Maui’s Weekend: Music, Benefits, Extra-Terrestrials

Vanessa Wolf is a Maui-based writer who only looks small: she’s pretty sure she could sweep that Campbell Park Wing Eating contest business.

By Vanessa Wolf

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9
	Tonight is the Hui No’eau’s sixth annual Wailea Food and Wine Celebration…not to be confused with identically named Wailea Food and Wine Celebration happening in early December, because some of us – ahem – got confused.Moving on…This event, held at the Hotel Wailea, benefits community arts education, sponsored by Chambers & Chambers Wine Merchants and featuring the best in local cuisine. It is tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. And tickets are $150, with $100 of that being tax-deductible.
	It’s Lahaina Second Friday from 6-9 p.m. Tonight’s theme is “Preserving History, Preserving Tradition” and features an opening blessing by the cast of Ulalena Maui at 6 p.m. There will be a street performance at the sea wall across from Hard Rock Café. Enjoy live Hawaiian Music from 5-7:30 p.m. with Al Nip, Lance Tokushima & Geri Valdriz, Mika‘ele Villaren with the hula stylings of Kathy Tokushima and Hauanu Gushiken-Nip. Lastly, save us a spot in the Campbell Park Wing Eating Contest, sponsored by Captain Jack’s Island Grill. How many wings can you eat in four minutes? If the answer is “you don’t have enough chickens,” come and put your stomach to the test! Entry is free and limited to nine contestants. Sign up at the scrip booth, and the competition will follow the entertainment.
	Once you make yourself sick on wings, gas up the car and head Upcountry to catch the FreeRadicals Projekt and Kings of Spade at Casanova’s in Makawao.The seven-piece band tends to sell out with their soulful vocals, funky guitar solos, jazzy sax tones and deep percussions. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10:30 p.m. Presale tickets are $15.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10
	This is the inaugural year of the Maui Aloha Golf Classic. Proceeds of the tournament benefit several local non-profits. There will be shotguns on both the Wailea Old Blue and Waiehu Courses starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings, followed immediately by an Awards Luncheon at the Maui Tropical Plantation at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
	The first ever Starlight Cinema, a benefit for Maui United Way, is being held at an oceanfront private residence in Kihei. The evening features heavy pupus, silent auction, movie snacks, the beautiful music of Kanoa Kukaua, and a presentation of the film That First Glide, directed by Mike Waltz. It is a family friendly film that ventures though the sport of Stand Up Paddling, and explores its historical surfing roots in both Polynesia and Hawaii. Filmed in Maui, Fiji, Tahiti and other parts of Hawaii, it features action packed footage of legendary surfers, such as Gerry Lopez, Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama and 2011 Stand Up Paddle World Champion, Kai Lenny. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $40 and up.
	Join Three’s Bar & Grill in support of the American Red Cross’ recovery efforts for Hurricane Sandy. “A Night For Giving” is about helping those in need on the East Coast, and features performances by Kings of Spade, Visibly Shaken, Erin Smith, Naau, The Maui Pranksters, and DJ Chizleberry (Mike C). Doors open at 8 p.m., with the showcase starting at 8:30 p.m. There is no cover all night, and donations are welcomed at the door. There will be also be a silent auction and raffles throughout the evening. Proceeds benefit the relief fund for Hurricane Sandy, along with 30% of Three’s sales and 50% of Boobie Shack sales from the night.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Kalama Park. Photo by Wendy Osher.	Sunday is Veteran’s Day and there is a free Picnic for Vets and supporters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Kalama Park in the pavilion behind the ball field. The event is free to the public, but attendees are asked to bring canned food – and bring the good stuff! Not just those weird beets that have been in there since 2009 – for homeless Vets.
	At 6:30 p.m., Maui Arts & Cultural Center will present the 30th anniversary edition of one of America’s most beloved movies of all time:  E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Shown on the giant screen in Yokouchi Pavilion, MACC offers free admission and encourages families to bring low beach chairs, towels or blankets to relax on the A&B Amphitheater lawn. Gates open at 5 p.m., and attendees will enjoy pre-show dining (a selection of dishes and beverages are available for purchase), fun art activities for keiki, a photo opportunity with a giant alien, music by Randall Rospond and a chance to win the 30th anniversary DVD.

Know of an event that should be included in upcoming weekend coverage? Aware of a great band, artist, author, filmmaker, or show coming to town? Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. Vanessa(@mauinow.com)