OCT. 23-24

Broadway legend Ben Vereen has one of the smoothest voices around.You may also remember him as "Chicken"George Moore in the TVepic "Roots." Absolutely an amazing guy to listen to.

8 p.m. / Blaisdell Concert Hall / $20, $34 $49, $59, $82 / 792-2000; 524-0815, ext. 245; http://www.ticketmaster.com

OCT. 23-NOV. 14

Honolulu Theatre for Youth's "Stripes and Stars:A Surprising History of the United States" takes audiences on a tour through time that covers our country's rich history and showcases our diverse cultures.

7:30 p.m. Oct. 23, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays / Tenney Theatre / $8-$16 / 839-9885, http://www.htyweb.org

OCT. 24-25

Aspiring writers will want to check out this two-day workshop "Writing for Television — Get Started and Go!" It's led by "Mad Men" writer Maria Jacquemetton and her husband Andre, also a TV writer.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. / UH-Mänoa, Krauss Hall 012 (Yukiyoshi Room) / $200 / 956-8400, http://www.outreach.hawaii.edu/pnm

OCT. 28

The list of acts Don Barnhart has opened for reads like a who's who of comedy: Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, Tim Allen, Jim Carrey, Drew Carey, Dana Carvey to name a few. The guy is good.

8 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) / Pipeline Caf[0xe9] / $20, $40 VIP / 877-714-7668, http://www.groovetickets.com

OCT. 30

No need to trick you into heading over to this Keiki Costume Ball. This is a safe place for children and parents to enjoy Halloween. Lots of games, pizza, trick-or-treating and ice cream. Ah, to be a kid again.

5:30-7:30 p.m. / Hawaii Children's Discovery Center / $16 non-members, $10 members / 524-5437

OCT. 30

For the 21-and-older crowd, this night of costume fun pays tribute to Michael Jackson. TheHalloween Thriller party features performances by 24-VIIDanceforce and the chance to learn some of MJ's moves.

6-10 p.m. / Aloha Tower Marketplace / 21 and older / free / 566-2337, http://www.alohatower.com

NOV. 13-14,15,19-21

Local playwright Reb Beau Allen's gothic tale of a man who sins and his desire for revenge that threatens to lead him into the power of dark vampire forces. World premiere.

8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sunday / Leeward Community College Theatre / $10-$18 / 455-0380

DEC. 11-13

If it's time for the holiday season, it's time for A Cazimero Christmas featuring the Brothers Cazimero. This concert always sounds and looks great. Leina'ala Heine leads some of the best hula dancers around.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12, 2 p.m. Dec. 13 / Hawaii Theatre / $33-$78 / 528-0506, http://www.hawaiitheatre.com

Oct. 23 Pinking of You, breast cancer awareness concert with Cecilio Rodriguez, Bishop Square's Tamarind park

Oct. 25 "A Hard Act to Follow," celebrating the life of Elissa Josephsohn, Hawaii Theatre
Oct. 25 Howl-o-Ween Contest, The Pet Spot, Ward Warehouse
Oct. 30-31 Spookapalooza, Hawaiian Railway Society

Oct. 31 22nd Annual Treat Street, Bishop Museum
Oct. 31 Art of the Living Dead, Kumu Kahua Theatre

Oct. 31 Legends of Hip-Hop Masquerade with Public Enemy and MCLyte, Pipeline Cafe

Oct. 31 2nd Annual Endead Invasion, Ravenchase Adventures, Downtown