JIM DANDY: Actor Jim Carrey, now starring in "The Number 23," includes Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow" among his 23 iTunes playlist. Bruddah Iz's iconic and personal remake of the Judy Garland signature from "The Wizard of Oz" comes in at No. 16, with Carrey's personal notation: "Iz was Hawai'i's most popular singer, until his death in 1997. I love his interpretation of this song. It's so transcendent that you don't even care that the lyrics are wrong. It's even better that way. Judy would'a dug it." Carrey's right about the mangled lyrics, which EMI, the song publishers, wanted Iz to re-do — but no can do, for obvious reasons. Just goes to show how universally accepted Iz's "Rainbow" has become. To locate the 23 favored tunes, just Google Jim Carrey's iTunes playlist. ...

BROWN DERBY: Brown Bags to Stardom, still going strong (through March 11) as an OC16 weekly TV show, is gearing up for the finale at 7 p.m. March 24 at Blaisdell Arena. Comedian Andy Bumatai has been enlisted as show host, with original KIKI jock Kamasami Kong, now shuttling between here and Japan, aboard as a board adviser. Jeff Coelho, a radio veteran now with Mayor Mufi Hannemann's cabinet, will attend, as will Ron Wiley (KONG Radio, Kaua'i). And there will be more memories from yesteryear, with onstage performances by early winners Glenn Medeiros and Kapena. ...

Hawaiian music students may apply for two $3,000 scholarships in memory of Bill Murata, the late recording producer. The Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts will select recipients who demonstrate a keen interest in Hawaiian music and language. Applicants must be enrolled in a Hawai'i university, be a sophomore or older, and have demonstrated an awareness in or excelled in some aspect of Hawaiian music or language (poetry). Download applications at www .nahenahe.net or get one from the HARA office in the Musicians Union building. ...

TALK ABOUT PEOPLE: Jack and Cha Thompson are back from a Las Vegas trek, where they caught Celine Dion and the Society of Seven. Cha was amazed at Jasmine Trias' growth and finesse, after SOS founder-leader Tony Ruivivar worked with her while she fills in for vacationing Lani Misalucha. "Jasmine is doing imitations of Tina Turner, Britney Spears ... and doing great," Cha said. The Thompsons were also in Vegas to help set up son Afatia's one-nighter at 7:30 March 31 at Treasure Island, now that Afa has his recording career going thanks to his "5:54" solo CD. The Afatia gig also features Gary King and the Sons of Manasseh. ...

You gotta love the food if you return four times. And that's what Steve Young, the NFL great and former San Francisco 49er quarterback, did with his family during a Maui visit — dined four consecutive nights at Cheeseburger Island Style in Wailea. Loved the food, loved the ambience. ...

If you're a "Today" show fan and adore co-host Matt Lauer, you can bid for a trip to New York, tour the show's NBC studios and meet up with Lauer. The package (whipped up by La Pietra graduate Randi Silleck Conway and husband John, with Lauer's blessing) is part of La Pietra's annual fund-raising event, "Hoopla," set for March 10 at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Tickets are $250; call 922-2744. ...

DATES TO CIRCLE: Punana Leo O Maui, the Hawaiian-language immersion preschool, will present "Ho'omau," a benefit, from 9 a.m. March 17 at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens amphitheater. Performers include Keali'i Reichel, Auntie Genoa Keawe, Kaumakaiwa Lopaka Kanaka'ole, Pomai and Loeka, No Boundariez, Nuff Sedd, Kohomua and several hula halau. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. ...

And the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival lifts off April 8 with festivities leading up to the hula competitions. Of course, KITV-4 will carry live telecasts. For information, call (808) 935-9168. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.