HOT DATES

OCT. 20-21 GRIDIRON 2006, DIAMOND HEAD THEATRE

Oct. 27 Hana Hou! concert series, with Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Hawai'i Theatre

Nov. 9-Dec. 10 "Who the Fil-Am I?" Kumu Kahua Theatre

Nov. 10-Dec. 10 "The Lion in Winter," Hawai'i Pacific University Theatre

Nov. 11 Maohi Native Cultural Festival, Kapi'olani Park bandstand

Nov. 11 "A Prairie Home Companion" radio show, Blaisdell Concert Hall

Nov. 15-19 Circus Oz, Hawai'i Theatre

Nov. 18 Richard Thompson in concert, with Danny Thompson, Waimea Valley Audubon Center

Dec. 16 Billy Joel in concert, Blaisdell Arena

FESTIVAL: OCT. 13-15

For ripping good yarns, head for the Talk Story Festival, Hawai'i's largest and oldest storytelling celebration. What started out in 1989 with a handful of participants now attracts thousands of people ready to listen to talented storytellers from here (Kathy Collins, left, Lopaka Kapanui, Makia Malo) and the Mainland (Alton Chung, Erica Lann-Clark). The program includes themes such as Epic Adventures, tales that will take you through the Islands; and Tales 'n' Tunes, which make vivid the lives of legends.

6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 13-14 and 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 15 / McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park / Free / 692-5751, www.honoluluparks.com

FESTIVAL: OCT. 14

Be ready to salsa, meringue and tango to the tunes of Picante, Latin Fire, Faith Valentine and Santos, to name a few, at the Hawaii Hispanic Heritage Festival. On the menu are Latino favorites such as gandule rice, tortillas, tacos and nachos. You'll also find crafters, cultural display booths and activities for the keiki.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 14 / Kapi'olani Park / Free / 285-0072, 941-5216, www.hawaiihispanicfestival.com

DANCE: OCT. 28

Graceful hula halau will perform at Kua Mo'o'olelo (The Tradition Continues). The ladies of Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie and the men of Halau Kahulaliwai will pay tribute to the kumu hula who have shared their traditions with their kumu hula, Blaine Kamalani Kia, left. Special guests at this "graduation" are Olomana (Jerry Santos, Haunani Apoliona and Wally Suenaga) and Kekaniwai to provide beautiful music for the evening's festivities.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., performance at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 / Pearl City Cultural Center / $20 / (951) 757-4756, 596-8885

COMEDY: OCT. 20

Amazing Asian Paul Ogata, right, will return from Los Angeles to host "The Late Show with David Letterman" auditions. It'll be cut-throat, as Hawai'i's top funnymen compete for possible spots on the talk show. Scheduled to perform: Andy Bumatai, Mel Cabang, Da Braddahs, Kento and more. Hopefully all will still be friends once someone is crowned the winner.

Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Oct. 20/ Pipeline Cafe /$25 general admission advance and $45 VIP advance; $30 and $50 at the door/ 926-3000, www.presaleticketsonline.com