CONCERT: DEC. 27

Mr. "Kick Push" himself, Wasalu Muhammad Jaco — you know him as Lupe Fiasco, below — hits Pipeline Cafe for a concert called "The Release." Fiasco's first album "Food & Liquor" (2006) was nominated for various Grammys, including best rap album, and includes the hit "I Gotcha." Just recently he was nominated for a 2008 Grammy for best urban/alternative performance for "Daydreamin'," featuring Jill Scott. For concertgoers age 18 and older.

9:30 p.m. Dec. 27 / Pipeline Cafe / $30 general, $60 VIP / www.presaleticketsonline.com.

NEW YEAR'S EVE: DEC. 31

Aloha Tower Marketplace hosts a fireworks display over Honolulu Harbor at midnight New Year's Eve, ushering in 2008 in that always explosive way. The Eve celebration also features center-stage festivities beginning at 7 p.m. with entertainment, giveaways, face painting, balloon animals and more. Several Marketplace restaurants will offer special menus and packages for the evening.

7 p.m. Dec. 31 / Aloha Tower Marketplace / Free / 566-2337, www.alohatower.com.

CONCERT: DEC. 31

What's the next best thing to Led Zeppelin? Must be the tribute band Led Zepplica, above, which is back for the fourth time in three years to rock out at Pipeline Cafe. For those 21 and older.

8 p.m. Dec. 31 / Pipeline Cafe / $25 general, $75 VIP / 926-3000, www.presaleticketsonline.com.

NEW YEAR'S EVE: DEC. 31

Partymasters Flash and Matty Boy have outdone themselves, ushering in the new year with "Season Finale" that takes over the entire W Honolulu Diamond Head hotel. That means the lobby, Diamond Head Grill, the penthouse and everything in between. Celebrated stylist and butcher couture artist Adam Saaks returns to produce his custom T-shirts, cut to clients' bodies; percussionist Ricky Rock and drummer Jacob Marshall (of the indie band Mae) will be in the house.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31 / W Honolulu Diamond Head / Admission fee to be announced / 723-1449, www.flashandmattyboypresent.com.

CONCERT: JAN. 5

Fiends, unite! Legendary horror-punk trio the Misfits — named after Marilyn Monroe's final movie — stops in Honolulu at the end of its 30th anniversary tour. Guests include local bands Corrupt Absolute, Mistermeaner (it's their CD-release party) and The Knumbskulls.

7 p.m. Jan. 5 / Pipeline Cafe / $20 advance, $25 at the door, $40 VIP (sold out) / 926-3000, www.808shows.com.

CONCERTS: JAN. 9-12

Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, left, the veteran rocksters with roots in the late 1960s, have the Islands on their radar for a four-stop tour. As always, Cody is at the keyboards; Airmen band members include Steve Barbuto, Rick Mullen, Mark Emerick and Don E. Curtis. Blues guitarist Chaz DePaolo opens the shows.

7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 (doors open at 7 p.m.) / Kaua'i Community College, Performing Arts Center / $35 / 808-245-8352

7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 / Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater / $35, $40, $45 / 808-242-7469, www.mauiarts.org

9 p.m. Jan. 11 (doors open at 8:30 p.m.) / Hawaiian Hut, Ala Moana Hotel / $35 / 941-5205

7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 (doors open at 7 p.m.) / Palace Theater, Hilo / $35 / 808-934-7010.

FESTIVAL: JAN. 13

The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i rings in 2008 with a New Year's 'Ohana Festival, and everyone is invited. It's a day full of mochi pounding, left, crafts, entertainment, cultural and martial arts demonstrations, games and make-and-take activities for kids.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 13 / Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i and Mo'ili'ili Field / Free / 945-7633, www.jcch.com.

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