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

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

A fireworks display will follow the concert.

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; at 800-888-8499 or www.waikoloanights.com.

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

Earth, Wind & Fire emerged on the pop music scene in the 1970s. The group last performed in Honolulu last May at the Blaisdell Arena.

To celebrate the grand opening of the Waikoloa Bowl at Queen's Gardens, area hotels such as the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, are offering kama'aina weekend packages that include 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 go to www.marriott.com.