Honolulu is hosting an international barbershop singing convention this week, with free public performances — good news for anyone looking for cheap local entertainment.

• The Sounds of Aloha chorus, singing in Hawaii since 1947, is hosting the Pan Pacific International Barbershop Convention.
• Barbershop is four-part singing with no instruments, named after the barbershops that were social hangouts a century ago.
• A state grant makes both public shows free, with no tickets needed — a memorial show tonight at Kawaiaha'o Church and a bigger one Saturday at the concert hall.
• Saturday's lineup features gold-medal quartets and the champions crowned during the week's competition; doors open early because of bag checks.
• Past chorus members include former Governor William Quinn and the architect behind the Blaisdell concert hall.

Outlook: Expect packed open seating Saturday night, with details at soundsofaloha.org.