'ALEMANAKA - CALENDAR

'Alemanaka Ianuali

Live from the Lawn: Grammy Nominees

Fri., Jan. 11, 5 to 9 p.m.

Many of the Grammy nominees for the year's Best Hawaiian Music Album will showcase their talent for Hawai'i fans just weeks before the gala Grammy Awards, slated for Los Angeles in February. This free preview concert will be simulcast locally on KITV and OC16 later in January. Front lawn of the Hawai'i State Art Museum, 250 Hotel St., Honolulu. 586-9959 or www.hawaii.gov/sfca/whatsnew.php?article_id=44.

(See Grammy story, this edition)

Natural Hawaiian Medicine

Sun., Jan. 13, 2 p.m.

'Ohana Sunday at Niaulani presents “Hawaiian Medicinal Plants and Lomi Lomi” with Dane Silva, a teacher and traditional Hawaiian healer who uses talk story and live demonstration to share how Hawaiian plants can help improve wellness. Free, calabash donations welcome. Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. 808-967-8222 or www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Choke Joke Time with Da Bruddahs

Fri., Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.

James Roche and Tony Silva – best known and beloved as Da Bruddahs – plumb the depths of local lifestyle and emerge with plenty of targets for their slapstick satire, from surfer slippahs to slippery politicians. This is a rare chance to see the OC-16 TV duo bring their silly slew of characters alive on stage. $25, half price for kids 12 and under. Maui Arts and Cultural Center, McCoy Studio Theater. 808-242-7469 or www.mauiarts.org.

Portraits of a Hawaiian Past Unveiled

Sat., Jan. 19, 9 a.m.

Bishop Museum unveils thousands of 18th and 19th century paintings, depicting Hawaiian life and landscape during the time of first western contact. These art works, which belong to the museum's permanent collection, include newly restored watercolors and oils by such noted artists as John Webber and Louis Choris, who accompanied early European explorers to Hawai'i. Regular museum admission applies. Bishop Museum, in the newly renovated Picture Gallery and Atrium Lobby. 848-4135 or www.bishopmuseum.org.

Kaua'i's Best Kanikapila

Mon., Jan. 21, 6 to 9 p.m.

For 25 years, Kaua'i's E Kanikapila Kākou series has reigned supreme as an original way to learn one song a month from a featured Hawaiian music group. This year's opener will be led by composers David Kawika Kahiapo, Dean Wilhelm and Walter Keale. They'll bring sheet music and teach both the chords and mana'o of a chosen composition. Bring your instruments or just come to share in the chalangalang fun. Island School, main hall, in Līhu'e. 808-245-2733 or http://gardenislandarts.org/ekk.html.

Moloka'i Makahiki

Sat., Jan. 26, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moloka'i invites everyone to Ka Moloka'i Makahiki, a traditional Hawaiian celebration of harvest time and peace. Enter the makahiki competition and win prizes. Tune up your voice for the oli competition. Features plenty of hands-on art and hula and music performances. Mitchell Pauole Center in the heart of Kaunakakai Town. For information: Shirley Rawlins, 553-3214.

The Ala Wai Challenge

Sun., Jan. 27, begins at 8 a.m.

Join a team and compete in ancient Hawaiian makahiki sports ranging from little-known indigenous dart throwing to the well-known pursuit of paddling outrigger canoes. Paddling legend Nappy Napolean and his Ānuenue crew will operate “canoe shuttle” to and from site. Ceremonies also set to honor great Hawaiian surf legends. Also includes performances by Melveen Leed, Brother Noland, Mike Ka'a'awa, plus several hālau and a variety of food and craft vendors. Ala Wai Canal. Free. All proceeds from team entry fees to benefit the Waikīkī Community Center. 923-1802 or www.waikikicommunitycenter.org/WCCAlaWaiChallenge.html.

'Iolani Luahine Hula Celebration

Sat., Feb. 2 to Sun. Feb. 3

He Lei Hiwa A O No Wahine 'Iolani Luahine Hula Festival and Hula Competition honors Hawai'i Island's cherished cultural historian and legendary hula authority 'Iolani Luahine, through dance performances, talk story, workshops and films. $5. Kona Inn lawn overlooking Kailua Bay. 808-935-3461 or kumuiwalani@aol.com.