The fall season brings with it the usual burst of visual and audio delights, but this year sees more timely acts right next to the expected annual ones, with a few surprises in between. From indie rock darlings The Helio Sequence to Jamaican reggae superstar Junior Reid to classic wintertime performances such as The Nutcracker, there’s bound to be something to fit whatever mood grabs you. Throw in some comedy, too. There’s plenty of it, and it deserves a home in the Arts issue. Pace yourself as you peruse the acts that await you. You don’t want to excite yourself too soon before you see that Howie Mandel is performing in December. –Margot Seeto

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Alonzo Bodden

No, he’s not Tommy Davidson. Nor is he Mark Curry. This Last Comic Standing alum describes his comedy as “cynically good natured in an angry suburban Negro kind of way.”

Wed 9/17, 6 & 8:30pm $25 general; $50 VIP. 21+, Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Peter Cetera (Honolulu Symphony Society Pops)

The Chicago alum goes solo to wow audiences with his shiny whites and baby blues. Oh yeah, and music.

Fri 9/19 & Sat 9/20, 8pm $20–$82, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [ticketmaster.com], (877) 750-4400

Brothers Cazimero

What more can be said about this great Hawaiian music duo? If you missed them last time, take this chance to hear more tunes in promotion of their latest album, Destiny.

Sat 9/20, 8pm $25–$30, Hawaii Theatre

Jeff Linsky

Guitar virtuoso and frequent Hawai’i visitor wows audiences with his versatility and improvisational skills. His Moloka’i-loving ways will have a portion of proceeds from this concert going toward Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa’s efforts.

Sat 9/20, 7:30pm $30 general: $25, Honolulu Academy of Art members, Doris Duke Theatre

Lakota Sioux Dance Theatre

It’s been more than a decade since this veteran group has performed in Hawai’i. Enjoy the dances and music that take you beyond the stereotypes you see in mainstream media.

Sun 9/21, 7pm $23 general; $19 students/military/seniors, LCC Theatre

Henry Cho

This muli-talented funnyman, actor and producer gives a live show and probably a few surprises to the crowd.

Wed 9/24, 6 & 8:30pm $20; $45 VIP; $60 Tiki Lounge plus buffet, Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Doodlebops Live!

There is much music and movement involved in this family-oriented show, with colorful costumes that may or may not be a little…much, among other things.

Fri 9/26, 12:30pm & 7pm; Sat 9/27, 11am, 2pm & 5:30pm; Sun 9/28, 11am, 2pm & 5:30pm $14-$55, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Gallagher

You know the deal about whether you can even remember if Gallagher is funny or not. Refresh your memory and see if he’s gotten better with age.

Fri 9/26, 6 & 9pm $35 general; $50 VIP; $65 Tiki Lounge with Buffet, Pipeline Cafe [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Gilbert Gottfried

Another loud, obnoxious comedian who is still going strong.

Wed 10/1, 6 & 8pm $25 general; $50 VIP, Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Anjelah Johnson

How many people can call themselves a model slash comedienne?

Wed 10/1, 8pm; Thu 10/2–Sun 10/5, 10:30pm, $20–425, Cirque Hawai’i Showroom

Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom

One of the women who have resurrected ha’i (female falsetto singing) performs sith the Honolulu Symphony Pops.

Fri 10/3 & Sat 10/4, 8pm, $20–$82; 20% off for seniors/military, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [honolulusymphony.com], 792-2000

Willie K

Big Willie draws from musical genres and artists such as Hawaiian, jazz, early R&B, B.B. King, Willie Nelson and Santana to create a sound that makes locals proud of this Maui-born contemporary legend.

Fri 10/3 & Sat 10/4, 8pm, $20-$82, Blaisdell Concert Hall

Celebrate the Arts!

Manoa DNA, Rev. Dennis Kamakahi and his son David Kamakahi, Eddie Kamae and ‘ukelele sensation Neal Chin all perform.

Sat 10/4, 7:30pm, $45–$65 reserved seats, $20–$30 Hawai’i Arts Alliance members; $7 students, Hawaii Theatre

IONA: Atlantika

Performances of IONA dancers in and out of water and a school of mermen, with a benefit dinner. Did you hear that, pa? It’s merMEN!

Sat 10/4, 6:30pm, $3,000–$10,000 for a table of 10, Kahala Hotel, 383-5149

Tribute to Nona Beamer

Presented by the Hula Preservation Society. The hula pioneer’s legend lives on.

Sun 10/5, Time and price TBA, Hawaii Theatre

An Evening in Italy

A benefit for the musicians of the Honolulu Symphony. Starving artists need to eat.

