Photographer marks 20 years behind lens

Following tonight's celebration in honor of Chai's Island Bistro's 10th and Singha Thai's 20th anniversaries, the party continues at Aloha Tower Marketplace as photographer Russell Tanoue marks 20 years of taking pictures in Honolulu.

Tanoue started off as a dancer before his cousin, Wayne Takenaka, inspired him to get into photography. Since then, he's worked with some of Hawaii's top models and is a regular contributor to the Star-Bulletin's sister publication, MidWeek.

Doors open to the general public at 11 p.m. tonight; Las Vegas DJ R.O.B. is the featured guest. An afterparty is also planned at Pearl Ultralounge.
» Where: Chai's Island Bistro, Aloha Tower Marketplace
» When: 11 p.m. today (VIP party from 9 to 11 p.m.)
» Cost: $10, free with Chai's/Singha Thai anniversary party ticket purchase
» Call: 836-7877

Ukulele performers and craftsmen gather

Waikiki is the place to be for ukulele aficionados this weekend, as the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii presents the eighth annual Ukulele Exhibition and Conference at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel.

Starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow and Sunday, live entertainment will be featured in the hotel's Ainahau Lobby, with a variety of educational seminars planned throughout the day. Guild members will also have custom-handcrafted instruments available for purchase.
» Where: Princess Kaiulani Hotel, 120 Kaiulani Ave.
» When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
» Cost: Free admission, $25 for two-day seminar pass
» Info: www.ukuleleguild.org

Coming Up

>> Gabriel Iglesias, next Friday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall
>> “;Stillborn Skies CD Release Party,”; next Friday at LOFT Gallery and Lounge
>> Dane Cook, Nov. 28 at Blaisdell Arena
>> “;Mai Tai Rumble Finals,”; Dec. 1 at the Mai Tai Bar, Ala Moana Center
>> The English Beat (pictured), Dec. 5 at Pipeline Cafe
>> “;A Cazimero Christmas,”; Dec. 11 to 13 at the Hawaii Theatre
>> Glen Campbell, Dec. 11 to 12 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall