Maui Ukulele Festival 2011

By Kristin Hashimoto

Ukulele performance, image courtesy of the MACC

On Sunday October 16, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center will have a free event from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., dedicated to that little stringed instrument that garners such a huge following here in the islands.

The Ukulele Festival will pack in musicians such as: Uncle Richard Ho’o’pi’i, Herb Ohta-san, Na Palapalai, the Hula Honeys and Napua Makua, and more for this afternoon of musical appreciation.

A free ukulele workshop will be offered earlier that day at 10 a.m. in the McCoy Studio Theater at the MACC. Roy and Kathy Sakuma will be giving lessons that beginners and intermediate ukulele players can enjoy and learn from. If you can hold a “C,” “F” and “G7” chord, you’re able to join in. Bring a ukulele and jam. Participants will also be invited to perform one of the songs learned, at the festival later that day.

Food will be available for purchase from on site vendors such as: Alexanders Famous Fish, Whole Foods Market, Outrigger Pizza Co., Coldstone Creamery and Maui Macaroons.

Visit www.mauiarts.org, for more information or call 242-7469. Again, admission is free so enjoy the day with family and friends.