Jin tha MC's Chinese-American ancestry has thrown lots of hip-hop media attention his way — but his solid freestyle skills and thoughtful discourse make him someone to watch. With two albums to draw from — 2004's "The Rest is History" and 2005's "Jin Presents the Emcee's Proper'ganda" — Jin returns to Honolulu for a Pipeline Cafe show, at 9 tonight. $35; 18 and older; 589-1999.

— Derek Paiva

ART WATCH

SAFE HARBOR

"Shelter," The Hawai'i Arts Alliance's exhibition at The ARTS at Marks Garage, culminates in a free family day from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, featuring an afternoon of art, activities and refreshments. "Shelter" showcases contemporary artists, Youth Speaks Hawai'i, and four group projects by arts activists and the patrons of care providers including Taiwan Tzu Chi Foundation, Safe Haven/Mental Health Kokua, Kaka'ako Homeless Shelter, and Institute for Human Services. For details: 521-2903, www.artsatmarks.com.

— Advertiser staff

FINAL WORD

"Those 'Idol' forums — like AmericanIdol.com — should be shut down. It's basically just an opportunity for people to say the meanest things without consequence."

Katharine McPhee | the "American Idol" alum, who just released her debut CD, on the hardest part of being on the show, in TV Guide