Mall’s Center Court improves as venue

Windward Mall is promoting its Center Court as a venue for community performing groups, nonprofits and other organizations.

The mall recently installed a state-of-the-art digital sound system and will provide a technician to ensure quality sound for performers.

"The best thing about it is it’s compact and wireless," said Ryan Brown of ADR Productions, which installed the system. "It’s easy to reconfigure for any kind of use."

Kristin Shiraishi, assistant marketing manager for Windward Mall, said the shopping center is making a special effort to attract performance groups. "We’ve always hosted activities and events here at Center Court … but I think that not a lot of people are aware of that."

Obtain an application at www.windwardmall.com/events/event-application.

Coffee Talk shines spotlight on youth

A Kaimuki coffee shop is celebrating its third year as host of open-mic performances for Hawaii’s young musicians at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Coffee Talk calls the event "The Rising Melody Open Mic for Youth," which is held the second and last Thursday of every month. Students from more than a dozen Oahu high schools and universities have participated.

Coffee Talk says the event is "geared to support the awareness, unity and performance growth of Hawaii’s young up-and-coming musicians." The shop is located at 3601 Waialae Ave.

‘Blue Moon’ rising for Kailua benefit

Wine tasting, heavy pupu and a silent auction will be featured at next month’s "Blue Moon Over Kailua," the annual Kailua High School Alumni Association fundraiser.

The event, which benefits the high school’s endowment fund, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Mid-Pacific Country Club, 226 Kaelepulu Drive in Lanikai. Tickets are $35.

For more information or tickets, call 223-7935 or 223-2894, or email kailua.alumni@gmail.com.