Earth, Wind & Fire, the powerhouse soul group, will perform 8 p.m. Aug. 30 to launch a new Waikoloa Nights concert series at Waikoloa Bowl at Queen's Gardens, adjoining the new Queen's MarketPlace on the Kohala coast of the Big Island.

While the group is performing, world-renowned artist Malcolm Farley will paint a live portrait of the band, with the art piece being auctioned off immediately following the show, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Waikoloa Foundation.

A fireworks display will follow the concert.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday; admission is $150 for VIP seating (online sales only), $69 general and $49 kama'aina with valid Hawai'i driver's license. Tickets will be on sale at Big Island Surf in Hilo, Waimea and Kona; at CD Wizard in Hilo; and at Persimmon at Queens' MarketPlace; by phone at 800- 888-TIXX (8499) or online at www.waikoloanights.com.

On-site tickets will be sale on from 2 p.m. on concert day.

Earth, Wind & Fire has been a long-time Island favorite, since its emergence on the pop music scene in the 1970s. The group last performed in Honolulu last May at the Blaisdell Arena. Its hits include "Shining Star," "September" and "Fantasy."

To celebrate the grand opening of the Waikoloa Bowl at Queen's Gardens, area hotels such as the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, are offering kama'aina weekend packages that includes show tickets and a room. For Hilton inquiries, call 808-866-1234 or visit www.hilton.com and request plan code EWF; for Marriott, call 808-886-6789 or visit www.marriott.com.