RAISE A SAKE GLASS

Raise a glass and let out a "Kampai!" at The Joy of Sake 2008, featuring more than 300 sakes and visiting brewers from Japan. The event is the largest sake-tasting event in the United States and celebrates the art of brewing.

Food from Chai's Island Bistro, Doraku, Hakkei, Halekulani, Hoku's, Kaiwa, Nobu Waikiki, Marians, Gyotaku, Hanamaru, Wasabi & Nadaman and Cakeworks. The event will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Tickets are $80.

For more information, call 729-1000 or go to www.joyofsake.com.

HOWIE TO HONOLULU

Howie Mandel, standup comedian and host of NBC's "Deal or No Deal" game show will perform at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on Dec. 26. Mandel has been performing for more than 30 years, with numerous stage and television credits to his name, including a role on "St. Elsewhere." But the game-show host was a comedian from his start in 1979, when he was discovered at the "Comedy Store" on amateur night and hired to appear on the comedy game show "Make Me Laugh." Tickets — $30 to $55 — go on sale Aug. 29 at Ticketmaster locations. 877-750-4400 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.hot dates

HOT DATES

Aug. 23 Cecilio & Kapono, "Back in the Day" concert, Waikiki Shell

Aug. 24 LooChoo nu Kwa, Mamiya Theatre

Aug. 28 Unwritten Law, Pipeline Cafe

Aug. 29 Justin Nozuka, Pipeline Cafe

Sept. 5 Thrice, high-energy band from Irvine, Calif., Pipeline Cafe

Sept. 6-7 Hawai'i Woman Expo, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall

Sept. 13 Junior Reid, Pipeline Cafe

Sept. 20 Dressed to the Kilt, Hawaii Prince Hotel

Sept. 26-28 Doodlebops, Blaisdell Concert Hall

Sept. 27 Windward Ho'olaule'a, Windward Community College

Oct. 4 Underoath, Pipeline Cafe

Oct. 9 Styx, Blaisdell Concert Hall