What's Up!

May film premieres 5|6 "Crash," "House of Wax," "Kingdom of Heaven" 5|13 "Kicking & Screaming," "Mindhunters," "Monster-in-Law," "Unleashed" 5|19 "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" (above, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker) 5|27 "The Longest Yard," "Madagascar"

The renowned monks of the Songshan Shaolin Temple head this way from China for an awesome display of martial-arts skill and acrobatic fighting style. The monks will demonstrate their kung-fu expertise through weapons, hand fighting and spear piercings. Tickets: $35-$75.

• 7 p.m. May 6, 2 and 7 p.m. May 7 and 2 p.m. May 8 / Hawai'i Theatre / 528-0506

FESTIVAL: May 7

Celebrate the ocean at "E Malama I Ke Kai," a concert and ocean awareness festival hosted by the Hawaiian language immersion program Punana Leo o Kawaiaha'o. Translated as "Care for the Ocean," the fair features Hawaiian culture, food, ocean exhibits, activities and keiki rides and games. Entertainment includes Ho'okena, 'Ale'a, Kupa'aina, Kalaeloa, Sudden Rush and Sean Na'auao. Admission is free.

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 7 / Kapi'olani Park and Bandstand / 536-7999

CONCERT: May 12-13

It's been a "Long Time Coming" — blues-rock wonder Jonny Lang, right, returns to these shores as part of the Hawaiian Islands Rhythm and Blues Mele. The 24-year-old Fargo, N.D., guitarist will appear with a new band that features drums/percussion, bass, electric violin, mandolin and piano. Tickets: $35, $40 and $55.

• 7:30 p.m. May 12-13 / Pipeline Cafe / 589-1999

The guitar slinger plays on at:

• 7:30 p.m. May 6 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center Castle Theater. Tickets: $35, $40, $45. (808) 242-7469.
• 6:30 p.m. May 7 at Kona Brewing Co. on the Big Island. Tickets: $35, $40. (808) 334-2739, (808) 334-1133.
• 7 p.m. May 11 at Kaua'i Memorial Convention Hall. Tickets: $40. (808) 337-9234.

STAGE: May 12-28

Uncover the enchanting mysteries of "The Secret Garden," presented by Army Community Theatre. Based on the classic children's book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this award-winning Broadway musical tells the story of a young orphan who revives a long-hidden garden and in turn, her relatives, too. Laurence Paxton is Archibald Craven, TX Tario (left) is Colin Craven and Channing Weir (right) plays Mary Lennox. Glenn Cannon directs. Tickets are $14 and $17 general, and $8 and $10 children 12 and younger.

• 7:30 p.m. May 12-14, 20-21 and 27-28 / Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter / 438-4480

STAGE: May 12-June 12

Kumu Kahua Theatre unveils the O'ahu premiere of "Ventriloquist," a new drama by local playwright Mark D. Tjarks. This lively production follows a local man and East Coast woman as they attend marriage counseling to deal with increasing problems. The cast features Laura Bach Buzzell, Harrison Kawate, Jodie Yamada, Gerard Elmore, Mimi Sadoshima and Elizabeth Arnold. Jason Kanda directs. Tickets: $5-$16.

• 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays May 12-June 12 / Kumu Kahua Theatre / 536-4441

CONCERT: May 14

Enjoy great sounds and ono grinds without breaking the bank at "Legends of Hawaiian Music II." The Keiki Palaka Band opens the show, which features Eddie Kamae and The Sons of Hawaii, Marlene Sai, Gary Aiko, Kealoha Kalama, Tony Bee and the Bee Sisters and others. Hauoli Akaka and Kimo Keawe emcee. Pre-sale tickets are $6, which includes a Hawaiian plate dinner and the show.

• 5-9 p.m. May 14 / Enchanted Lake Elementary School, Kailua / 266-7884, 266-7802

STAGE: May 20-June 5

Step back in time to ancient Rome via the musical farce, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." This beloved Broadway comedy follows a colorful cast as a clever slave attempts to gain freedom by wooing a courtesan for his master. Bill Ogilvie is the slave Pseudolus, Kristen Dixon is the courtesan Philia and Brent Yoshikami plays the master Hero. John Rampage directs. Tickets: $12-$42, with discounts for students, seniors 62 and older and military.

• 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays May 20-June 5 / Diamond Head Theatre / 733-0274

CONCERT: May 27

The sounds of yesteryear are showcased at "Yesterday Once More," a dance concert headlined by Kit Samson, above, and the Sound Advice. Also performing : Melveen Leed, Rolando Sanchez, Little Albert, Alfredo Romero, Soul Cafe, Sonya Mendez, Shari Lynn and Connie Kissinger. Tickets: $35 general, $30 advance; includes a standard drink.

• 7:30 p.m. May 27 / Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, Manoa Grand Ballroom / 545-3642

CONCERT: May 28

Flash back to the sounds of '70s metal rockers KISS via cover band KISS Army, above. Members Steve Clark, Yio Darcangelis, Bryan Angel and Doug Gery capture the original band's flamboyant energy and dramatic sounds. Local band Buddhist Priest opens. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $22 advance and $45 VIP, for 18 and older.

• 7 p.m. May 28 / Pipeline Cafe / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: May 28-29

Underground metal band Powerman 5000, above, brings its high-voltage sounds over for a Memorial Weekend Rock Party. Best known for their hits "Free," "When Worlds Collide" and "Nobody's Real," the Boston-based band winds up its West Coast tour with a pair of concerts here. Local rock band Amplified opens. Tickets are $16 advance, $20 at the door, for 18 and older. Doors open at 8 p.m.

• 9 p.m. May 28-29 / Wave Waikiki / (800) 325-7328

BUZZING ABOUT

Makaha Sons' bash June 11

Tickets go on sale May 9 (but prices have not been announced) for "Take a Walk in the Country 3," the annual bash by The Makaha Sons, which takes place June 11 at the Waikiki Shell. The concert's theme is "Together," and also features Keali'i Reichel, Willie K, Fiji, Na Palapalai, Aunty Genoa Keawe, Ho'okena, Raiatea Helm and others.

Tickets will be available at the Blaisdell box office and Ticketmaster outlets. www.ticketmaster.com.

Pow wow in the park

The Intertribal Council of Hawaii hosts its 13th annual Pow Wow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 4-5 at Kapi'olani Park, featuring dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts and food of Native America.

Admission is free. Also, the pow wow is looking for volunteers. Call 545-2119 or 371-7159.

Taste of Honolulu in June

The 14th annual Taste of Honolulu, a benefit for Easter Seals Hawaii, is scheduled for June 24-26 on the Civic Center grounds. Among the restaurants taking part in the feast are Brew Moon, Ciao Mein, Prince Court, The Willows and 21 Degrees North. Check www.taste808.com for updates. Admission is $3 general, free for seniors and kids under 12; tasting portions are purchased by scrip.

SUBMIT INFORMATION FOR

The Great Index to Fun (TGIF) four-week guide at least 10 working days before the event. This planner appears weekly, featuring major events only; others are listed in the weekend and daily calendars.

Write: TGIF, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or fax 525-8055

E-mail: tgif@honoluluadvertiser.com

Schedule is subject to change.