NOT YOUR AVERAGE PUPPET SHOW

Director, theater designer, puppeteer and Island ex-pat Tom Lee is bringing home his acclaimed multimedia puppet show tonight for one night only. The show, through Japanese-style "bunraku" puppetry techniques , as well as modern light projection methods, tells the true story of pa-ni-olo Kaluaiko'olau's refusal to be exiled after contracting Hansen's disease in 1892. Titled "Ko'olau: A True Story of Kaua'i," the puppet show takes viewers on an emotionally charged journey of survival, love and loss. A crew of four puppeteers, two projectionists and two musicians recreate Ko'olau's story using carved puppets, light and shadow effects and music inspired by compositions of Queen Lili'uokalani and performed on shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute), hammer dulcimer, guitar and percussion.

"Ko'olau: A True Story of Kaua'i" / Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College / 7:30 tonight / $15-$23 advance, $20-$28 at the door / 944-2697, www.etickethawaii.com

JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS

The 8th Annual Temple Emanu-El Kirk Cashmere Jewish Film Festival opens at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Doris Duke Theatre with "The Little Traitor." The six-film fest runs through March 18 ($5-$8, 532-8700, www.honoluluacademy.org).

DINNER MUSIC

The Kahala Hotel is kicking off its new Kahala Supper Club series at 8 tonight with Hapa performing. The hotel's Maile Ballroom will be transformed into a cabaret-style dinner club, with a three-course meal and live Hawaiian music ($60/person, 739-8760).

TWO ICONS, ONE SHOW

Hang out under the stars with Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs.

7 p.m. Thursday / Waikíkí Shell / $30-$125 / www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000

CLASSICAL CHIC

Pink Martini — with its classical fusion music blending classical, Latin, lounge and jazz genres — is making its Hono-lulu debut at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall ($37.50, www.ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000).

AND THE AWARD GOES TO ...

The 82nd Academy Awards airs Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on KITV4 (digital channel 1006; red carpet show at 6 p.m.). Funnymen Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin are hosting, and "The Hurt Locker" is taking the statue for best film. At least, that's how it should be.

MYKA ON THE MIC

Los Angeles rapper Myka 9 returns to NextDoor (43 N. Hotel St.) at 9 tonight ($10, 548-6398, 21+) for the club's First Friday event. Known for his rapid-fire, jazz-influenced, melodic rapping and singing, he'll be joined by local talent Kavet the Catalyst, Creed Chameleon and The Deadbeats.

THE ART OF HAPPY HOUR

The Honolulu Academy of Arts is extending its hours every second Thursday until 9 p.m. for after-hours art viewing, with pupu and drinks courtesy of the Pavilion Cafe. ($5-$10, 532-8700.)