CLUBS: MARCH 3

After the First Friday gallery walk downtown, the local alt-rock band X-Factor, left, will shake hot spot thirtyninehotel with its fusion of funk, soul, rock, hip-hop and honest lyrics about growing up gay, women's rights, domestic violence and more. The concert also features DJ H.O.P., Shakti Dance Movement, poetry slam artist Selah Geissler, percussionist Moussa and funk collective Organix. X-Factor, which just signed with indie label Sharpnote Records, is finishing a CD and embarks on a Mainland tour in June. It's composed of, from left, Brian Phillips (bass), J-Star (guitar), Matty D (drums) and Rebel Girl (lead vocals). Admission is $10; for those 21 and older.

10 p.m. March 3 / thirtyninehotel / 599-2552

STAGE: MARCH 3-5

"The Vagina Monologues" is back as part of the 2006 V-Day College Campaign. V-Day raises awareness to stop violence against women and girls through benefit events such as "Monologues," which this year features students from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa as the cast. Nina Buck directs. Doors open at 6 p.m. March 3-4 and 4 p.m. March 5. Tickets are $10 general, $5 students.

7 p.m. March 3-4 and 5 p.m. March 5 / UH-Manoa, Art Auditorium/ www.geocities.com/missuhchica09/v-day_2006

OPERA: MARCH 10-14

Hawaii Opera Theatre closes its winter season with Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca." The beautiful Tosca finds herself caught in a love triangle between a political captive and a corrupt police chief in this grand drama. Pamela South stars as the title character; Jake Gardner is Scarpia and Richard Crowley is Cavaradossi. Karen Tiller directs. Tickets are $28-$100.

8 p.m. March 10, 4 p.m. March 12 and 7:30 p.m. March 14 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / 596-7858

CONCERT: MARCH 12

Husband and wife Keawe and Tracie Lopes present "Ku'u Ha'eha'e 2006 — A Celebration of Aloha," a benefit concert for their halau hula Ka La 'Onohi Mai o Ha'eha'e. The event features other performing couples, such as Natalie (Ai) and 'Iolani Kamauu, Nalani and Nahono Badua Fernandes and Haili and Kaliko Baker. Other performers include Karen Keawehawai'i (mother of Tracie Lopes), Jerry Santos, Peter Rockford Espiritu and O'Brian Eselu. Tickets are $25 and $30.

6:30-9 p.m. March 12 / Hawai'i Theatre / 528-0506

DANCE: MARCH 17-26

The University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Department of Theatre and Dance unveils its annual concert, "Dance: Connection and Extension," left. The program includes hula, ballet and modern dance; choreography is by the UH dance faculty, along with Karl Schaffer, Erik Stern and the late Alwin Nikolais. Free pre-show events happen at 7 p.m. March 18 and 25. Tickets are $15 general, $13 seniors, military, UH faculty/staff, $10 students and $4 UH-Manoa students.

8 p.m. March 17-18, 24-25 and 2 p.m. March 26 / Kennedy Thatre / 956-7655

CONCERT: MARCH 18

Kamaka Hawai'i Inc. celebrates its 90th birthday by throwing a benefit party to help others. Proceeds from the "Ukes for Kids" concert will go to the 'Ukulele Guild of Hawai'i's Ukes for Kids program. Performers include Jake Shimabukuro, left, Auntie Genoa Keawe, Ho'okena, Holunape, Bryan Tolentino, O'Brian Eselu, Byron Yasui and Benny Chong. Karen Keawehawai'i and Ku'uipo Kumukahi emcee. Tickets are $30, which includes soft drinks, beer and parking.

6 p.m. March 18 / Hawai'i Covention Center / 550-8457

CONCERT: MARCH 25

Veteran alt-rock band 311, right, visits three islands as part of its spring tour. The quintet from Nebraska formed in 1990 and has since released hit albums such as "311," "Soundsystem" and "Don't Tread on Me." Doors open 4 p.m. Tickets are $38 advance for this all-ages bash, which also features Pepper, the popular band that's originally from the Big Island.

6 p.m. March 25 / Waikiki Shell / (877) 750-4400

On the Neighbor Islands (each concert begins at 7 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m.):