Do It: Aiko, Hawaii Magic Festival

SUNDAY, MONDAY

Aiko set to mesmerize music fans in pair of concerts at The Republik

R&B artist Jhene Aiko comes to Honolulu for two shows next week, but set your sights on the Sunday show. The Monday performance sold out weeks ago.

The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has drawn comparisons with Sade with her ruminating, moody presentation of her poetic lyrics, but she’s got a brighter voice that many commentators have described as “refreshing.” She’s famous for signing a recording contract at age 12, getting a few perfunctory appearances but then asking for her release at 16 so she could finish high school.

“I escaped the made-up world of Hollywood to experience the natural beauty of the real world,” she said in a statement. “I am a writer, so I never stopped writing. I am a singer, so I never stopped singing. I am a student of life, so I never stopped learning and experiencing.”

It’s an approach that has worked out well for her. Her first release, the 2011 mixtape “Sailing Soul(s),” reflects the notion she was “sailing my soul instead of selling it.” It immediately garnered the attention of record label ARTium, which produced her platinum-selling EP “Sail Out.” The EP included her hit “3:16 a.m.,” which lasts 3 minutes 16 seconds and contains exactly the kind of thoughts that one might ponder at that hour.

She’s followed that up with her CD “Souled Out,” which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and R&B Albums charts. After having withdrawn from Hollywood as a teen, it’s coming back to her. She’s collaborated with the likes of Wiz Khalifa, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

• Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
• When: 8 p.m. Sunday (Monday show sold out)
• Cost: $35-$40
• Info: flavorus.com or 855-235-2867

SATURDAY

Acclaimed guitarist makes return to Honolulu

There’s not much that Carlos Barbosa-Lima hasn’t done in the guitar world. The Brazilian’s extraordinary career has covered classical to jazz and pop, all performed with flair and panache.

Now 71, Barbosa-Lima, a frequent visitor to the islands, has been considered one of the world’s top classical guitarists for the past half-century.

He started playing at age 7, made his first recording at 13 and made his U.S. debut at 23 to rave reviews. A testament to his talents is reflected in the famous composers who have written for him, such as Alberto Ginastera, who wrote a sonata for him, and fellow Brazilian Antonio Carlos Jobim, who would have long jam sessions with him.

Known for a multilinear, multivoiced arranging style, Barbosa-Lima has transcribed the music of classical composers like Bach, Scarlatti and Handel, while producing arrangements for composers as varied as Stephen Sondheim and Scott Joplin. He even combined the music of George Gershwin and Jobim on one of his more than 40 albums.

Barbosa-Lima is expected to be joined by several local musicians, and with any luck, one of them will be retired University of Hawaii music professor Byron Yasui, a virtuoso on ukulele, string bass and classical guitar. Yasui has composed for Barbosa-Lima, and they frequently collaborate during Barbosa-Lima’s visits here.

• Where: Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art
• When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
• Cost: $30-$35
• Info: honolulumuseum.org or 532-6097

— Steven Mark

SATURDAY

Let the magic of Christmas extend beyond Christmas Day at the Hawaii Magic Festival

The Kaimuki High School auditorium will be filled with walking and staged magic acts on Saturday as the festival showcases Hawaii’s illusionists, sleight-of-hand artists, mentalists and other magicians. Now in its fourth year, the festival has grown as younger people have become interested in magic, reviving a performance art popularized in the 1950s when magicians entertained at banquets.

“Recently our talent pool has grown a lot, and the technology of teaching magic has, too. It was time for the lay public (or ‘muggles,’ as Harry Potter would say) to see the variety of acts that exist now,” said show coordinator Mike Ching.

Doors open at 6 p.m., so grab a bite to eat early (no food inside) and enjoy live magic up close as several strolling magicians walk the floor performing tricks.

At 7 p.m., the stage show starts, beginning with 7-year-old Landon Esperitu, making his stage debut. “We think he’ll surprise people,” Ching said.

Other acts include Maui magician David Kuraya (a multitalented musician and writer); the pirate-themed “Captain Billy Lightfingers & Crew”; newcomer Jared Lum, with a rope specialty act; and juggler Billy Bellew. Closing the show is Takeshi, who’s been winning magic contests since he was a teenager and has performed in Las Vegas and at Disney World.

• Where: Kaimuki High School auditorium
• When: 6 p.m. Saturday
• Cost: $5-$10
• Info: HawaiiMagicFestival.com or 216-9672

MONDAY, TUESDAY

Iolani Palace evening tours offer musical entertainment

Celebrate Queen Kapiolani’s birthday with a rare nighttime tour of Iolani Palace.

Queen Kapiolani, born on Dec. 31, 1834, was queen consort to King Kalakaua, the monarch who revived and promoted many Hawaiian traditions during his reign. The evening tours honor that legacy, with music and entertainment throughout the palace, which will be decorated in the spirit of the holidays.

Among the performers will be Puamana and Kuuipo Kumukahi and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders in the palace’s Upper Hall. They’ll perform songs written by Queen Kapiolani and Na Lani Eha, a name given to the four royal siblings — Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani, Prince Leleiohoku and Princess Likelike — who were known for their musical talents. Elsewhere in the palace, there will be hula in the Throne Room and opera performed by soloists from the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio of the Hawaii Opera Theatre in the Blue Room.

Outdoors, entertainment will be provided by singer and former Miss Hawaii Desiree Moana Cruz, Halau O Na Pua Kukui led by Kumu Ed Collier, Halau O Napuala ikauika iu led by Kumu Sallie Yoza, and Iwalani Apo. And you can learn more about Hawaiian royalty from former palace docent Rianna M. Williams, who will be in the gift shop signing her new book, “Queen Liliuokalani, the Dominis Family, and Washington Place, Their Home.”

• Where: Iolani Palace
• When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday (last tickets issued at 8:45 p.m.)
• Cost: $20 for a reserved time (includes guidebook); $12 general; members free. Children under 5 free, but limited to basement galleries.
• Info: iolanipalace.org or 522-0822