Zeptember IV To Rock Wailea Saturday Night

By Vanessa Wolf

A moment from Zeptember III. Photo courtesy Jessica Pearl.

What began in 2010 as an anniversary commemoration of the death of John Bonham – considered by many to be one of the greatest drummers of all time – Maui’s annual Zeptember event has grown into a full-fledged rock concert.

Now in its fourth year, the Led Zeppelin tribute show will take over Wailea on Saturday for a single night of music presented by over 40 Maui musicians.

This year’s show promises a “darker and deeper” exploration of Zeppelin’s history with a record four drummers and three bass players.

Shawn Michael returns as the musical director, and Trish da Dish will once again being emceeing the evening.

Trish Da Dish emcee’s last year’s Zeptember. Photo courtesy Jessica Pearl.

We spoke to Trish about Zeptember’s history and what attendees might expect on Saturday night.

Maui Now: What are you most looking forward to with this year’s Zeptember?

Trish Da Dish: I’m most looking forward to showcasing the new talents we have this year. We’ve invited over 24 new faces to the Zeptember stage, including four of Maui’s most ferocious drummers.

It’s such a wide range of talent: it’s exciting for me to see the audience’s reactions to unfamiliar stars. Plus, this being the fourth year, we have the freedom to experiment a bit.

Maui Now: What’s the #1 reason people should be at Mulligans Saturday?

Trish Da Dish: For rock glory, baby!

For real though, it’s an epic evening of Led Zeppelin music presented by over 40 Maui performing artists, and we get to give back to a great organization. Come hang out and just party. It’ s the best night of music on Maui each year.

Zeptember III. Photo courtesy Jessica Pearl.

Maui Now: Zeptember is known for its fundraising for individuals and causes. We happen to know, ahem,  of one writer being bankrupted by some pets and their endless slew of health issues. Would you consider a one-eyed cat ‘charity’?

What if that cat could read minds?

Trish Da Dish: Yes. One-eyed felines are a great concern of ours.

Maui Now: Every year, in addition to the zillions of things you simultaneously juggle, you pour yourself into this event. How did you come to be the driving force behind Zeptember?

Trish Da Dish: I’m not necessarily ‘the’ force behind Zeptember, but I am definitely the most excited. I dedicate plenty of my blood, sweat and tears to the event. It’s my favorite time of year!

My friend and one of the original organizers, Scott Johnson, asked for my help during the original Zeptember in 2010, and I had a blast. I got to be the emcee, write rock music articles to promote it, and aid in stage-managing. I was hooked.

Not only have I been a huge Zeppelin fan since I was a little girl, I love working with all the musical talents and experiencing the creative chaos that goes into putting on an event of this degree.

Each year, the concert tribute keeps growing, and I have maintained my commitment to its success and gladly taken on more responsibilities.

If you know me, you know I heart Zeptember.

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Zeptember IV is this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mulligan’s On the Blue in Wailea.

This year’s partial beneficiary is Malama Maui Nui (formerly Community Work Day) and perhaps, with some arm twisting and powerful hypnotic mind-control techniques, a one-eyed cat.

Zeptember is a 21-and-over event, and Mulligan’s has added more bars, a food tent and better accommodations for revelers. Folks are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs if they wish to sit out on the lawn.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are $30 at the door.

Pre-sale tickets are available for $25 online or at Mulligan’s in Wailea; 808 Deli and Scuba Shack Maui in Kihei; Requests Music in Wailuku; Maui Coffee Roasters in Kahului; Alice in Hulaland in Pa‘ia; Maui Kombucha in Ha‘iku and Fleetwood’s on Front Street in Lahaina.

Have an idea for a fun, funny or thought-provoking story or topic? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. – Vanessa (@mauinow.com)