Sun 10/6, 7:30pm, $23–$72 general; $147–$247 VIP, Hawaii Theatre

Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band

Bright Eyes frontman brings his new band, which includes local boy Jason Boesel, to Hawai’i. Your next big indie fix since Vampire Weekend is already here.

Tues 10/7, time and price TBA, Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877) 750-4400

Kamau Pono Xi–Keauhou, A New Era

Celebrate 11 years of hula and music with Tony Conjugacion and Halau Na Wainohia.

Fri 10/10, 7pm, $27, Hawaii Theatre

Haleklani Masterworks: American in Paris

Cello virtuoso Alisa Weilerstein shows off her range and expressive playing (eyes closed, of course) under conductor David Alan Miller.

Fri 10/10 & Sat 10/11, 8pm, $16–$70, Blaisdell Concert Hall

Paula Poundstone

One of the few contemporary veteran funny people who isn’t as grating as she might feel entitled to be.

Wed 10/15, 6 & 8:30pm, $25 general; $50 VIP. Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Fall Footholds

New choreography and performances by UH-Manoa dance students. One hopes that modern dance will not equal booty shaking.

Wed 10/15–Fri 10/17, 8pm; Sun 10/19, 2pm, $14 general; $12 seniors/military/UH Faculty/Staff, $10 students, $5 UHM students with ID, [etickethawaii.com], 483-7123, Earle Ernst Lab Theatre

The Laughing Samoans

The Samoan kiwi duo got their own Laughing Samoans Day back in 2k7 thanks to Mufi. See what the curly wig-donning pair can do for you.

Fri 10/17, 6:30pm, $20–$45, Blaisdell Concert Hall

Haleklani Masterworks: World’s Greatest Piano Concertos

Three rising piano stars help the Honolulu Symphony continue its love affair with masterworks. Work it out.

Sat 10/18, 8pm; Sun 10/19, 4pm, $16–$70, Blaisdell Center, [honolulusymphony.com], 792-2000

Paul Benson

The San Francisco native comedian may be best know for his commentary on VH1’s Best Week Ever. So snarky.

Wed 10/22, 6 & 8pm, $25 general; $50 VIP, Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Saman Dance from Aceh

Eighteen performers will present traditional dances from the Autonomous Territory of Aceh, the area of Indonesia devastated by the earthquake and tsunami of 2004.

Thu 10/23, 8pm, Imin Center-Jefferson Hall, EWC, [arts.eastwestcenter.org], [honoluluboxoffice.com], 550-8457

Rhythm Summit 2008

Taiko master Kenny Endo brings his troupe to pound your senses, along with musicians Noel Okimoto and Dean Taba.

Fri 10/24 & Sat 10/25, 8pm, $22; $25 at the door, Cupola Theatre, [taikoartscenter.org], 737-7236

Music of Ray Charles

The Honolulu Symphony backs up Ellis Hall as he respectfully and masterfully performs the blues, jazz, R&B and funk of the great. Perhaps even with the sunglasses.

Fri 10/24 & Sat 10/25, 8pm $20–$82; 20% discount seniors/military, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Ralphie May

You may remember his Comedy Central special, Ralphie May: Prime Cut. If not…you’ve got two chances to see what he’s all about.

Wed 10/29, 6 & 8:30pm, $25 general; $50 VIP, Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco

One of the many incarnations of the great human circus. And remember, they do not hurt the animals.

Thu 10/30–Sun 11/16; Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7:30pm; Fridays & Saturdays, 3:30 & 7:30pm; Sundays, 1 & 5pm, $40–$95 general; $32–$76 keiki 12 and under, Blaisdell Arena, [cirquedusoleil.com]

Hallowballoo Music and Arts Festival

Fri 10/31, various times and locations, [hallowbaloo.com], [honoluluboxoffice.com]. See some acts listed below:

Brett Dennen

The singer-songwriter, praised by John Mayer and Michael Franti, performs in the HNL for the first time.

Fri 10/31, 7pm, Free, Grandest Spectacle Stage (corner of Hotel St. & Nu’uanu Ave.)

Maceo Parker

The king of the soul saxophone with guest DJ Logic gives you a “Funky Fiesta.” We think that’s a good thing?

Fri 10/31, 8:30pm, $25 advanced; $30 door. 21+, The Waterfront at Aloha Tower

The Helio Sequence

What did Honolulu do to deserve another great indie act in the midst of its success?

