Las Cafeteras
Sunday, January 31:
Las Cafeteras. Las Cafeteras create a vibrant musical fusion with a unique east LA sound and a community-focused message. Their Afro-Mexican rhythms, zapateado & inspiring lyrics tell stories of a dynamic community, looking for love and fighting for justice in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. Hawai`i Theatre Center, 1130 Bethel St., Honolulu. 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 528-5535 or visit www.hawaiitheatre.com.
UB40: Reunited Tour
Thursday & Friday, January 28 & 29:
UB40: Reunited Tour (Friday’s concert is sold out). The original members of UB40 enjoyed huge success from 1979 until 2008, helping define reggae music for a generation. The multiracial band pooled a diverse set of influences to put a fresh, indigenous slant on Jamaican reggae. After 2008, the band that carried on using the name UB40 was made up of other founding members and new members, but in 2013, when Ali Campbell reunited with Astro and Mickey Virtue, audiences again experienced the true sound of the hugely successful band. Now, following spectacular gigs at home and abroad, the trio are facing the future with renewed confidence and vigor. Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu. For tickets and information call (800) 745-3000 or visit www.blaisdellcenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
Chicago
Sunday, January 24:
Chicago. One of America’s most dynamic, high-energy bands, Chicago has had an amazing 25 Top Forty singles and 5 consecutive #1 albums over the course of their 48-year career; they are among Billboard’s Top 100 artists of all time, ranked at #13. With 33 albums to their credit, Chicago is the first American band to chart Top 40 albums across five decades, with 25 of them certified platinum. Worldwide, their music has sold more than 100 million records. Blaisdell Arena, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu. For tickets and information call (800) 745-3000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Harold and Maude
Wednesdays – Sundays, January 21 – February 7:
Harold and Maude (Comedy). This stage adaptation of the popular cult movie tells the story of the morbidly fascinated 19-year old boy, Harold, and the delightfully wacky octogenarian he meets, Maude. He is the proverbial poor little rich kid who feels alienated by society. She is a free spirit who has a quirky, bright and excessively carefree outlook on life. Through meeting and falling in love with Maude, Harold discovers joy in living for the first time as the unlikely pair forms a unique bond and she teaches him how to make the most of his time on earth. A Hawaii premiere. Manoa Valley Theatre, 2833 East Manoa Rd., Honolulu. Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 988-6131 or visit www.manoavalleytheatre.com.
Makahiki Challenge 2016
Saturday, January 16:
Makahiki Challenge 2016. The Makahiki Challenge is a 3+ mile journey through tireless hills, obstacles, and mud. Designed to test your physical endurance and mental toughness, your efforts will be rewarded with live music and world class beer from Kona Brewing Company. Run for fun! Kauloa Ranch, 49 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe. 9 a.m. For information call (808) 237-8515 or visit www.makahikichallenge.com.
Kuana Torres Kahele
Sunday, January 10:
Kuana Torres Kahele. Born on the slopes of Mauna Kea in Hilo, Kuana began composing, arranging and playing traditional Hawaiian music at an early age. He comes from an impressive lineage of musicians and hula practitioners entrusted with perpetuating a cultural legacy. Kuana is a driving force behind new, yet traditional, Hawaiian music for the purpose of hula. His contribution to Hawaiian music is already undeniable. With his group Na Palapalai and as a solo performer, Kuana has won over 20 Na Hoku Hanohano awards including two Song of the Year awards. Hawai`i Theatre Center, 1130 Bethel St., Honolulu. 4 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 528-5535 or visit www.hawaiitheatre.com.
Straight, No Chaser
Saturday, January 2:
Straight, No Chaser. If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivy-league campuses, think again. These men are neither straight-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fan base, numerous national TV appearances, and proven success with CD releases. Enjoy the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense, and with a sense of humor. An unforgettable live act. Neal S. Blaisdell Center – Concert Hall, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu. 8 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 768-5400 or visit www.blaisdellcenter.com.
Sunset Stories
Nightly:
Sunset Stories. From Queen Emma to Don Ho, experience the stories of an icon. Gather at the International Market Place on Kalakaua Avenue just after sundown for the ceremonial lighting of the Lamaku Torch Tower. Then be immersed in an unforgettable storytelling performance told through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. Honoring the beloved Queen Emma, the nightly show highlights the stories, traditions and culture of this special gathering place. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. Sunset. Free admission. For information visit http://www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com/events.
New Year’s Ohana Festival
Sunday, January 10:
New Year’s Ohana Festival. This fun-filled Japanese and multicultural festival will feature food, crafts, entertainment and cultural demonstrations of the people who make up this island state. Keiki can also enjoy games and make-and-take activities throughout the day. The New Year’s Ohana Festival will be a great way for the community to come together and celebrate the Year of the Sheep in 2015. Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i and Mo`ili`ili Field, 2454 South Beretania St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information call (808) 945-7633 or visit www.jcch.com.
Kaimuki Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 3:
Kaimuki Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Parade begins at 6 p.m. and runs along Waialae Avenue from Saint Louis School/Chaminade University to Koko Head Avenue. Over 40 groups will be marching in the parade, including Santa, beauty queens, and local area schools and bands.