Get out your calendars and log in some of these community events.
Valentine’s Day also means an opportunity to go out and get romantic.
Check ‘em out:

Benefit: Hawai’i stars shine for Haiti

Star power will be bright and plentiful when Cecilio & Kapono will be joined by Amy Hanaiali`i, Jimmy Borges and Ledward Kaapana at a benefit concert at Hilton Hawaiian Village this Friday to raise funds for victims of the Jan. 12 Haitian earthquake in an event called “Island to Island for Haiti.”
The show will be staged on the Hilton’s Great Lawn, assembling more entertainers including Raitea Helm, Taimane Gardner, Afatia Thompson and the troupers from Tihati Productions.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and a hotel’s Friday fireworks display, at 8 p.m., will be a fitting climax.
Area restaurants and the hotel’s food and beverage department will provide food samplings and drinks. A suggested $20 donation will be collected at thedoor and the snacks and drinks will be $3 each.
All proceedswill go to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.
The fundraiser is the brainchild of Jerry Gibson, area vice president of Hilton Hawaii, who tapped his colleagues to provide food stations at the benefit. Besides the host Hilton resort, the participants will include the Halekulani, the Hilton Waikiki Prince, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Kahala Hotel & Resort, Marriott Waikiki, Moana Surfrider – a Westin Resort, Sheraton Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, and the Royal Hawaiian hotels.
“It certainly has been difficult to hear the tragic stories emanating from Haiti. Each reported incident is one of horror, hopelessness and grief,” said Gibson. “I felt that we should and could do something as a community to help out this ravaged island.”
Tickets are on sale in advance at the Hilton’s main lobby, but also may be purchased at the door. Validated parking in the Hilton garage will be $5, with additional parking at the Hale Koa hotel across the street.

Concert: Julio Iglesias returning to Blaisdell

Julio Iglesias returns to the Blaisdell Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. March 13, with tickets priced at $55, $80, $95 and $125. To all the girls who loved him the first time, does price really matter?
Seats go on sale Saturday at the box office and at www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

Dining: Ruth’s Chris has a stake on Valentine’s

Dine at any Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Hawaii, from this Thursday (Feb. 11) through Valentine’s Day (this Sunday, Feb. 14), and you’ll receive complimentary appetizer cards from Ruth’s or Romano’s Macaroni Grill here.
On Sunday, the restaurants will begin dinner service at 4 p.m.
Each restaurant will offer a Valentine’s Week Menu, but menu favorites such as the USDA Prime Cowboy Ribeye, Filet and New York Strip will be available.
Reservatons: Restaurant Row, 599-3860; Waikiki Beach Walk, 440-7910; The Shops at Mauna Lani, 808-874-8880; Lahaina Center, 808-661-8815; and The Shops at Wailea, 808-874-8880.

Dining: Romano’s also offering Valentine’s specials

Romano’s Macaroni Grill will offer a Valentine’s Weekend menu this Sunday, at its Honolulu and Big Island locations.
Diners also will receive complimentary appetizer cards, good for future use at Romano’s or Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants.
Reservations: Ala Moana, 356-8033; Queen’s Marketplace on the Big Island, 808-443-5515.

Festivities: Love is in the air at Princess Ka’iulani

“With All My Love — Me Kealoha Pumehana” is the Valentine’s Day theme at the Sheraton Princess Ka’iulani hotel on Sunday. You can renew wedding vows, or watch others do it; take in a performance of mermaids; and enjoy Island music.
The schedule:
• 5 to 5:30 p.m. — Renewal of wedding vows, at the Lava Stage.
• 5:30 to 5 p.m. — Mermaids Hawaii choreographed performance, in the hotel pool.
• 6:16 to 7 p.m. — Hear romantic melodies by the Academy Performance School.
Admission is free.

Music: Black History concert at Chaminade

“A Concert in Celebration of Black History Month” is set for 4 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Mystical Rose Oratory at Chaminade University.
The free program will feature the Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble, led by Timothy Carney, featuring soprano Rosanna Perch.
The selections will include spirituals, gospel music, and jazz, with poetry and selected readings celebrating the contributios of African-Americans to our culture.
Admission is free.

Island Sounds reviews of recent CD releases by Bill Tapia, Alvin Okami, Go Jimmy Go and Various Artists ....

