggae great Mr. Vegas. Known for his energetic hits "Pull Up" and "Tamale," Mr. Vegas will be joined by hot rap trio Fewtur3 of "Bikini Bottom" fame. The excitement also includes an exhibition by Loco Moto X. The all-day bash takes place 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Admission is $17, which includes rides and entertainment. Or chill at the concert and skip the rides and get into the park for free, 674-9283, ext. 102. 1043xme.com.

Twelve Girls Band, from China, ends its first U.S. tour tonight at Hawai'i Theatre.

Twelve Girls Band in concert

The hot only get hotter as fast-rising superstar Twelve Girls Band brings its blend of East and West sounds to Honolulu. Hailing from the People's Republic of China, these 12 women keep climbing the charts, most recently appearing at No. 62 with "Eastern Energy" on the Billboard Top 200 — the highest ranking debut of an Asian artist on that chart. The U.S. release of "Eastern Energy" marks the band's first North American tour, which ends at the Hawai'i Theatre tonight. The concert starts at 8 p.m., with tickets going for $30. 528-0506.

Shades of black

Get busy, get bumping, get black as Big Tom Presents The Black Party tomorrow at Level 2 in Waikiki. San Francisco DJ Marcus Purnell headlines the event, ready to get the crowd grooving with his smooth house beats and deep tribal rhythms. Get out your black party clothes — leather, Levis, latex, gothic and more — for this funky fresh party that goes all night, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. The Fresh Bad Boys will get up on the go-go boxes, and there'll be massages, temporary tattoos and tarot readings, too. Cover is $15, for 18 and older. Or get in for $10 before 11 p.m., or $5 off with a military ID. 955-4852.

'West Side Story' begins

The Army Community Theatre dances into its 2004-05 season with the Broadway blockbuster "West Side Story." This modernized version of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" brings the classic love story to New York to pit the Jets against the Sharks, above. The cast includes Katherine Mills as Maria and Jimi Wheeler as Tony. Stephanie Conching directs. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25 at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. Tickets are $14 and $17 general, and $8 and $10 children 12 and younger. 438-4480.

Let the improv begin with 'Strikes'

Hit the spot with local improv comedy troupe On The Spot as it unveils new shows for the fall, "Genre Heroes." The shows are inspired by "B" movies and play at 8 p.m. the first Saturday of every month through November in The ARTS at Marks Garage. Here's the lineup:

• "On The Spot Strikes Back," based on classic grindhouse revenge dramas revived by Quentin Tarantino. Saturday.
• "The Good, the Bad and the Improvised," tribute to classic spaghetti westerns. Oct. 2.
• "It Came from the Audience," a departure from the troupe's typical format of short sketches in favor of two improvised "movies" inspired by horror classics. Nov. 6.

Tickets are $10 general and $7 students, available at the door one hour before showtime. 531-3113.

Wave Waikiki is in the party mood

Get to work and start partying this weekend as Wave Waikiki presents Work It!, a Labor Day weekend bash. Featuring three days of nonstop shenanigans, this end-of-summer party welcomes back Playboy Mansion percussionist Ravi. Ultra-hip T-shirt designer Adam Saaks also drops in for live demos and free custom shirts to 50 women each night. Tonight features alt rockers Amplified, above; Saturday bumps with Dub Phylum and Melodious Solution; and Sunday keeps it going with Missing Dave. DJs KSM, Byron the Fur, RacerX, Selector DC, ShawnG and Jrama keep things pumping. Party happens 9 p.m.-4 a.m. each night. Cover is $10, for 21 and older. 941-0424.

Happy birthday to the queen

A couple of events celebrate the 166th birthday of Queen Lili'uokalani:

• The Brothers Cazimero launch their new CD, "Some Call It Aloha ... Don't Tell," with a free concert at 5:30 p.m. today on the grounds of 'Iolani Palace. 597-1888.
• The Mokichi Okada Association Hawaii, Hawai'i Institute of Healing Arts and Lilinoe Productions team up to celebrate at the MOA True Health Center, 3510 Nu'uanu Pali Drive, Saturday. There's an opening concert by Polynesia, MOA wellness therapy such as a tea ceremony, flowers and jorei (medical art of Japan), and closing concert by Leiohu Ryder. Admission is free and a natural-food lunch is available for $7. The event takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 595-6344.

A taste of Okinawa in Waikiki

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association presents the 22nd annual Okinawan Festival at Kapi'olani Park this weekend, featuring cultural performances and exhibits, Okinawan and local food and keiki activities.

It all begins with a colorful parade from Fort DeRussy at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, ending at Kapi'olani Park, where the festival includes performances by local Okinawan performing arts groups and schools. Get your fill of pigs' feet soup, andagi, yaki soba, champuru plates and okidogs. The day includes a bon dance at 6 p.m. and concert at 8 p.m. by Begin, one of the top recording and performing bands in Okinawa and mainland Japan.

Sunday's highlights include a show by Naha Taiko Club, an award-winning Okinawan-style bon dance group, dance performances and local and Okinawan music. On both days, the cultural tent features Okinawan artifacts, genealogy information, a calligraphy display and demonstration, bonsai display and ikebana flower arrangements. Dressing and picture-taking happens 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Sunday.

The festival takes place 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. A free park-and-ride shuttle service will be available to and from Kapi'olani Community College. 676-5400.