HAWAII'S NEXT GENERATION of musicians have a new opportunity for stardom, thanks to a partnership between promoter Tom Moffatt and nonprofit organization Musical Youth of Hawaii.

Tom Moffatt

“;Band Champ”; kicks off with an all-ages party on Monday at Cirque Hawaii from 8 p.m. to midnight, but the talent search will accept applications from bands with up to eight members (the minimum is two people, and all entrants must be between the ages of 13 and 18 years old) until Jan. 17, 2009. Applications are available now at any participating Burger King or Mobi PCS store.

“;There are so many young, talented bands in Hawaii, but limited opportunities,”; said Moffatt in a press release. “;This competition essentially gives aspiring bands a chance at stardom on a grand stage in front of thousands of Hawaii music fans.”;

Following preliminary rounds early next year, “;Band Champ”; will hold the finals at Pipeline Cafe in March. The winning band will receive $5,000 cash and a contract to record a commercial release of their single, along with the opportunity to open at a future concert promoted by Moffatt.

Visit www.bandchamp.com to download a digital version of the application form ...

  AFTER A SUCCESSFUL 15-month run at the W Honolulu, two of the promoters behind “;The Playground”; have decided to pursue other opportunities on Friday nights.

Tantriq Entertainment and Architechs Hawaii kick off “;The Peach”; at LEVEL4 Nightclub and Ultralounge this week in partnership with Racesauce.com. DJs XL, Anit, Lostboy and rotating guests will man the decks in two rooms until 4 a.m.

That leaves Island Fire Productions at the W for this week's premiere of “;Shangri La,”; which also marks the return of Artist Groove Network to the hotel (they promoted Fridays for about 18 months before “;The Playground”; took over in 2007). DJs Mixmaster B, Ryan Sean and Betty will spin, with an open bar from 10 to 11 p.m. ...

  FRIDAY'S PICKS: The Hell Caminos are back in Hawaii after touring 18 states earlier this year. Welcome them back during “;Punks Vs. Psychos”; at Anna Bannana's, with opening sets by White Rose, The 86 List and Guttercats starting at 9 p.m. ... Just down the street, Red Lion University kicks off its new “;Aloha Fridays”; surf party, hosted by Matty Liu ... HI DEF 808 and Midnight Motion Productions return to E&O Trading Co. with their monthly “;Lavish”; party, with DJs Idle and 720 on the turntables and Big Mike hosting the party. This month, Miss Aloha Tower 2007 Jewelyn Tam Sing returns as a featured go-go dancer, with a special appearance by Evelyn Lin also planned ...

Raiatea Helm

MORE PICKS: Raiatea Helm has announced a series of appearances in support of her new single, “;Where I Belong.”; She'll perform at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Pearl City Walmart, followed by appearances at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Mililani Walmart and 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Kona Walmart. She'll also perform at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Keeaumoku Walmart ... Local DJ collective Pacific Sounds Outernational celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Living Room on Saturday, with performances by Ooklah the Moc, Jah Maoli Rasta and Lion Fyah. Cover is $10 before midnight ... The 808 Scene Zine presents a Hawaii hip-hop showcase at Don Ho's on Saturday, with Ryde or Die Movement celebrating an upcoming 52-city world tour and Ill Valley introducing tracks off their upcoming album, “;Fertile Sound.”; The Audible Lab Rats and DJ Cozy will also perform; doors open at 9:30 p.m. ...

  COMING UP: Salevaa Atisanoe launched a music company, Lost Coast Sound, after retiring from sumo and moving back to Hawaii. On Sunday, he'll introduce Laga Savea, J. Boog, Siaosi and Kiwini Vaitai with a concert at Waikiki Beach Walk. Performances start at 2:30 p.m. ... Rick Rock hosts his first annual “;Monte Carlo Night”; at Aiea Bowl on Monday. The fun starts at 7 p.m., with casino-style games and DJ Mike D on the decks. Admission is $40 at the door, and all proceeds go to charity. Call 688-8868 ... Also on Monday, Furious Style Productions and Artist Groove Network present “;iSpin 2,”; a DJ showdown featuring DJs Sovern-T, Jimmy Taco, Delve, Durtie Rice, Compose, Packo and others. Doors open at 10 p.m. ...