The Buzz

Navel maneuvers

A cast of 80 men, women and children will stage "Belly Dance & Beyond," a cultural pageant of music and dance from around the world. The theatrical production looks at the origins and future of belly dancing, and is directed by Shamira Beauregard-Axelson.

• 7:30 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 7 p.m. / Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College / $15 general, $12 seniors, $8 kids 3-12, free for keiki under 3 / 753-2440, 235-7433

Mullen sings

Nicole C. Mullen, who won Gospel Music Awards this year for female vocalist of the year and urban album of the year for her "Everyday People" release, comes to town for a concert in Manoa.

• 7 p.m. today; doors open at 6 p.m. / Stan Sheriff Center, University of Hawai'i-Manoa / Free / 842-4242, ext. 601

Singing idols in town

"American Idol" finalists from last year — second-place Diana DeGarmo and Hawai'i's own Camile Velasco, left — will give the 50th State Fair some star power in performances at 8 p.m. today and Saturday. The fair's concert series also will present Starship, starring Mickey Thomas, at 8 p.m. June 10-11. The previously announced June 12 concert by Marques Houston has been canceled.

Fair hours are from 6 p.m. Fridays and Thursday, and from noon Saturdays and Sundays, through June 19 / Aloha Stadium / admission on concert days: $3 noon-6 p.m. and $5 6 p.m. to closing for 12 and older, $2 for ages 4-11 and free for 3 and younger; on non-concert days: $3 for 12 and older, $2 for ages 4-11 and free for 3 and younger / www.ekfernandez.com

Fish tales are on the way

Something's fishy, but that's a good thing! A Keiki Fishing Derby, celebrating National Fishing Week, awards prizes to youngsters in three age categories: 4-7, 8-12 and 13-17. Bring hand-held poles, barbless hooks and nonlive bait; walking shoes, insect repellent, water and lunch are also recommended. Youngsters must be accompanied by adults. Friends and family members who are not taking part in the derby can do the catch-and-release thing along the shoreline, too.

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday / Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, end of Luluku Road, Kane'ohe / Free / 233-7323

Tribute to the older generation

Youngsters will salute their elders in a variety show titled "Postcards to Tutu," including contemporary monologues, Broadway tunes (from "Pajama Game," "My Fair Lady," "South Pacific"), improvs with audience participation and dances. The event also hopes to raise hospice awareness and promotes the upcoming film "Have a Nice Death," by Sherrie Robertson. A preview reading of the film, about people's attitudes toward dying and raising questions about one's quality-of-life choices, takes place at the beginning of the show. Robertson also directs "Postcards."

• 7-9 p.m. Tuesday / Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center / $17.50 general, $12.50 seniors, children, students, military / 550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com

'Songbook' to be sung at Paliku

The Hawai'i Vocal Arts Ensemble travels to the Windward side of the island to present "An American Songbook: The Way You Look Tonight," featuring pop standards from composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen and Paul Simon. The songs include such classics as "Night and Day," "Stardust," "Make Believe" and "The Way You Look Tonight." Timothy Carney is musical director; Cheryl Bartlett is the guest soprano.

• 4 p.m. Sunday / Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College / $17.50 general, $12.50 seniors and military, $5 students; $35 preferred seating / 551-4808

Rock and more rock

Add a lot of rock 'n' roll to your musical diet at "Rock Hits the Pipe," a concert by Honolulu bands Analog (above, Daniel Gibson, Rylyn Kelly, Selwyn Valdez and Drew Spencer), Missing Dave and Neken. It's for those 18 and older.

• Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Thursday / Pipeline Cafe / $8 presale, at Jelly's 'Aiea, Hungry Ear Kailua, Pipeline, Hawaii's Natural High; $10 at the door for those 21 and older, $12 for age 18-20; $2 discount at the door for military / 926-3000

Fund-raiser for a new heart

Cory Oliveros, Vaihi and Weldon Kekauoha will perform at Have a Heart for Tee, a fund-raiser for 13-year-old Taylor "Tee" Grey Burton, who's waiting for a third heart transplant. Besides the entertainment, there's a raffle and information about organ donation and transplantation. Admission includes heavy pupu and a cocktail; tickets are available at Coffee Talk in Kaimuki.

