The Buzz

ARTafterDARK goes tiki

It's "Tiki Night" at ARTafterDARK at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, which opens its doors after hours to young professionals and anyone else who wants something a little different on a Friday night. So indulge in a little South Seas kitsch: Dress up in your loudest aloha wear and get ready to groove to the exotica tracks spun by Don Tiki's Fluid Floyd (the sultry Don Tiki dancers will get you in the mood). There's a no-host bar and appetizers for purchase, and at 7:30 p.m., the Elvis Presley movie "Blue Hawaii" will be screened at the Doris Duke Theatre. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Admission is $7 general, free for museum members. The film is another $3. www.artafterdark.org.

TAO means taiko

The taiko ensemble TAO gives a concert Saturday at Mamiya Theatre.

The sounds of the taiko will fill Mamiya Theatre when TAO, an innovative ensemble from Japan, returns to Honolulu to give a full-length concert. The group, which made its Island debut in 2003 at the Hawaii International Taiko Festival, is known for its energetic, explosive style. As an added attraction, the Rokushaku Oojime Okedo Daiko, a barrel drum that's six feet wide and eight feet long and weighs about 500 pounds, will be sounded by a member of the TAO ensemble. The Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group, with members 10 to 17 years old, will open the show. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $30; $25 advance. 737-7236.

Cellist plays Dvorak

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein is the Honolulu Symphony's guest performer this weekend at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Concerts begin at 8 tonight and 4 p.m. Sunday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are $21-$64. 792-2000, (877) 750-4400.

Rock the Vote at Kapi'olani Park

Get rocking, get involved and get ready to vote in the Nov. 2 election. That's the message of MTV's Rock the Vote, which is sponsoring a free, all-day music festival at Kapi'olani Park bandstand aimed at getting young people into the political process. It's a nonpartisan event, and attendees can chat with representatives of various political parties. Among the entertainers: DJ Behrouz from San Francisco, above; local alternative rock band Vertical Charles and other DJs including Archangel, Dawn and Darryl D. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday. 277-8273.

Auntie Genoa will hit the high notes

Living legend Auntie Genoa Keawe and her band, and Halau Mohala 'Ilima, under the direction of Mapuana De Silva, will perform at 6 p.m. today in the newly restored Mission Memorial Auditorium on the civic center grounds. The hall seats 350, and attendees are advised to arrive early; doors open at 5 p.m. The concert, part of the Aloha Friday series, is free and open to the public; park for free, too, at the civic center parking garage, with entrances on Alapa'i and Beretania streets. Coming up: The Brothers Cazimero Oct. 15; and Hapa Nov. 19. 523-4674.

Metal on metal at Anna's

8mm Overdose and other metal rock bands including Mister Meaner and Dagra will give their all in a gig from 10 p.m. Saturday at Anna Bannanas. 8mm's latest release, its fifth, is titled "Execution Style." The band, based in Hawai'i, tours America and the world. Admission is $5; for those 21 and older. 946-5190.

Seniors fair this weekend

Hawai'i icon Danny Kaleikini is the ambassador of this weekend's 20th Hawai'i Seniors' Fair: The Good Life Expo at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. More than 20,000 folks, especially those 50 and older, are expected to attend the three-day expo that features about 250 exhibitors offering advice and services that help make those sunset years better than ever. Topics include long-term care, health insurance, nutrition and travel. Other attractions: mini computer lessons by Super Geeks, entertainment, hearing tests, cooking demos, arts and crafts activities and flu and pneumonia vaccinations. A Seniors' Fair 'Ukulele Festival, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, is a new feature this year. Attendees are encourage to bring their 'ukuleles and join in. Expo hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. today through Sunday. Admission is free. 832-7878. The Honolulu Advertiser is a sponsor.

Tasty event in Kapolei

The Roy's Ko Olina restaurant team participated in last year's Taste at Kapolei and will return this year. Herman Young

More than 20 restaurants will take part in the 5th annual The Taste at Kapolei, 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina's fourth lagoon. The event, which benefits Leeward O'ahu students, also features beer and wine stations, entertainment, a silent auction, a play area for kids and a fireworks display. Among the restaurants offering their ware are BluWater Grill, Buca di Beppo, Marbella, Nick's Fishmarket, Prince Court, Roy's at Ko Olina and Zaffron. Tickets are $75. 275-3010, (877) 750-4400. The Honolulu Advertiser is a sponsor.

Music at La Pietra

Imagine beautiful music under the stars near Diamond Head. That's what "A Night in Provence," featuring the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and assistant conductor Joan Landry (above), offers attendees of the benefit event for La Pietra-Hawaii school. On the musical program: pieces by Paul Dukas, Georges Bizet, Jacques Offenbach, by Charles Gounod and Maurice Ravel.

Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket. Coffee, dessert and soft drinks will be provided. The grounds at La Pietra, 2933 Poni Moi Road, open at 5 p.m. Saturday; the concert is from 6 to 7 p.m. Admission is $45. Reservations: 922-2744, 924-7515.