Bill Tapia
“Livin’ It Live”
Red Spider Producitons
World music

At 102, Bill Tapia reigns as the world’s senior ‘ukulele sensation, strumming with a joyous jazz stance. He’s definitely at the head of the class.
Overview: Tapia does it all, from hapa-haole (“I Want to Learn to Speak Hawaiian”) to jazz (“Satin Doll”), from Tin Pan Alley classics (“Honeysuckle Rose”) to local faves (“E Ku’u Morning Dew”), all with a deliberate, assured pace. The tracks derive from his road trips and Bay Area greats Ruth Davies and Akira Tana and Islanders Mihana Souza, Ledward Ka’apana and Lyle Ritz sit in. Tapia’s show-stopping “Stars & Stripes Forever” is a livewire, with sparks aplenty — and World War I roots.
Rating: 4 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

Alvin Okami
“Just Uke and Me”
KoAloha
Adult contemporary

Alvin Okami was a singer with Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta four decades ago and now is the patriarch and pillar of the family-operated KoAloha ‘ukulele company. Of his solo CD debut, he says: “Although it has no commercial potential, I simply wanted to leave evidence for my three grandsons that grandpa could carry a tune pretty good.”
Overview: This is an unabashed labor of love for Okami, who is backed by a pair of legendary uke aces Ohta-san and Gordon Mark. The pipes are still pumping bold, big sounds; the fare taps the evergreen riches of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, Lorenz Hart, Michel Legrand and others from Okami’s warbling heyday. Seek out “My Funny Valentine,” a timeless beauty of sensitivity.
Rating: 3 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

Go Jimmy Go
“Go Jimmy Go”
Go Jimmy Go LLC
Ska, reggae, rocksteady

The indie ska lads of Go Jimmy Go are on the go again with this rousing reintroduction of its contagious and captivating reggae hybrid sound. New members Jay “Jayder” Kalk (bass, vocals) and Ryan Kunimura (trombone, melodics) provide a fresh palate for Jason “Bison” Friedmann (lead vocals), Ian Ashley (guitar, vocals), Shon Gregory (drums, percussion, vocals) and Eric White (tenor, baritone sax).
Overview: This is No. 5 for GJG, one of the state’s prolific and potent combos, which performs all original tunes by Friedmann like “Own Thang,” “Incarceration” and “Pain in My Heart,” each with distinct pleasures and a celebratory spirit. Go, go, Go Jimmy Go.
Rating: 4 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

Various Artists
“Tom Moffatt: 50
Years of Music
In Hawaii”
Shaka Records
Compilation

Tom Moffatt has been at the heart of Island music, from all perches: deejay, show promoter, emcee, recording producer, author, industry good-guy.
Overview: In many ways, this is a soundtrack of the past five decades, with nostalgia bursting at the seams: Melveen Leed (“Music of Hawaii”), Keali’i Reichel (“E O Mai”), Liz Damon’s Orient Express (“1900 Yesterday”), Don Ho (“I’ll Remember You”) and John Rowles (“Cheryl Moana Marie”), with contributions from The Makaha Sons, Keola and Kapono Beamer, Danny Couch, Marlene Sai, Raiatea Helm, Rene Paulo, The Surfers, The Kasuals, Society of Seven and Buddy Fo & The Invitations. Ah, golden memories.
Rating: 4 stars
— Wayne Harada, special to The Advertiser

Incessant chattering.
Feet up on the seats.
A chirping cell phone followed by an answering voice.
As you wait for the film to start, you may have experienced these typical annoyances at your favorite movie theater.
The culprits are not teens, who often forget manners; they are adults, who should know better.
Welcome to the Seven Blunders of Movie-Going.
Don’t’cha just hate it when your movie-watching pleasure is disrupted with these shameful offenses:
1 — Loud talking. During the commercials, during the previews, during the films. Shut it, already. If you you need to talk, whisper. Please.
2 — Cell phone ringing. Hey, if you don’t know, the pre-show warning about turning off electronic devices is valid. Shhhh.
3 — Feet up on the seats. Bare feet would be bad enough, but with dirty shoes atop the seat in front of the offenders? Rude, rude, rude.
4 — Noisy kids. Sure, children should go to films like everyone else — but not to adult-oriented flicks. There are ratings for a reason; and if a child cries, head for the lobby. Please, please.
5 — Outside drinks and food. It’s not kosher, but commonplace, to bring your own gum or packet of mochi crunch. But try to avoid stinky food, like cuttlefish; noisy food wrapped in foil; or horrors, plate lunches with odors that add an unwanted smell-o-rama effect to the movie.
6 — Personal hygiene and habits. Some folks reek of body odor, perfume; even a pua keni keni lei that might be unsettling to others; or foot-tapping from the seat behind you; or even snoring. Think about the little things that become a nuisance in the theater gallery.
7 — Large hats. If you wear one, take it off once seated. There’s nothing worse than a person with a huge hat, blocking your view. Remove the sun-shielder. That's overdressing for the movies.
Where are the movie manners, you ask?
Etiquette has escaped, along with the Movietone news and short subjects (including cartoons!) of yesteryear.
At a recent screening of “A Single Man,” I wasn’t the only one to notice an insensitive, annoying chatterbox couple. They were ho-ho-ing it during the pre-feature commercials and previews; he even took time to whip out his cell phone to make a call.
Even when the main film started, they babbled endlessly. Oh, she also put her shoes and feet on the tops of the seat in front of her — a middle-aged woman who never
learned movie etiquette.
If your cell phone rings because you forgot to turn it off, don’t answer; quickly tend to end the call. If you take the call, head for the exit door.
And do not text messages; do not tweet. Even the lights of the phone are a distraction.
Use your flashlight mode only if you’re a latecomer and can’t see folks’ feet as you make a grand entrance. Then shut that down, too.
Kids? Leave them home, especially babies who won’t watch the flick, if it’s not a kiddie-oriented film aimed at family audiences. Babes in arms don’t pay admission and thus should be summarily banned from certain films. Parents should find a sitter; or at least have the courtesy to head for the lobby when the kid cries. Happened at an IMAX 3D showing (a packed house) of “Avatar.” Everyone paid a premium to see the blockbuster; the crying kid is not a bonus. At least the dad scurried out to the lobby – three times, by my count.

