Dr. Irene Pepperberg, a nationally recognized parrot expert and author of "The Alex Studies," will present a lecture at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Neal Blaisdell Center to be followed by a cocktail party at 8:30 p.m.

The event is being sponsored by the Aloha Hawaiian Parrot Association, a non-profit group.

Tickets are $25 for the lecture and $40 for the lecture and cocktail reception.

To order tickets, call 782-6991 or 228-6224.

Pepperberg is a well-known scholar and researcher and will provide a lecture with live parrots — people can bring their African Grey parrots only — and interact with the audience, event organizers said.