Our Picks for the Weekend Star-Bulletin staff

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FESTIVAL

Thunderbirds team will soar for Aloha Festivals

Not only is it Aloha Festivals month, but it's also the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force.

An official limited issue commemorative aloha shirt made by Reyn Spooner was introduced Saturday during the Air Force Band's performance at Ala Moana Centerstage.

And Air Force Week finishes up this weekend with the Thunderbirds' performing over Waikiki -- which, coincidentally, is also an Aloha Festivals event. The mission statement of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (the Thunderbirds' official moniker) says the team "plans and presents precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern high performance aircraft, and the high degree of professional skill required to operate their aircraft."

And that they do, thrilling millions in the process. The aerial display starts at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

Also check out the festivals' calendar inside this section.

FREEBIE

Kuma hula featured at Ala 'Moona' event

They're billed as "moonlight" concerts, although you can't really see the moon from inside Ala Moana Center. Still, what counts is they're free and this weekend's performances feature the venerable Auntie Genoa Keawe.

She'll be on Centerstage with Hoku Zuttermeister and kumu hula Chinky Mahoe's Halau Hula O Kawailiula.

The mall's "Moonlight Mele Concert Series" of music and hula continues on Saturdays in September from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Coming up:

» Keahiwai, Beach 5 and kumu hula Sonny Ching's Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu on Sept. 22.

» Kapena, Maunalua and kumu hula Snowbird Bento's Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Lehua on Sept. 29.

FAMILY

Get ready for Halloween with the 'Obake Odyssey'

We know ghosts are spooky, but when we're talking about Japanese obake, that's some serious scares. We've all grown up with hearing terrifying stories of these restless spirits, and the exhibit "Obake Odyssey," opening Saturday at 10 a.m. at Moiliili's Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, recognizes that.

Gallery director Christy Takamune said that "in this exhibit, we wanted to explore how this passing of Japanese folklore from generation to generation in Hawaii is just another example of how our immigrant culture has merged to become part of our general local culture."

Local art work, plus shared cultural superstitions and storytelling, are part of the exhibit's run through, naturally, Halloween. Visitors will also have the chance to share their own ghost stories, using a confessional booth.

Remember the story about the faceless woman in the restroom of the old Waialae Drive-In? Brrrrrrr ...

MUSIC

Slack-key masters star at Hawaii Theatre

You could never accuse Willie K and Eric Gilliom of being shy and retiring. The two boisterous singer-guitarists -- better known as the Barefoot Natives -- will take their infectious energy to the Hawaii Theatre Friday night as part of their ongoing interisland tour.

With a new CD, "Slack Key Circus," scheduled for release next month, the guys promise quite a show. In a recent Mid-Week interview, Willie K said that "with Eric's theatrical experience and me being the clown that I already am, we extend more than just two guys on stage singing our favorite songs. ... We just keep it simple for everyone to enjoy. And for me, I've been doing this for so long, it's all about the fun."

Tickets are $27 and $37. Call 528-0506 or go online at www.hawaiitheatre.com.

FOOD

"A Feast for the Senses"

The Pineapple Room, Macy's Ala Moana / 945-6573

They say we eat with our eyes first, which can bring to mind creepy horror-show images if you take it literally. What it really means, though, is that our first clue to whether something will taste good is whether it looks good.

Chef Alan Wong takes that concept and runs with it to celebrate the eighth anniversary of his restaurant, the Pineapple Room, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 23. The idea is to transform the entire dining room, merging food and florals into an overall sensory experience.

The food will be by Wong and his chefs -- so expect the usual high level of presentation and flavor. The flower arrangements will be by noted designer Hitomi Gilliam of Canada. Adding to the effect: Pastry chefs Stanton Ho of the Las Vegas Hilton and Gin Caldwell of Ethel M Chocolates in Las Vegas will echo Gilliam's designs in sculptures of sugar and chocolate.

Cost is $125. Call 945-6573.

For those more interested in the flowers, Gilliam will hold two demonstrations on Sept. 22 at Macy's and 23 at Macy's special-events room on the third floor. The first, at 10 a.m., is for the general public, with admission of $5. The second, at 1 p.m., is for advanced designers; cost is $100. Call 959-3535.