Christmas is coming early at the Atherton Performing Arts Studio. Sunday's live taping of the "Aloha Shorts" radio show features local fiction and poetry about the many meanings of Christmas, read by Hawai'i actors including Devon Nekoba, who's part of the ensemble reading Jeffrey Higa's "Christmas Stories" about a Japanese boy who just moved off a sugar plantation and is learning about Christmas for the first time.

The readings start at 7 p.m., but show up before 6:45 to catch Hamajang, "Aloha Short's" quirky house band, who will be inviting the audience to sing along. The show is free, but reservations are required: 955-8821. "Aloha Shorts" airs on Hawaii Public Radio KIPO 89.3 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. (See Treena Shapiro's blog at www.familytree.honadvblogs.com for more on Aloha Shorts.)

— Advertiser staff

ZOOM IN ON NIGHT SKY AT MUSEUM

On the first and third Fridays of every month, the Bishop Museum presents an evening program that will leave you starry-eyed. Following a presentation of the night sky in the planetarium, peek through a telescope (weather permitting) for a clearer look at the moon, stars and planets. The next event is scheduled for Friday. $4 for ages 4-12. Arrive by 7:45 for the 8 p.m. show. For reservations (recommended), call 848-4168.

— Kris Bordessa