C A L E N D A R S

Weekend

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Saturday

Healthy Baby Contest promotes health as well as keiki cuteness

An annual tradition in the islands, the 55th Annual Meadow Gold Healthy Baby Contest is more than just a search for Hawaii's cutest keiki -- it also promotes good health and nutritious diets for youngsters and their families.

Join in the fun when preliminary competition starts this weekend, as the tykes compete for prizes, including a $2,500 U.S. Savings Bond for the first-place winner.

» Place: Downtown Center Court, Pearlridge Center
» Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
» Admission: Free
» Call: 488-0981

Share in the cultural history of Kalihi and help Kalihi-Palama Health Center

The annual Taste of Kalihi, a block-party-style celebration, highlights the neighborhood's rich history, cultural diversity and bright future.

This year, preparations are under way for 2,000 people to dance the Electric Slide, an endeavor that would break last year's record of 800 dancers. There will also be a backyard barbecue cook-off, free health services and a legal clinic.

A portion of proceeds will benefit the Kalihi-Palama Health Center.

» Place: Colburn Street, between Waiakamilo and McNeil
» Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
» Admission: free
» Call: 951-9888, ext. 109

Benefit for La Pietra school to feature jazz with Shari Lynn, Jimmy Borges and friends

Singers Shari Lynn and Jimmy Borges, their friends and proteges will once again liven up the stage at one of Honolulu's annual outdoor parties, on the great lawn of the La Pietra school campus.

"Sunset Jazz, Etc." will also feature Rocky Brown and DeShannon Higa, the Saloon Pilots and the Savoy Sisters.

The event is a benefit for the college preparatory school for girls.

» Place: La Pietra, 2933 Poni Moi Road
» Time: 6 p.m.
» Tickets: $50, with valet parking available, or free shuttle to and from Kapiolani Community College
» Call: 922-2744

Sunday

Award-winning Cruz headlines concert to help military families

Hoku and Grammy award-winner John Cruz will headline a concert for the benefit of Operation Homefront of Hawaii.

The nonprofit provides emergency assistance to Hawaii troops, the families they leave behind and those wounded in combat after they return home. Operation Homefront offers support to nearly 35,000 military members and 60,000 family members that call Hawaii home.

Other performers on the bill include stand-up comics Lanai, Shawn Felipe and Mel Cabang; a pick-up band featuring Christian Yrizarry from Beach 5; and country's Anthony Ryan & the Ridgecrest Wranglers.

» Place: Hale Koa Hotel, 2055 Kalia Road
» Time: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
» Tickets: $12 advance and $20 at the door, available at www.islandtix.com, all GCI Wireless stores and ITT ticket offices on all military bases
» Call: 291-0711 or visit www.operationhomefront.net

'Aloha Shorts' bids aloha to director Mark Lutwak

This weekend's taping of KIPO's "Aloha Shorts" program will be a special one: It's a send-off for director Mark Lutwak and his wife, playwright Y York, who are moving to Ohio.

Lutwak, former artistic director of the Honolulu Theatre for Youth, has been named director of education for the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Hosted, as always, by Cedric Yamanaka, the evening will feature Nara Cardenas reading Susan Nunes' "The Yellow Umbrella"; Walter Eccles performing a selection of short poems by Joseph Stanton; and writers Ann Inoshita, Juliet Kono, Christy Anne Passion and Jean Toyama reading a portion of their collaborative "renshi," or linked poetry, originally written for Bamboo Ridge's Web site.

Music will be provided by the trio Hammajang -- Charley Myers, Derek Farrar and Yash Walczak -- formerly known as Friends of the Bride.

» Place: Atherton Performing Arts Studio, Hawaii Public Radio, 738 Kaheka St.
» Time: 7 p.m.
» Admission: free
» Call: 955-8821

Family fun day at zoo helps children with cancer

Families are invited to join the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation at the Honolulu Zoo for a day of animal hunts, games, rides, bouncers, prizes, food and entertainment.

Special performances will include 2007 Hoku award-winners Kaukahi, Drill Team Hawaii, the 24 VII DanceForce, 808 Cheer

and more.

Funds raised will assist the foundation's mission to help children with cancer.

» Place: Honolulu Zoo
» Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
» Tickets: $5, with children under 6 free
» Call: 528-5161 or visit www.hccf.org

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