Weekend Round-Up: Hawaii Unite, Pink Martini, Whale Day

By Madeline Ziecker

Tarrus Riley. Courtesy photo.

HAWAII UNITE MUSIC FESTIVAL WITH THIRD WORLD & TARRUS RILEY Sunday, February 19 at 5 p.m. at the MACC. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on the event day. 

Internationally famed reggae acts  Third World and Tarrus Riley will headline one of Maui’s biggest music festivals of the year, “The Fourth Annual Hawaii Unite Music Festival.”

The festival is the official celebration of the latest annual Mana Maoli CD compilation, which features student, underground, and professional collaborating artists in Hawaii.

Third World. Courtesy photo.

The lineup for the concert includes some of Hawaii’s best local performing artists, some of whom have contributed to the Mana Maoli project:  Inna Vision, John Cruz, Anuhea, Paula Fuga, Mike Love, Kapali, Lopaka Colon, and more.

Tickets can be purchased at the MACC Box Office by calling 242-SHOW or online at MauiArts.org.

Pink Martini. Courtesy photo.

PINK MARTINI LIVE Friday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the MACC. Tickets are #35, $45, and $65.

The renowned “little orchestra” of twelve, Pink Martini, will give a special Maui concert featuring music of various styles from the 1930s, 40s, and 50’s.

Since the band’s debut in 1994, Pink Martini has toured the world performing their timeless repertoire.

The star of the show is lead singer China Forbes, seen annually gliding across the Maui stage, blasting the audience with her vivacious stage presence and vocal talent.

Tickets can be purchased at the MACC Box Office by calling 242-SHOW or online at MauiArts.org.

Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real. Courtesy photo.

WORLD WHALE DAY Saturday, February 18 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m at Kalama Park in Kihei. Free. 

In celebration of Maui’s visiting humpback whales, Pacific Whale Foundation will host a day of activity in Kihei.

The day will begin with the “World of Whales” parade at 9 a.m. along South Kihei Road, starting at Alanui Keali’i Drive.

After the parade, festivities of the day will begin at Kalama Park, including the Children’s Carnival “Made on Maui” Artisans Fair, food, and creative Whale displays.

The highlight of the day and evening will be a free concert with Maui’s own talented performers Anuhea, HAPA, John Cruz, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Marty Dread, Nuff Sedd, Willie K, and Manutea Nui E.

‘HARD ROCK RISING’ GLOBAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS COMPETITION, ROUND ONE 

Maui bands God Hears and Kimo Nevius will battle it out in the first round of Hard Rock Cafe’s Global Battle of the Bands, “Hard Rock Rising.”

After the first round tonight, there will be two more qualifying competitions on February 24 and March 2 before the Final Battle on March 9.

Participating Hard Rock Cafe’s all over the world are hosting local battles, but only those selected will win a chance to perform at Hard Rock Calling in London’s Hyde Park.

Bands who will participate in the Maui event include N.Y.R, God Hears, The Eazy, Ras & Queen Sparrow, Cali G ft. Jaymelly, and Kimo Nevius.

 NEW MACC MIXER, ” ArT = Mixx”Saturday, February 18  from 7 – 10 p.m. in the MACC’s Yokouchi Pavilion Courtyard. Free. 

The MACC’s “Art = Mixx” event is an opportunity for those who are over 21 to network with friends, enjoy the MACC’s art gallery, see live models and portrait drawings, dance, eat, and drink.

DJ CIA will provide dance music for the evening in the courtyard.

Appetizers and beverages will be catered by Whole Foods and available for purchase throughout the event.

Makawao 3rd Friday. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

FEBRUARY MAKAWAO THIRD FRIDAY TOWN PARTY Friday, February 17 from 6 – 9 p.m. in Makawao Town. 

This month’s Makawao Third Friday will be themed, “Lovers Get Lost in Makawao.”

Maui School of Therapeutic Massage’s students will give free 10-minute massages at OnCore Maui.

Songwriter Maeysn will sing along with his violin on the Center Stage at the Makawao Farmer’s Market site.

Local band MOTHxp was scheduled to perform at Casanova at this month’s town party, but have announced that they will postpone their show until March.

Dr. Nat and John Zangrando, however, will be performing at the Casanova outdoor stage.