If you really need to talk, whisper. A phrase would do; don’t ask probing questions if you missed dialogue or don’t understand the consequences of the action; this kind of dissertation can be done after you see the movie.

If someone talks incessantly, a firm “shhhh” might help; if it continues, don’t take on a challenge; head for the lobby and ask for intervention from a theater manager; they get paid for such tasks.

With the alarming prices for movie snacks, I don’t blame anyone bringing in their own red vines or kakimochi or Dove’s dark chocolates that are not available. If you bring hot dogs, please don’t use foil that crinkles and makes annoying noise; if you stow away a McDonald’s burger or a Jack in the Box tacos, you’ll stink up the viewing experience for those in your immediate area. I recall, some years ago, someone brought in a Chinese plate of noodles and beef broccoli from Patti’s Chinese Kitchen, and the odor penetrated the entire theater. And it was a matinee — way past lunch time, too early for dinner. What’s up?
For a short time, the Ward Centre theaters offered healthy snack options — like fresh fruit. Apples. OK, good idea, but the apple created collateral problems: crunching noises, sticky drippiness, and, ahem, some folks had the indecency to toss the core on the floor. Unwrapped. Squishy. Icky.
Perhaps the worst contraband making it into theater: a bottle of wine. Honestly. This was way way way back, when the Kapiolani Theatre was up and running, and you knew it was vino, ‘cause you could smell it when the culprit dropped the bottle and it rolled toward the front, providing the aroma of a vineyard in the process. Funny, in retrospect; shameful otherwise.
And when is the proper time to exit? To me, everyone should sit through the credits; that’s part of the protocol. Usually, when films pack in outtakes or mini-vignettes amid the credit crawl, audiences will stay and chuckle. But most folks up and leave, making it impossible for those remaining who want to catch a name of a character they adored, or see the locales where the film was shot. Clearly, if you have to exit, to pick up the kids or relieve the bladder, do it quietly and efficiently to allow those staying back to see all of the acknowledgments.
The End.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa returns to his namesake Nobu’s restaurant at the Waikiki Parc hotel Feb. 9 through 12, with special events to whet the appetite and taste buds.
Consider:
• MA’O-Inspired Omakase Menu daily, Feb. 9 through 12, with Chef Nobu working with emerging Wai’anae farmers of MA’O Organic Farms to design an omakase menu inspired by the riches of organic produce from the farm in Lualualei Valley in Wai’anae. The $125 menu will benefit the farm’s sustainable internship programs, land expansion, scholarships and more.
• Art of Sushi & Sake Tasting Class, a midday event on Feb. 11 limited to eight exclusive sushi bar seats. Chef Nobu will demonstrate his signature sushi and cold dishes, with tips on selecting fish, carving technique, plating and sake pairings. The $300 tariff will include a personalized cookbook, Nobu apron, masu and maki sushi and lunch with the Chef Nobu. Deposit required; 237-6999.
• Cocktails & Apertivo with Chef Nobu, from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11, in the lounge at Nobu’s. The $18 charge includes a three-course happy hour of MA’O inspired cocktails by bar manager Dave Newman, and a chance to sip and party with the world renowned chef.
Nobu’s normally serves dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 to10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; the lounge ooerates from 5 p.m. to midnight daily, with Apertivo (happy hour) from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays.
Reservations: 237-6999 or www.opentable.com. Follow Nobu’s Waikiki on Twitter at @nobuwaikiki.
Valet parking at the hotel’s Helumoa porte cochere.
The Nobu restaurant empire started with the original restaurant in New York in 1994, when Chef Nobu partnered with actor Robert DeNiro, producer Meir Teer and managing partner Richie Notar; now there are Nobu outposts across the globe, including London, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Malibu, Millan, Miami Beach, West Hollywood, Kong Kong, Dallas, and Paradise Island, The Bahamas.
Information: www.noburestaurants.com.

