Wondering what to do tonight — a "dark night" for GiRL FeST? While there's nothing "strictly for the girls" happening in town, girls are on stage. Head down to thirtyninehotel for brother-sister musicians Bret and Jaena Shimabuku's weekly "Rising Melody" acoustic jam session, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Guest performers at the Shimabukus' "singer-songwriter forum" change each week. The music is laid back and intimate, and the bar is open. Info: 599-2552.

— Advertiser Staff

CHIP IN FOR THANKSGIVING MEAL

If it's November, you know it's time for Sharon Black, champion of the hungry in Honolulu, to plead for donations to her annual Thanksgiving meal for the city's less-fortunate residents. Black, who has organized the dinner since 1988, is in "desperate" need of cooked hams, yams, stuffing, fresh fruit, rolls and a few more pies. She also needs serving tables. As always, the meal will be held two days after Thanksgiving, starting at 1 p.m. Nov. 24 at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park (formerly Chinatown Gateway Park). Last year, she served more than 800 meals. Call Black at 398-6665 if you can help.

— Mike Gordon

FINAL WORD

"We have freedom of speech and expression. I don't think those words are hurting people as much as the media makes them out to be. There are bigger issues — the war, Jena 6, the election — than rap lyrics."

Ja Rule | whose new CD, "The Mirror," is out this week, on using expletives and controversial terms for women, in Billboard