'Hops and Grinds' heads to Aloha Tower

After nearly five years at the Willows in Moiliili, local beer guru Andy Baker is moving his monthly “;Hops and Grinds”; tasting event to Aloha Tower Marketplace.

In honor of the Fourth of July, tonight's theme is “;Reds, Whites and Blues”; with a variety of made-in-the-USA craft brews. In addition, Don Ho's executive chef Robert Denis will provide all-you-can-eat pupus.

While it's too late to purchase advance tickets for tonight's “;Hops and Grinds,”; you can pick up $25 tickets for the August tasting at Don Ho's, the Liquor Collection, the Wine Stop and Tamura's Kaimuki.

» Where: Don Ho's Island Grill, Aloha Tower Marketplace
» When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today
» Cost: $30
» Call: 528-0807

Festival liaison to meet isle musicians

It was no coincidence when local musicians Pimpbot, John Cruz, One Right Turn, David Tamaoka and Anuhea Jenkins all ended up in Texas earlier this year for the annual South by Southwest Music Festival.

In addition to sharing the same management company, they all received guidance from Australia resident Phil Tripp. As the Hawaii/Australia/New Zealand representative for SXSW, it's his job to serve as a liaison between the festival and musicians.

To help prepare for next year's festival, Tripp will arrive in Hawaii this weekend for meetings on Oahu (Monday), Kauai (Wednesday), the Big Island (Aug. 3) and Maui (Aug. 4). Artists, managers, labels, agents, promoters and those interested in more details about SXSW are invited to attend the networking sessions.

» Where: Sam Choy's, 580 N. Nimitz Highway
» When: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday
» Cost: Free
» Info: 545-7979 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)