Na Leo goes romantic for Valentine’s; Hawai’i Theatre will mount “Snow Queen;” Smooth Jazz continues at Royal Hawaiian Center; and Hot Club of Hulaville will kokua the ‘Iolani Stage Band. Mark your calendars...

Clubs: Na Leo at Monarch Room for Valentine’s

The Royal Hawaiian hotel continues its Curators of Hawaiian Music series in the Monarch Room with a performance by Na Leo at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14.
The evening show, themed “Romantic Waikiki,” coincides with Valentine’s Day.
This evening performance was designed and produced by World Sound and is being presented by Kaiser Permanente.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Na Leo and World Sound in our next Curators of Hawaiian Music performance,” said Kelly Hoen, general manager of The Royal Hawaiian.
The hope is that celebrants will take advantage of Monday’s Presidents Day holiday to dine at a Starwood restaurant prior to showtime, then proceed to the Monarch Room of a multi-media performance.
Aureana Tseu, Miss Hawaii USA 2009, will be a featured dancer.
Na Leo is comprised of high school friends Nalani Choy, Lehua Kalima Heine and Angela Morales, who are moms and wives who share a passion for music and performance and have collected an armful of Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. They run their own label, write much of their own music, and remain friends and business colleagues.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for cocktail service. The show runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $69 general, $49 kama’aina, Royal Hawaiian houseguests, military, seniors and Kaiser Permanente members; there is an additional $3.75 ticketing fee. A limited number of VIP seats will be available for an additional $20.
Reservations: 262-6300 or www.worldsound.com.
For Starwood dinner reservations, call 921-4600, or visit www.royal-hawaiian.com.

Jazz: Hot Club to do benefit for ‘Iolani Stage Band

The Hot Club of Hulaville will stage its “Chansons D’Amour” concert as a benefit for the ‘Iolani Stage Band to support a spring tour to Japan.
The concert will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew’s Cathedral. A reception at 6 p.m. precedes the show, with a brief performance at 6:30 p.m. by
the ‘Iolani Tam-Young Stage Band Combo.
Tickets: $35, which includes the pre-show reception, or $25 for concert only.
Reservations: Hawai’i Theatre, 528-0506, or www.hotclubofhulaville.com. Admission at the door: $35.
Information: 782-1955.

Jazz: Another Smooth Jazz Night Feb. 13 in Waikiki

Peter White, a jazz guitarist, will feature guests Brian Simpson, a keyboardist, and Michael Paulo, a saxophonist, in a Smooth Jazz Night concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Royal Hawaiian Theatre (Level 4) at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki.
All musicians have stellar credits in the jazz idiom; White’s newest CD is “Good Day,” Simpson is known for his “It’s All Good” hit, and Paulo is the homegrown jazz star and producer of the Smooth Jazz series.
This one will be the 12th since the series launched in March 2009. Paulo and Ed Nishioka are co-producers through their ME Productions.
Tickets: $45 regular, $85 VIP (includes floor-level seating with cocktail service and after-show party), $125 super VIP (includes floor-level leather-couch seating with cocktail service after party and a concert gift).
Reservations: 550-8357, www.honoluluboxoffice.com.
Details: www.SmoothJazzNights.com

Stage: ‘Snow Queen’ musical at Hawai’i Theatre in March

A new musical, based on the Hans Christian Anderson “Snow Queen” classic, will play to the public at 7 pm. March 6 and 2 p.m. March 7 at the Hawai’i Theatre.
The show features a local creative team, with book by Hester Kamin, music and lyrics by Tanya Kirk, and co-direction by Eden-Lee Murray and Deanna Luster. Lloyd “Sandy” Riford is lighting and set designer, Peggy Krock is costume designer.
The classic tale is suitable for youths in K-8 but also appealing to adults. It’s about a wicked snow queen who captures a boy, whose heart will turn to ice unless he’s rescued by a little girl.
Murray, the co-director, will appear in dual roles as the Snow Queen and the Grandmother, with Stephanie Conching and Jason Kanda as the central characters of Gerda and Kay.
Others in the cast include Stephanie Kong, Megan Mount, Elitei Tatafu Jr., Paul Mitri and his daughter Mitri. Members of Hawai’i Theatre’s Hawai’i Young Actors Ensemble will play minjas, non-speaking characters who serve as the ninja minions of the snow queen.
In addition to the public performances, student matinees for school groups are slated March 3, 4 and 5, with special “family matinee” tickets ($10 adults, $5 students) available for March 5, a furlough Friday for public school kids.
Tickets: $15 general, $10 youths, students, seniors, military and Hawai’i Theatre members.
Reservations: 528-0506 or www.hawaiitheatre.com.
Student matinee group sales: 791-1310.