Cory Rilliet of Kane'ohe and Tricia Calderon of Kahalu'u love the beaches of the North Shore. They love them so much, in fact, that they have created an excuse for logging beach time: They built a business around the treasures they find on the sandy shores.

While Beachcomber Design specializes in one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, they recently identified a related need their company could fill: cases in which to store and display jewelry. No more tacky peg boards or squares of cork: The little wood and woven bamboo cases can hang on a wall or sit on a dressing table or chest of drawers. The shells provide additional storage space, allowing rings to sit inside or bracelets to hang off the starfish. (No, of course they didn't find the starfish on Island beaches, but they couldn't resist its practical application on the treasure holders).

— Paula Rath

A SWEET LOOK

Christina Patino took an idea she had as a senior in high school, and created a line that is "candy to the eye." The IKandy collection includes urban graphic tees for women, stickers, button pins and bags. The inspiration behind the collection "came from the creative individualist in me, inspired by the key to happiness. I do what I love and love what I do," says the ambitious company owner.

IKandy is not made for the masses, so look for the delicious designs at the new Exclusive Boutique, 1311 Kapi'olani Blvd., Suite 104, and Prototype in Pearlridge. On the Web: www.exclusive-hawaii.com, www.inspirecreativity.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

OPENINGS

IT'S ALL 'COOL'

Lupe Fiasco's 2006 debut, "Food & Liquor"' arrived to a warm critical reception and three Grammy nominations but chilly retail reception. His newest, "The Cool," should only add to his esteem as an artist. He's done his part, with a 19-track gem that showcases his intricate wordplay on everything from the rap industry and celebrity life to gun-toting youth and sexual violence. Fiasco appears Thursday at Pipeline Cafe on the heels of the CD release. Most tracks are download-worthy, including "Superstar," "Hi-Definition" and "Hip-Hop Saved My Life." (Concert tickets, $30 and $60, available at www.presaleticketsonline.com.)

— Steve Jones, USA Today

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

Few rappers are as adept as Scarface at detailing the harsh realities and psychological burdens of everyday inner-city life, as his latest, "Made," illustrates. Whether he's talking about 'hood economics, the effects of poverty or industry posers, he does it with authority.

— Steve Jones

SESSIONS ON CD

DJ Davey "Shindig" has evolved his Friday midday show on KTUH into a weekly regular at nightclubs all over Downtown Honolulu, playing a sound that has become an underground/popular constant. On Friday, Davey will release two mixed CDs: "The Vertigo LP," a groove-driven mix of male and female vocalists, dub and breakcore; and "Spencer Street Sessions," electro, minimal, hip-house, and dance rock. Both CDs will be available during Davey's sets on air at KTUH, and on Saturdays at Bar 35.

— Lacy Matsumoto

NEW YORK DJ BRINGS URBAN STYLE TO ISLES

Oxy Cottontail, a multi-talented DJ and emcee, wears Nikes and hoops, and is one of New York's most well-known promoters. She's a walking streetwear innovator, with an urban style that can be copied but not duplicated.

Her music ranges from hip-hop to reggae, rock, and electro, and her resume includes working with djs Diplo, Spankrock, A-Track and Low Budget.

Want to listen to this girl rock the turntables? Check her out at the Soul Clap party at thirtyninehotel on Friday. Doors open at 9 p.m., with an opening set by the Nocturnal Sound Krew. The cover is $10.

— Lacy Matsumoto

SOUND/CLASH

(Sownd - klash) — 1) the phenomenon that occurs when multiple sounds not normally heard in combination are brought together to create a surprisingly gratifying sonic experience; 2) a kick-butt party featuring excellent local live music of all types, every Thursday night at Lotus Soundbar.

Organizers Jenko Hawaii, The 808 Scene Zine and 86 Productions have drawn from rock, indie, garage, ska, dub and other genres to infiltrate Waikiki, scheduling the local original bands and providing a place for promising new bands to try out their stage legs, accompanied by DJs who spin fresh sounds to complement the vibe of the evening.

Sound/Clash was originally a roving party modeled after the sound systems of Jamaica. Now, with Lotus as its new home since December, the musical focus has broadened.

Organizers want to do more than just throw awesome parties; they also see this as a way to get local music out to tourists, who then carry names, praise and CDs back to the far corners of the world.

See Algebra and Temporary Lovers 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday; $5, 21 and older. www.myspace.com/soundclashhawaii or 924-1688.

— Katie Whitman

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