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FRIDAY, SEPT. 6
Head to First Friday and dive into a monthlong exhibit featuring international artists and filmmakers
Enough with the “Sharknado” shenanigans. For First Friday, the ARTS at Marks Garage will hold a reception for “All At Sea: An Art Exhibit for Sharks and Oceans,” which seeks to bring a modicum of sanity to the discussion about the marine predators.
More than 50 international artists and filmmakers will be presenting works during the monthlong exhibit, which includes the Beneath the Waves Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Marks. Today’s reception at 6 p.m. features First Friday drink specials. Marks Garage is at 1159 Nuuanu Ave.; www.artsatmarks.com.
The arts organization will be the beneficiary of festivities at the nearby Mendonca Building, at 1126 Smith St. The courtyard will be transformed into a beer garden, and Bop & Grind will take over the downstairs walkway with new and revitalized art and goodies for sale. Artist Loft residents Convergence Dance Company, pictured, and DJ Mr. Nick will provide entertainment starting at 5 p.m.
Other First Friday events include an exhibit for ceramicist Jon Vongvichai at the Louis Pohl Gallery, featuring his collection titled “Contain and Function.” The reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1142 Bethel St. At 9 p.m., a free dance party featuring DJ Ross Jackson, Dj Timo and Dj Monkey will get underway at Downbeat Lounge. They’ll be spinning a collection of post-punk, Britpop, indie, electro-pop and Italo disco tunes. This event is for ages 21+. Downbeat Lounge is at 40 N. Hotel St.
Where: Arts at Mark’s Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave.
When: 6 p.m. today
Cost: Free
Info: www.artsatmarks.com
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6-SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Women share expo spotlight with pets, celebs
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The Hawai’i Woman Expo takes over the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall this weekend, and despite its name, it’s not just adult females who will have a good time at the annual event.
Families will find entertainment, and everyone can enjoy the Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show. “We have celebrities walking the runway who hold either their own pets or (pets) from the Oahu SPCA that need a home, and the pets are dressed up in the fashions — not so much the celebrities,” said Nancy Bernal, coordinator of the fashion show.
This year’s show, at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, will include an appearance by Jordan Segundo, pictured, the first Hawaii singer to appear on “American Idol.” He will be walking a dog from the Oahu SPCA and performing a song as well, all to raise awareness about the need for pet adoption. Other celebrity participants include musicians Michael Paulo, Taimane Gardner and Aidan James, comedian Augie T, and television personalities Justin Cruz, Jill Kuramoto and Kenny Choi, among others.
Other entertainment includes hula and a performance by Aloha Live, the new cirque-like show in Waikiki.
But this being the Woman Expo, there are more female-centric events, such as sessions on skin care at 7 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; quilting demonstrations at noon Saturday and Sunday; and a mother-daughter look-alike fashion show at 3 p.m. Sunday. To spice things up, there’s also the “Hawai’i's Most Beautiful Man” contest at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
When: 5-9 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $3; military, seniors and children under 7 free
Info: hawaiiwomanexpo.com or 235-2358
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Maharaja of Jodhpur will attend polo match
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After a brief break, the North Shore polo season has kicked up its heels again, and Sunday’s match should provide some off-field interest as well.
Polo has been called the “sport of kings,” a reputation that perhaps stems from the tradition linking royalty and horses. Sunday’s match will revive that tradition with the attendance of His Highness Gaj Singh, the maharaja of Jodhpur, pictured, who is coming to watch a match between teams from India and Hawaii.
The maharaja (“great king” in Sanskrit) traces his royal lineage back nearly 700 years, through 38 generations. Although the Indian royalty was officially stripped of political power with the establishment of a constitutional government in the 1960s and ’70s, he has remained an important figure in the cultural affairs of Marwar-Jodhpur, a region in northwestern India.
Singh’s favorite sport is polo — there’s even a link to it on his website — and Jodhpur is where the most prestigious polo matches in India are played. His team reportedly creates a daring image on the field, as his players wear turbans instead of helmets.
A special reception is planned for those who want to talk ponies with the players and the maharaja.
The Hawaii Polo Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Mokuleia. Matches are at 2 p.m. Sundays until Oct. 27.
Where: Hawaii Polo Club, 68-411 Farrington Highway
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $8-$25; children 14-under free
Info: hawaii-polo.org or 226-0061
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
Jazz soloists, groups are set for entertaining evening
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Take in an evening of jazz beneath the stars at a benefit for La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls.
La Pietra musical director Shari Lynn has lined up diverse entertainment for the evening. Hawaii jazz legend Jimmy Borges will bring his renditions of jazz standards to the stage. Back in the day, he entertained Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Diana Ross in gigs at Waikiki clubs, so he’ll be close to home on the school grounds, at the base of Diamond Head.
Grammy Award-nominated Sacha Boutros, pictured, also will join in on the fun. The San Diego native has been a frequent visitor to the islands, performing often in the intimacy of Hawaii Public Radio’s Atherton Studio, Sarento’s Top of the I and the Mezz, so it will be good to experience her classically trained voice in the open air. She sings in seven languages and has obvious international appeal; her 2008 CD “Simply Sacha” was among the top 10 jazz and Latin jazz albums in both the U.S. and Japan.
But it won’t be just soloists on stage. Local big-band favorite Son Caribe will add Latin stylings to the festivities, and the Sunset Jazz All-Star Band is also on the bill.
Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the music. Wine, coffee and dessert are included. Extra parking will be available at Waikiki Elementary School with a free shuttle service.
Where: La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls, 2933 Poni Moi Road
When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $65
Info: lapietra.edu or 922-2744
TICKER:
AC/DC Tribute Band Back In Black blasts into The Republik, 7 p.m. today. $20. flavorus.com