Max Paguio and the rest of 82fifty is putting social networking to the test.

The band's van was broken into last weekend in front of Paguio's Mililani Mauka home and about $3,200 worth of equipment was taken. Since filing a police report, they've spent the past week checking with pawn shops, scanning Craigslist and creating a chain of tweets and Facebook postings asking for help in getting their instruments back.

"The toughest one to replace is Jessie's (Campania) ivory white Les Paul guitar," Paguio said. "That one was worth about two grand. My Black Beauty replica snare drum was taken and so was Richy's (Campania) dark purple Hamer bass."

Paguio said they have backup equipment for tonight's First Friday gig at Loft Gallery and Lounge, but it's not the same.

"The only one who didn't get hit was Jeri (Campania)," Paguio said, "and that's only because he takes his guitar home every night. I'm kicking myself for not bringing everything in after we played Tropics Bar &Cafe on Saturday night. We got home late and I didn't even look at the van until Monday morning. When I did, I saw the window was smashed."

Paguio is hoping somebody sees the description of the instruments and contacts the group, or the thieves just give them back.Anyone with information can call him at 429-8303.

Dee Dee Sheffield, a former resident of 'Aiea and a 1977 graduate of Punahou School, will be in the"Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" hot seat Wednesday. The episode airs at 11 a.m. on KHNL. It's hosted by Meredith Vieira.

The 11th season of Spike's "The Ultimate Fighter" debuted Wednesday night and there is a local tie. The Big Island's Brad Tavares, a 2005 Waiakea High grad, is among the 28 fighters competing for a six-figure contract in the UFC. Should be a fun season to watch.

The battle of the bands taking place at Hard Rock Cafe Thursday, Friday and April 16 is going to be big. The winner could earn a spot on stage at Hard Rock Calling 2010. The Calling is a three-day concert festival in London's Hyde Park June 25-27 that will be headlined by rock legends Paul McCartney and Pearl Jam.

The winner of the Honolulu competition will be evaluated by a panel that includes Steven Van Zandt of the legendary E Street Band, and there will be a chance for fans to vote for winners at each Hard Rock Cafe where the competition is being held. The overall winner gets the biggest break of their career, sharing a stage with legends.

Hiriz, Orion, Elephant and Friends of Adam compete Thursday and TTYM (Talk to you Music), Disaster Kit, Phoenix Rose and Black Prism on April 9, with the finals on April 16. All shows start at 9 p.m.

Tickets for HIFF's spring festival, April 16-22, go on sale Monday. Go to www.hiff.org for more information.