Underground music staple Black Square releases its sophomore CD, "One Glass of Water," with an all-ages bash at Anna Bannana's at 6 p.m. today. Two years in the making, the album features the band's trademark politically charged and environmentally conscious lyrics set to a ska- and punk-influenced sound. Frontman Josh Hancock holds the issues facing Hawai'i closest to his heart. The name Black Square comes from the black patches Japanese detainees were forced to wear in internment camps during World War II. But Black Square knows fun too: The party will include pinatas and a hot-pepper eating contest. Hancock hopes people "from 5 to 50 will rock out and have a good time." 946-5190, www.myspace.com/blacksquare.

— Katie Whitman

FAVORITE THINGS

The Place, in Ward Warehouse, is HNL's new one-stop gift shop. Opened this month, the white, airy space is filled (but not cluttered) with more things than could ever be listed here. The brainchild of the affianced Cora Spearman and Chris Chang, The Place is divided into five zones: preppie conservative, rock 'n' roll, bling bling, posh jetsetter and yoga zen. You can get everything from a cool cat couch to a Beatles lunch box ($22.50) to a Tailor New York silk chiffon halter dress ($317). Whatever it is, it's the grooviest of its kind.

The duo (he's into London, she likes Tokyo) have an eye for design. French Pylones products, like limited-edition desktop fridges ($225), above, and imported body care products never before available in Hawai'i, such as the heaven-scented Earthworks from the U.K., right, grace the shelves. Other exclusives: The house brand hand-tooled leather bags, plush robes made of hemp and Plank trompe l'oeil yoga mats (dig the shag carpet version).

Spearman attended school in Tokyo, South Korea and South Africa. Fluent in nihongo (she was the official translator for the Japanese women's b-ball team at the '96 Olympics — Scotty Pippin called her Konichiwa), she's pals with many of the designers she deals with, and plans to bring them to the shop. 943-1413, www.theplacehonolulu.com.

— Lesa Griffith