CONCERT: DEC. 31

Dance away the cares of 2005 and welcome 2006 with show and dance band The Krush. The Ka'ala Boys also entertain at a free pre-show concert at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 general advance, $40 at the door, and include a glass of champagne and party favors; $20 for those 12 and younger.

9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 / Sheraton Waikiki, poolside / 921-4600

CONCERT: DEC. 31

The Kahala Mandarin hosts a New Year's Eve celebration featuring dynamic lead singer Sonya Mendez and dance band The Groove in a night of R&B, disco, funk, rock and contemporary. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $65, which includes the concert, champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31 / Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii / 739-8760

COMEDY: JAN. 7

Former "Saturday Night Live" star Jon Lovitz headlines a Honolulu concert courtesy of The Laugh Factory. The comedian-actor, who has lent his voice talents to "The Simpsons" and "The Critic," has appeared in the movies "A League of Their Own" and "The Wedding Singer." Jo Koy also performs. Hawaiian Ryan from 93.1 The Zone hosts. Tickets are $29 and $39.

7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: JAN. 7

Hawaiian Express Records rings in the new year with a concert featuring pop-punk rock band Rufio and alternative-rock group Over It, both from the Mainland. Local bands Pacifica and Push the Pedal also jam in on the fun for this all-ages show. Tickets are $12 advance and $15 at the door.

7-11:30 P.M. JAN. 7 / PINK CADILLAC / 808SHOWS.COM

CONCERT: JAN. 8

Tower of Power turns the Blaisdell into funky town as the soulful group headlines Down to the Nightclub. With nightclub table seating and two dance floors, it'll be bump city as the band takes it to the top. Tickets are $45 reserved floor and risers and $55 reserved table seating.

7:30 P.M. JAN. 8 / BLAISDELL ARENA / (877) 750-4400

CONCERT: JAN. 11

Hawai'i Public Radio presents a live taping of National Public Radio's weekly radio series "From the Top," which showcases young classical musicians. Performing will be the 55-member Punahou Symphony Strings, violinist Laura Keller of Honolulu, pianist Andrew Ramos of Waipahu, soprano Elizabeth Hertzberg of San Francisco, and double bassist Nathan Vedal of Seattle. Tickets are $15, $35, $40 and $45 ($5 discount, except on $15 tickets, for HPR and Hawai'i Theatre members).

7:30 P.M. JAN. 11 / HAWAI'I THEATRE / 528-0506

Another taping also takes place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater. Performing will be violinist Zoe Martin-Doike of Honolulu, pianist Aimi Watanabe of Lahaina, double bassist Kathryn Schulmeister of Kailua, guitarist Guillaume DeZwirek of San Jose, Calif., and four-hand pianists Luke Harvey and Kevin Hong, both of Chicago. Tickets are $10, $20, $30 and $40 ($5 discount, except on $10 tickets, for HPR and MACC members). (808) 242-7469.

CONCERT: JAN. 14

After a hot show in August, Led Zeppelin tribute band Led Zepplica returns for "Stairway to Heaven — Led Zepplica's Encore Concert." Expect more replicated hits of the legendary British rock group, along with an audition via local radio promotion for local songstresses to join them onstage for "The Battle of Evermore." The Ghost Band opens. Tickets are $20 advance and $40 VIP for this 18-and-older show. Doors open at 6 p.m.

7-11 p.m. Jan. 14 / Pipeline Cafe / 589-1999, 926-3000