POP! POP! BANG! BANG!

There will be plenty of fireworks going off all over the island on the Fourth of July, but Aloha Tower is getting a head start with its fireworks show, scheduled to go off at 8:45 tonight in a big way. And it's not just about the fireworks. Because when all-you-can-eat prime rib dinners, fashion shows and live local music are thrown into the mix, the fireworks are just an added bonus.

Get there early for the Red, White and Blue Jeans fashion show at 6 p.m. and stay for dinner. Make reservations at Don Ho's Island Grill for its primerib buffet (6:30 p.m., $30-$55, 528-0807) or stop in for a bite at any one of the other Aloha Tower restaurants. Catch plenty of local live music courtesy of Willie K, Hapa and Mihana Souza, among others. Cap the evening off with fireworks. It'll be the biggest fireworks show tonight on the island, guaranteed.

5-9 tonight / Aloha Tower Marketplace / Free / Dinner reservations recommended / 566-2337

RAISE THE 'BATTLE CRY'

Japanese rapper Shing02 performs at 10 tonight at Lotus Soundbar (924-1688). You know his music — "Battle Cry" — from Adult Swim's "Samurai Champloo" anime series.

OFF THE TOP ROPE ...

We were channel-surfing the other night and came across Donald Trump slapping WWE owner Vince McMahon. Yes, The Donald was in the ring. Can't wait to see what's on tap Sunday when the WWE's SummerSlam Tour hits Blaisdell Arena (5 p.m.).

TAKE IT TO THE STREETS

Loft Gallery and Lounge (688-8813) hosts the second annual Street Fight for Hunger — a "Street Fighter IV" tournament — 3 p.m. Sunday. Participants can either play or watch. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hawaii Foodbank.

THE BIG THREE-FIVE

Hula's Bar & Lei Stand (941-0424) celebrates its 35th anniversary at 7 p.m. Thursday. Out and proud for 35 years, Hula's promises a massive blowout with dancing, dance performances and dance troupes.

STRUT YOUR STUFF

Women wanted for a Honolulu casting call of "America's Next Top Model."

Open casting call / 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday / Bobbi and Guy Salon, Kapolei Commons / 356-8740

OUT OF THE BLACK BOX

UH-Manoa theater students get artsy with the inaugural event of "Black Box Black Blocks." The show is a montage of theatrical pieces performed at the Earl Ernst Lab Theatre Thursday through July 12 (www.blackboxblackblocks.wordpress.com).

PRESIDENT OBAMA NO KA 'OI

Get early copies of the first children's book about local-boy-turned-leader-of the-free-world Barack Obama. Authors Dr. Terry and Joanna Carolan will be signing copies of "A President from Hawai'i" ($18.95) from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Aloha Tower Marketplace.