Fri 10/31, 9pm, $25 advanced; $30 door. 21+, Loft

Papa Mali and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux

Louisiana swamp rock meets Mardi Gras Indian spirit. That’s a whole lotta Southern love.

Fri 10/31, 9pm, Free, Grandest Spectacle Stage (corner of Hotel St. & Nu’uanu Ave.)

Haleklani Masterworks: All-Strauss Experience

“Dance with Johann!” exclaims conductor Andreas Delfs. Oboe player J. Scott Janusch makes it happen.

Sat 11/8, 8pm; Sun 11/9, 4pm, Blaisdell Center, [honolulusymphony.com], 792-2000

The Honolulu Clarinet Quartet

Members of the Royal Hawaiian Band formed this quartet on a quest for new musical experiences. Clarinet-on-clarinet action.

Sat 11/8, 7:30pm, $20 general; $17.50 HPR members; $10 students, Atherton Performing Arts Studio, [hawaiipublicradio.org], 955-8821

The Movement Center’s Celestial Celebration

Food and dancing. Though celebration goers probably won’t have to partake in both.

Sun 11/9, 11am, Waikiki Lau Yee Chai Chinese Restaurant, [movementcenter.org], 735-8641

Hawai’i Stars

People with special needs ages 5 to 35 show off their singing, dancing and musical skills in their own special ways.

Sun 11/9, 7pm, Free, for tickets call Variety Schools at 732-2835, Hawaii Theatre

Kohala

Relax, but don’t fall asleep, to the sounds of acoustic island jazz. Ooohhh yeah, daddi–er, brah.

Sat 11/15, 7:30pm, Atherton Performing Arts Studio, $20 general; $17.50 HPR members; $10 students

Haleklani Masterworks: Sibelius Symphony No. 2

The Honolulu Symphony Society hails Sharon Isbin as the pre-eminent guitarist of our time. Hear if channeling Sieblius proves it.

Sat 11/15, 8pm; Sun 11/16, 4pm, $19–$70; 20% discount for senior/military, Blaisdell Concert Hall

Keahi Conjugacion

More blues, jazz and island music blending, this time from a vocalist. Get your lightweight berets on.

Sat 11/22, 7:30pm, $20 general; $17.50 HPR members; $10 students, Atherton Performing Arts Studio

LCC Fall Guitar Concert

La guitarra can match any mood, including that of the pensive and beautiful fall season.

Sun 11/23, 4pm, $5 at the door, LCC Theatre

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

Honolulu Symphony Society presents a “blu-bop” mix of jazz and bluegrass. What kind of outfit would embody this crazy hybrid?

Fri 11/28 & Sat 11/29, 8pm, $20–$82; 20% discount senior/military, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Danny Carvahlo

The Doogie Howser of slack key guitar celebrates the release of his latest album.

Sat 11/29, 7:30pm, Atherton Performing Arts Studio, $20 general; $17.50 HPR members; $10 students

Hiroshima

The band that emerged in the ’70s with its signature East-meets-West sound (e.g. blending taiko drumming with jazz) will have Asian American baby boomers rockin’ in their seats.

Sat 11/29, 8pm; Sun 9/30, 3pm, $20-$40, Hawaii Theatre, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

LCC Fall Choral Concert

You like hearing college students singing? Here ya go.

Sun 11/30, 4pm, $5 at the door, LCC Theatre

Robert Schimmel

Who ever said bald people aren’t funny? Oh that’s right, no one.

Wed 12/3, 6 & 8:30pm, $25 general; $50 VIP, Pipeline Cafe, [ticketmaster.com], (877)750-4400

Brothers Cazimero: The Sounds of Christmas

It wouldn’t be a proper Hawaiian Christmas without the Brothers Caz and their signature sounds.

Fri 12/12 & Sat 12/13, 7:30pm; Sun 12/14, 2pm, $25–$75, Hawaii Theatre

Peter and the Wolf

Instruments and their interpretations of animal sounds mark the coming of the holiday season.

Sat 12/13, 8pm; Sun 12/14, 4pm, $19–$70; 20% discount military/senior, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [honolulusymphony.com], 792-2000

The Nutcracker

Crackin’ deez nuts Honolulu style since 1976.

Fri 12/19, 8:30pm; Sat 12/20, 7:30pm; Sun 12/21, 2pm, $25-$75, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [ballethawaii.org], 521-8600

Howie Mandel

The coming of Howie Mandel signifies the true wintertime spirit, Hanukkah and all.

Fri 12/26, 7:30pm, $30–$55, Blaisdell Concert Hall, [ticketmaster.com], 1-877-750-4400