CONCERT: JULY 8

Henry Kapono, right, launches his Wild Hawaiian Groovement Island Concert Tour.

His new "The Wild Hawaiian" CD gives a gritty rock edge to Hawaiian classics; there are originals written by Kapono, too. The show also features slam poet Kealoha, Intrepid and High Frequency and Kalaeloa. Tickets are $30.

8 p.m. July 8 / Hawai'i Theatre / 528-0506

The Wild Hawaiian also takes over Grand Hyatt Kauai July 14, Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island July 15 and Maui Arts & Cultural Center July 22.

DANCE: JULY 8

The Prince Lot Hula Festival, the state's oldest and largest non-competitive showcase, features hula kahiko and 'auana, along with Hawaiian arts and crafts and ancient Hawaiian games. This year, the festival is on the second Saturday in July instead of the usual third Saturday to avoid conflict with other planned hula events. Admission is free, but a $3 suggested donation helps defray the cost of the festival.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 8 / Moanalua Gardens / 839-5334

FAMILY TIES: JULY 8

ArtSpree 2006 features family fun with entertainment, demonstrations and activities geared for all ages. The event includes hands-on interactive arts and performance art by Tangentz, The Philippine Cultural Group of Hawaii, slam poetry by Kealoha, James McCarthy Irish Band, Hawaii Opera Theatre and others. Current exhibits at the museum are "Alimatuan: The Emerging Artist as American-Filipino" and "O2art." ArtSpree offers free shuttle service to and from Punahou School; public parking and drop-off will not be allowed at the museum that day. Admission is free. The Honolulu Advertiser is a sponsor.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 8 / The Contemporary Museum / 526-1322STAGE: July 14-30

STAGE: JULY 14-30

Diamond Head Theatre closes its 2005-06 season with the fractured fairy tale "Into the Woods." Familiar characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel offer different sides of their personalities in this fantasy musical, which features songs including "Lament" and "Children Will Listen." John Rampage directs. Tickets are $12-$42, with discounts for ages 62 and older, students and military.

8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. July 22 and 29, and 4 p.m. Sundays July 14-30 / Diamond Head Theatre / 733-0274

DANCE: JULY 20-22

The 31st annual Queen Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Competition features three days of Hawai'i's children honoring the birthday anniversary of Hawai'i's last queen. Twenty-three halau with keiki ages 5 to 12 will showcase their hula and chants in the solo, hula kahiko and hula 'auana divisions. Tickets are $10 for the arena and loges and $8.50 for the upper level.

6 p.m. July 20-21 and 1 p.m. July 22 / Blaisdell Arena / (877) 750-4400

OPERA: JULY 21-30

It's another HOT summer as Hawaii Opera Theatre brings the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical "The King & I" to the stage. Richard Chamberlain stars as the king, and other featured performers include Jan Maxwell, Jordan Segundo and Kristian Lei. Martin Rabbett directs. Tickets are $20-$75 for the regular performances. July 22 is military and group night, with $25 tickets for military ID or group purchases of at least 20 tickets. On July 29, enjoy a children's matinee with tickets of $10 for ages 12 and younger and $25 for adult companions.

8 p.m. July 21 and 28, 7:30 p.m. July 22, 4 p.m. July 23 and 30 and 2 p.m. July 29 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / 596-7858

COMEDY: JULY 22

"An Evening with Damon Wayans" features the star of the sitcom "My Wife and Kids" in living color at the Shell. Expect his standup material to be a little more raw than his generic TV show. Tickets are $50 and $65 reserved and $35 general.

7:30 p.m. July 22 / Waikiki Shell / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: JULY 22

Bay Area Van Halen tribute band Hot for Teacher is ready to rock 'n' roll. The group's set list includes Van Halen favorites such as "Runnin' with the Devil," "You Really Got Me" and "Dance the Night Away." Local metal band Buddhist Priest, below, opens. Doors open at 6 p.m. for this all-ages concert. Presale tickets are $20 general and $40 VIP. At the door, general admission is $25.

7 p.m. July 22 / Pipeline Cafe / 926-3000

CLUBS: JULY 22

The annual Love Festival is back for its eighth year with two stages of entertainment and performers such as George Acosta, DJ Reza, G-Spot, AM/FM Alexander, DJ Kam, IKON, K-Smooth, DJ Craze, Roc Raida, SovernT, Big Daddy Dave, PSI, Metal-X and DJ Meilo. Tickets are $20, $25, $30 and $35, with VIP tickets available for $60 advance and $75 on the night of the event.

8:30 p.m.-4 a.m. July 22 / Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park / www.thelovefestival.com, www.groovetickets.com

CONCERT: JULY 26

'Ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro, below, is the next headliner of the 2006 Music Mele on the Lawn concert series. Expect a mix of jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco and rock from this Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning virtuoso. Tickets are $15 general, $10 museum members and Bank of Hawaii customers and employees, and $5 ages 4-12.

6 p.m. July 26 / Bishop Museum / 847-8290

CONCERT: JULY 28-29

KCCN FM100's annual Birthday Bash celebrates its sweet 16 with two days of musical entertainment. New Zealand's Katchafire, left, headlines both nights. The first night's lineup includes Fiji, B.E.T., 'Ekolu, Brother Noland, One Groove, Next Generation and Kani Makou. The concert wraps up the next night with Natural Vibrations, Kapena, Ho'onu'a, Kekai Boyz, Koa'uka, Malino and Lahaina Grown. Tickets are $16 lawn and $17 terrace until tomorrow; afterward, the tickets are $20 lawn, $21.50 terrace and $28 pool. Tickets to both shows are $30 lawn and $32 terrace. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. July 28-29 / Waikiki Shell / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: JULY 28

Crooner Michael Bublé, right, ends his sold-out "It's Time" world tour during his Hawai'i concert debut. Known best for his hit "Home," Bublé's Rat Pack-like sound can also be heard on the soundtracks of the movies "Down with Love" and "The Wedding Date." Tickets are $45, $55 and $65.

8 p.m. July 28 / Blaisdell Arena / (877) 750-4400