[DA KINE]

Holiday night at the Row

Restaurant Row will host a free holiday program for families at 7 p.m. Wednesday to celebrate the lighting of its red, white and blue Christmas tree.

There will be entertainment by Diamond Head Theatre's keiki group Shooting Stars and cast members of "Annie," which has extended its run with two more shows at 8 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22, and 4 p.m. Dec. 23, plus excerpts from Ballet Hawaii's "Nutcracker," an appearance by Santa Claus and treats for keiki. Parking is complimentary in the Restaurant Row garage, with entry from Pohukaina Street.

For more information, call 532-4750.

Martial arts in a cage

"Shogun," a mixed marital arts competition, will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Hawaii Convention Center. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

Some of the world's top mixed martial arts fighters will do battle in an octagon cage, the first to be used in a Hawaiian mixed martial arts event.

Hawaii's own Egan Inoue will be headlining the night in a bout against Dennis Hallman. In addition, there will be a tribute to Brian Johnston.

Johnston, a professional mixed martial arts veteran and coach, recently suffered a stroke. Brian Johnston merchandise will be sold at the event to aid his recovery fund.

Other fighters/trainers who will attend are Pat Miletich, Frank Shamrock, B.J. Penn, Chuck Liddell, Enson Inoue, Frank Mir, Cesar Gracie, Eugene Jackson, Gil Castillo, "Crazy" Bob Cook, and Javier Mendez.

The event is being presented by Pacific Sports Entertainment and the newly formed United Shoot Association, in conjunction with the International Fighting Championships.

Tickets are $25, $35 and $50 VIP, available at Ticket Plus locations.

Proceeds will benefit the Hawaii Food Bank.

A Mexican Christmas

The 4th annual Posada Christmas Celebration takes place 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday in Thomas Square.

The Mexican celebration marks the anniversary of Christ's birth on the 16th and continues each night through Christmas Eve. Celebrants carry lighted candles in a procession that travels from house to house to commemorate Joseph and Mary's search for lodging in Bethlehem. When finally permitted entry, they are led to a feast of Christmas foods and the breaking of a piñata filled with toys and candy.

Those who wish to participate in the procession should gather in Thomas Square at 5 p.m. where marchers will stop at various tents filled with carolers. Following the procession, enjoy entertainment by Mariachi Amigos en Hawaii and Ballet Folklorico Mexicano Queztal, and refreshments in the Honolulu Academy of Art central courtyard. General admission is $8, and admission for children 6 to 12 is $3. Under 6 admitted free.

The event is being presented by the academy, Centro Hispano de Hawaii and the Mayor's Office on Culture and Arts. For more information, call the academy at 532-8700 or Centro Hispano at 941-52

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