Pink Martini at the Hollywood Bowl has become an end-of-summer ritual in this city of too-few annual rituals. The combination of suave, intercontinental sounds under the stars (well, star) enhanced by whatever's in your picnic basket is pure enchantment. This year, the band will be joined by Rufus Wainwright, Jane Powell, Ari Shapiro and the cast of Sesame Street (please oh please let it be a Big Bird-Miss Piggy duet of “Amado Mio.”). For first-timers, here are some tips.

1. DO know these names: Thomas Lauderdale is the lead guy on piano, who does most of the talking; the lead vocalist is China Forbes. Don't worry about the other people onstage.

2. DO start a conga line.

3. DON'T sing along during “Over the Valley.”

4. DO scream out a request for “Aba Daba Honeymoon” when special guest Jane Powell is introduced.

5. DO stay for the fireworks (duh).

Fri., Sept. 10, 8:30 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 11, 8:30 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., 2010

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