Do It: We the Kings, Obon Fest, Hula’s new drag show

FRIDAY

>> Florida band hits Republik at end of tour

We the Kings brings its rocking, romantic tunes to The Republik on Friday.

The indie rockers from Florida had a hit with their eponymous debut album in 2007, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. Featuring the singles “Check Yes Juliet” and “Secret Valentine,” the album propelled the group to regular appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and other national and international tours.

With lead vocalist Travis Clark, the band has done some inventive things over the years. The video for 2011 song “Say You Like Me” had members of the group appearing as video game characters rescuing a damsel in distress. It won an MTV Video Music Award for Most Innovative Music Video.

Last year the band released a single, “The Story of Tonight,” from the Broadway show “Hamilton.” They originally worked up the song to do on their live shows, but the creators of “Hamilton” learned of it and encouraged them to record it. The group turned the anthem to freedom into a romantic rock ballad.

Elvis fans, don’t be offended at the group’s name. Childhood friends Clark, Hunter Thomsen (lead guitar) and Danny Duncan (drums) got it from Martha B. King Middle School in Bradenton, Fla., which they all attended. Charles Trippy (bass) and Cooley O’Toole (rhythm guitar, keyboards) round out the band, which is finishing an international tour commemorating the 10th anniversary of its debut album.

SATURDAY

>> Season returns for bon dancing at Waipahu site

Hawaii’s Plantation Village is holding the first bon dance of the season Saturday during its Obon Festival.

The Japanese Buddhist tradition originates from a legend about a disciple of Buddha who used his spiritual powers to see that his deceased mother was suffering. Upon securing her release by making offerings to some Buddhist monks, he broke out into a dance of joy.

Visitors are free to join in the bon dances, which will be led by six groups starting at 5:45 p.m. and lasting until 10 p.m. Each group has a different style, said Hawaii Plantation Village’s Mil Holliday. “They use different music, they do their own dance.”

Arts and crafts will be available, and food vendors like Da Andagi Guy will make sure you have the energy to dance the night away. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or mats, as seating at the village is limited and crowds have numbered in the thousands. “We always have fun every year,” Holliday said.

>> New show at Hula’s for drag divas of Fusion Waikiki

When Fusion Waikiki abruptly closed its doors early in May, the local LGBT community lost a drag show in the making. Now that show, which was in the midst of rehearsal when Fusion closed, is getting its turn in the spotlight at Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand.

Even for a drag show, this one should be a doozy. Producer Dennis Kong, who used to schedule drag shows for Fusion, said this production was originally envisioned as nonstop entertainment.

“We wanted to never lose the audience’s attention,” he said. “I used to DJ all the shows at Fusion, and I could see what held the audience’s attention and what didn’t, like ballads, for instance. … So for our show, no ballads! There has to be something that can grab the attention of the audience. There has to be a gimmick to it, or comedy works well, also.”

The show will be repeated June 17, and who knows? Maybe it will result in a new regular venue for drag. “If everything works out, I’d love to work with Hula’s, because they have a great team,” Kong said.

>> Ocean lovers’ festival benefits North Shore

Celebrate the ocean with games, education and entertainment at the North Shore Ocean Fest at Turtle Bay Resort.

With the Hokule‘a on the final leg of its global tour, this event offers a chance to learn more about the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. Organizers are bringing a traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe, and Hokule‘a crew members will be on hand to discuss the trip throughout the day.

In addition, waterman Ian Masterson will lead hikes to Kawela Bay and Kahuku Point starting at 10:30 a.m. and give ocean safety workshops in the afternoon. Or if you prefer to be on the water, the Hans Hedemann Surf School will give snorkeling, canoeing and SUP lessons in the afternoon. Sign-ups for these events are necessary and can be made at the EdVenture tent.

More than 40 educational, food and craft booths will be on-site, and live music will keep you in good spirits, with singer-songwriter Kapono Nailili performing at 12:15 p.m. and Lopaka Brown at 2:15 p.m. More than 2,500 people are expected to attend.

The event is a benefit for ocean education programs at North Shore schools. It’s also a precursor to World Oceans Day, which will be celebrated globally Thursday.