By Jason Genegabus

Call it an early Christmas present of sorts – one week before Lupe Fiasco’s sophomore release, “The Cool,” is scheduled to hit stores, MTV has posted a streaming version of the album online.

Now local fans have an opportunity to hear what will likely make up the majority of Fiasco’s set list on Dec. 27, when the Chicago-based rapper makes his Hawaii debut at Pipeline Cafe.

Want more? Visit Fiasco’s website for music videos of his latest singles, “Superstar” and “Dumb it Down,” along with his 2006 breakout hit, “Kick Push.”

By Jason Genegabus

By Jason Genegabus

Big Island-based promoter King Michel Concerts announced this morning that 2007 Country Music Awards vocal duo artist of the year winners Sugarland will perform at the Blaisdell Concert Hall on May 1, 2008.

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush originally formed the group with Kristen Hall in 2002, releasing an EP that year and their debut album, “Twice the Speed of Life,” in 2004. Hall left the band in 2006, less than a year before their sophomore album was scheduled for release.

“Enjoy the Ride” arrived in stores last November, powered by Billboard hit singles “Want To,” “Settlin’” and “Everyday America.” Nettles and Bush are getting ready to get back into the studio, with recording of their next album set to start in February.

Tickets for the May 1 concert, priced at $35 to $75, go on sale this Saturday at 9 a.m. at all Ticketmaster outlets.

King Michel Concerts will also conduct an online auction during the first week of sales for a pair of front row tickets, two signed posters and a meet-and-greet with the band.

For more information, call Michael Sponberg at (808) 345-3100 or visit www.kingmichelconcerts.com.

By Jason Genegabus

>> Friday: “A Motown Christmas” with the Four Tops, Spinners and Honolulu Symphony Pops, 8 p.m. (also 8 p.m. Saturday) at the Blaisdell Arena. Tickets: $14 to $79. Call 792-2000.

>> Saturday: “Surf and Roots Fest 2007” with Ziggy Marley (pictured), Jennifer Johns, Natural Vibrations, Ooklah the Moc and Irie Souls, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kualoa Ranch. Tickets: $30.

>> Sunday: Neil Sedaka, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Hawaii Theatre. Tickets: $25 to $45. Call 528-0506.

Links:
Star-Bulletin Staff Picks
Honolulu Nightlife Listings
In the Mix: Keiko Bonk, James Coles and Back in Black
Crawlspace
Honolulu Movie Theater Schedules
Star-Bulletin Movie Reviews

By Jason Genegabus

After tickets for their first February concert sold out in approximately two hours on Saturday, the Police and promoter LiveNation have announced a second show on Feb. 17.

Once again, tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday at all Ticketmaster outlets, with prices ranging from $75 to $225 per ticket. According to the press release, sales are limited to six tickets per customer.

Fiction Plane will open both nights.

By Jason Genegabus

Since there’s no “In the Mix” in today’s Star-Bulletin, I’m hooking you up with an expanded edition of my weekend picks.

With Hot Import Nights in town and two new venues opening, there’s already lots to do. But keep your options open, and you’ll find there are even more parties worth checking out on Friday and Saturday.

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By Jason Genegabus

Not sure if he’s staying for Christmas, but former Hawaii resident Paul Ogata returns for a holiday show on Dec. 14 at Pipeline Cafe.

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By Jason Genegabus

I first heard about this in September (and posted about it here), but now it’s official:

The Police will play the Blaisdell Arena on Feb. 16.

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By Jason Genegabus

Still in California, which means I’ll miss tonight’s Talib Kweli concert at Pipeline Cafe.

But it still promises to be a good time even without me in the building, so head down if you’ve got the scrips for tickets.

Make sure you arrive early, too, for opener Creed Chameleon – it’ll definitely beat waiting for the show to begin as the DJs play with their laptops and turntables.

Don’t got the money because you were at the mall yesterday? I understand, even though I personally don’t care very much about shopping on the day after Thanksgiving.

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By Jason Genegabus

By the time this entry is posted online, I’ll be in Northern California to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.

I’m not sure if I’ll have internet access while I’m there. If I do, I’ll try to get some weekend picks posted up.

Happy Thanksgiving!