Friday, February 19

Los Camperos tune up

After a five-year absence from Hawaii, the Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano return to present another exhilarating evening of Mexican music.

Leader Nati Cano started playing the vihuela (five-stringed guitar) nearly 70 years ago when he was just a child. In that time he has been instrumental in elevating mariachi music to the concert hall. His mastery and attention to achieving a high level of excellence saw Cano named a National Heritage Fellow, and Los Camperos' high demands of themselves earned them a 2009 Grammy.

The group performs traditional and contemporary pieces ranging from the exuberant to the plaintively bittersweet and romantic.

Los Camperos have frequently performed with Linda Ronstadt both live and on her album “;Canciones de Mi Padre (Songs of my Father).”;

» Where: Leeward Community College Theatre, 96-045 AlaIke St.
» When: 8 p.m. today
» Cost: $25 general admission; $21 for military, seniors and students; $15 for children under 13 years old
» Info: 483-7123 or www.etickethawaii.com

Saturday, February 20

Ho'olaulea promises music and good eats

Ho'ihi aku, ho'ihi mai—give and receive respect—is the theme of Kamehameha Schools' 80th Annual Ho'olaulea.

Bring the ohana and your beach mats and relax on the Kapalama campus lawn for music by the Ka'ala Boys, Kupaoa, Hoku Zuttermeister, Weldon Kekauoha, Leahi and the talented students of Kamehameha.

There also will be a silent auction, keiki and teen activities, health and education booths, a country store and garden shop, and ono food such as Hawaiian and Korean plates, watercress stew, “;beverage blasters,”; neighbor island specialties and sweets such as malasadas and the schools' famous brownies.

Free parking will be available at designated on-campus locations, and complimentary shuttle service will be provided at the schools' bus terminal at the corner of School and Kapalama streets to and from parking lots at Kapalama Elementary School and Damien Memorial High School.

» Where: Kamehameha Schools, 1887 Makuakane St.

» When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow

» Cost: Free

» Info: 842-8780 or www.ksbe.edu

Choral society to honor Mahi

Singers from the Oahu Choral Society will honor Aaron Mahi for his contributions to the arts in Hawaii at their annual fundraiser, “;Vivace!”;

In its ninth year, the society's annual banquet has presented the Dale R. Noble Award, honoring individuals who have helped the musical community in Honolulu in meaningful ways.

Mahi was conductor of the Royal Hawaiian Band for 24 years, between 1981 and 2005, and conductor of the Honolulu Symphony Pops Orchestra from 1988 through '95.

The banquet will feature performances by the Honolulu Chamber Choir, under the direction of Esther Yoo, and the Kawaiolaonapukanileo, an a cappella ensemble specializing in Hawaiian choral music, led by Nola A. Nahulu.

» Where: Waialae Country Club, 4997 Kahala Ave.
» When: 5:30 p.m. tomorrow
» Cost: $80
» Info: 524-0815, ext. 257; or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Water lovers dive in to Expo

This weekend's family-friendly Hawaii Ocean Expo should appeal to all types of water enthusiasts with activities, product and education vendors, a water keiki fun zone, cooking demonstrations and a surfing/fishing/diving museum.

The expo's major attractions include a surf clothing and accessories sample sale, an eco-friendly green room, a boat show and a competition for the best and most innovative ahi poke recipes.

» Where: Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, 777 Ward Ave.
» When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
» Cost: $5 general admission, $3 for children 6 to 12 years old, free for children 5 and under
» Info: www.hawaiioceanexpo.com

Sunday, February 21

Concert to mark black history month

Chaminade University's chorus-in-residence, the Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble, will present a concert in celebration of Black History Month.

Led by music director Timothy Carney, the ensemble with soprano Rosanna Perch will offer music from a variety of jazz, spiritual and gospel music selections. Readings and poetry will also be presented under the direction of Allison Francis, assistant professor and chairwoman of the English department.

» Where: Mystical Rose Oratory, 3140 Waialae Ave.
» When: 4 p.m. Sunday
» Cost: Free
» Info: 735-4711 or www.chaminade.edu

Jam to deliver anti-drug message

Drug-Free Hawaii Awareness Month comes to a close with the 10th Annual Heritage Backyard Jam.

Entertainment will be provided by Vaihi, Kawao, the De Lima Ohana, Jahmaka and the Ewalani Hula Maids & Na Kane Hula.

There also will be food and educational resource booths, jumpers and children's activities.

All of this is presented by the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii and co-sponsored by the Star-Bulletin.

» Where: Kapiolani Park
» When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
» Cost: Free
» Info: 545-3228, ext. 21; or www.drugfreehawaii.org