(Courtesy photo)
FRIDAY, MAY 2
Busy reggae rockers bring act to Honolulu
After more than 15 years together, the Expendables are still going strong with a unique brand of reggae-rock.
Formed in 1997, the Santa Cruz, Calif., band includes longtime friends Geoff Weers (guitar and vocals), Adam Patterson (drums and vocals), Raul Bianchi (lead guitar) and Ryan DeMars (bass).
Together they’ve toured extensively with bands like 311, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid and the Dirty Heads and headlined venues from coast to coast, gaining a loyal fan base with a blend of reggae, punk rock, ska and surf rock.
The Expendables have released six albums, with the single “Zombies in America” debuting last July.
Most recently they played the annual 4/20 Rally in Denver. This year’s rally, the first since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana use, attracted tens of thousands of cannabis fans to Denver’s Civic Center Park.
» Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
» When: 8 p.m. Friday
» Cost: $22
» Info: (855) 235-2867, flavorus.com
SATURDAY, MAY 3
Improv troupe infuses the Bard into ‘Star Wars’
What happens when you combine the stylings of history’s greatest playwright with the greatest science fiction epic ever told?
(Courtesy photo)
You get Han Solo telling Chewbacca, “Lose not thy temper, gentle wookiee,” and the critical moment when Darth Vader reveals to Luke Skywalker that “No, I am thy father.”
In celebration of Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth Be With You”), On the Spot Improv
will perform an abridged stage reading of “William Shakespeare’s The Empire Striketh Back” — Ian Doescher’s Elizabethian adaptation of the second installment of George Lucas’ original trilogy — on Saturday and Sunday at The Arts at Marks Garage.
It’s the first “Star Wars”-themed reading by On the Spot.
“Honestly, it’s just a way better story,” said OtS artistic director Garrick Paikai. “We’re going to jump to the really good stuff.”
The seven actors will be dressed in black not only to give an authentic stage feel, but also because “Star Wars” costumes are not easy to come by, Paikai said, adding that he will provide some “special effects.”
And there are sure to be a few props.
“Maybe a tauntaun will come up,” Paikai teased, referring to the furry, dinosaurlike creature from the ice planet Hoth. “Who knows?”
While the actors won’t be in costume, Paikai said attendees are encouraged to wear their best “Star Wars”-inspired attire, especially for the cosplay after-party with DJ Jedi after Saturday night’s performance.
— Stefanie Nakasone
» Where: The Arts at Marks Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave.
» When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
» Cost: $10-$15
» Info: otsimprov.com
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SATURDAY, MAY 3
Inventive dishes honor popular meat at annual Spam Jam
Ever tried Spam street tacos? How about Spam flan?
Sample those dishes and more at the 12th annual Waikiki Spam Jam on Saturday.
Hawaii’s favorite canned meat takes center stage at the festival, which takes over Kalakaua Avenue from Lewers Street to Kaiulani Avenue. The event attracts an estimated 25,000 kamaaina and visitors annually.
In addition to a ton of Spam merchandise, the Spam Jam will feature 19 restaurants and food trucks that always amaze with some of the most inventive dishes using the popular luncheon meat.
You can find those Spam street tacos at the Gordon Biersch tent, along with the restaurant’s Sicilian Spam pizza, Chinatown Spam won tons and mango BBQ Spam sliders. Or for a mix of the salty and sweet, try Buenos Antojitos’ Mom’s Puerto Rican Spam flan or Ono Pops’ peanut butter ice cream with candied Spam. Jimmy Buffett’s will offer its award-winning Spam Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Stages fronting the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Center will feature entertainment by acts such as Kapena, Manoa Madness, Legends in Concert Waikiki and Emke.
The Hawaii Foodbank will also be on hand to collect Spam and other donations.
» Where: Kalakaua Avenue, between Lewers Street and Kaiulani Avenue
» When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday
» Cost: Free
» Info: spamjamhawaii.com
(Courtesy photo)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7-SATURDAY, MAY 10
Top fireknife dancers compete for championships at PCC
Twirling sticks of flames will light up the night sky during the World Fireknife Championships next week at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Starting Wednesday, the world’s best fireknife dancers will compete for titles in four divisions. The senior division (18 years old and over) kicks off the competition with the preliminary round on Wednesday night. On Thursday the junior divisions (6-11, 12-17) will take the stage, as well as the senior division semifinals and the open group competition.
The two-day senior division finals (May 9-10) will be held during the intermission of PCC’s evening show “Ha: Breath of Life,” so those who wish to see the final competitors must buy a show ticket.
In addition to the fireknife competition, PCC hosts the Samoan Cultural High School Arts Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10. Students from across the state will demonstrate their knowledge of Samoan culture by competing in a series of traditional practices including protocol and speech making, basket weaving, coconut husking and fire making, costuming, poise, dance movements and interpretation.
» Where: Polynesian Cultural Center, 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie
» When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 p.m. May 9 and 10
» Cost: $6-$10 (Wednesday, Thursday and festival), $39.95 (May 9 and 10)
» Info: (808) 293-3333, polynesia.com