• 5-9 p.m. Wednesday / Tiki's Grill & Bar / $40 / 782-5184

Let the bon dance begin!

The first obon celebration of the season takes place Saturday at Hawai'i's Plantation Village in Waipahu. Obon, in the Japanese Buddhist tradition, is the season to pay tribute to the ancestral spirits, and brings families together with dance, food and lots of talk-story. Among the dance groups taking part in this weekend's celebration are Aiea Tiheiji Yagura Gumi, Hawaii Eisa Shinyuukai, Iwakuni Dance Group, Mililani Hongwanji, Waipahu Hongwanji and the Yamada Dance Group.

• 6-10 p.m. Saturday / Hawai'i's Plantation Village / Free admission / 677-0110

It's another First Friday downtown

There's lots to choose from at this month's First Friday gallery walk:

• The Hawai'i State Art Museum unveils the exhibit "Summertime," with performances by Capoeira Hawaii, Convergence Dance, Upside Down Dance, Willow Chang and DJ Mr. Nick. The short films "I Scream, Floats & Sundays," "Kamea" and "Summer of the Serpent" will be shown at the opening and throughout the exhibition.
• The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center offers a gallery talk with artist Kimberely Rector and music by Randy Wheeler. The gallery will be open 7 to 9 p.m.
• Gillian Armour Studio hosts an opening-night show with an appearance by artist Patty Bunn.
• thirtyninehotel holds the opening reception for "Katherine Love: Molded."
• Next Door features a solo exhibition by Ivan Yamazaki, where the theme is early '90s nostalgia. DJs will spin early '90s tunes and guests are encouraged to dress in '90s wear.
• At The ARTS at Marks Garage, check out "Ether/Ore," an exhibition involving metaphysics and dry time. The reception includes a performance by the Vapor Puppets and outdoor projection.
• Meet artist Una White of "Healing Soul Portraits by Una" at Tea at 1024.
• Pacific Traditions Gallery presents "One Love," an artistic and educational exhibit inspired by rastafari and Polynesian culture. Dub band the Anti-Socials perform.
• Check out "Ragged Edge," a poster art series with photos by Guy A. Sibilla at F/22 Photo Gallery.
• At the Crooked Fences outdoor gallery, B-Obi and Catacoustic Groove provide sounds.
• The Cathedral Gallery at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace joins First Friday with contemporary artwork by Bahja.
• Foster Botanical Garden kicks off its summer Twilight Concert series with a performance by Wild Orchid Band, 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

Other participating locations include the Bethel Street Gallery, Louis Pohl Gallery, Got Art?, The Exhibit Space at 1132 Bishop Street, Toshiko Takaezu Ceramics at the YWCA, Mercury, Hanks Cafe Honolulu, Ramsay Museum, The Pegge Hopper Gallery, Studio of Roy Venters, Cafe Che Pasta, Jeff Chang Pottery, Sharky's Tattoo, Hawai'i Theatre, Poodle Snack and Gift Shop, The Nesting House, Details Gallery and Urban Nomad.

• 5-9 p.m. today / Various venues / Free / 521-2903

Improv sci-fi hits The ARTS

Holy Star Wars! "Revenge of the Sith," it's not. No, it's the improv comedy group On the Spot, offering the sci-fi-motivated "Neptune 6," a combination of the television series "Red Dwarf," "Babylon 5" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," with improv thrown in. Among the cast members are Garrick Paikai (back) as Capt. Tyressueus Jones and Rod Cachola as chief engineer McFadden. Note to audience: Bring props that can be used by the actors.

• 8 p.m. Saturday / The ARTS at Marks Garage / $10 general, $7 students / 531-3113

Traditions of Native Americans

Native American dancing, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, and food will be at the 13th annual pow wow hosted by the Intertribal Council of Hawaii, and everyone's invited. Special guests include the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Bushmasters (American Legion Post 114) from Arizona, serving as a color guard and including gourd dancers and traditional dancers.

• 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday / Kapi'olani Park / Free admission / 545-2119, 371-7159