Lana’i, Maui Get Jazzed for First Annual Jazz Fest

By Kristin Hashimoto

Lanai Jazz Fest 2011

Sleepy Lana’i will have a heady dose of aural stimuli on June 3 and June 4, at the Four Seasons Resort, Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay, as jazz musicians on drums, guitar, ukulele, bass, and saxophone unleash their skills onstage.

The Jazz Fest gets started on June 3, with a sumptuous dinner at the Four Seasons Resort, and jazz from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. On June 4, at 3:00 p.m. a dizzying lineup of talent includes: Tom Scott, Henry K. Allen, Brittni Paiva, Benny Uyetake, Robbie Ray, Paul Marchetti, Doug White and other special guests.

Scott is a three time Grammy-award winner who has played with household names such as: Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Quincy Jones and Paul McCartney. He’s made over 500 recordings, and was the saxophone heard in the movie Blade Runner.

The afterparty on the 4^th will be in Lana’i City, at Pele’s Other Garden Restaurant from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Enjoy more jazz as you sip martinis and let your brain idle listening to a ridiculously satisfying jazz jam session. Call (808) 565-9628 for further details.

Ulupalakua store at Maui Winery - Tedeschi Vineyards

Mauians: don’t feel left out. At 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday June 5, at the Ulupalakua Maui Winery, the same lineup of musical virtuosos will take to the slopes of Haleakala and jam. Eat some barbecue, taste some wine and pack the beach chairs. But leave the coolers at home. Donations will be accepted for the Lanai’i Community Association, who are devoted to helping Lanai’s families in need.

These events are all brought to Lana’i and Maui for free. The Lana’i Four Seasons Resort is offering room packages and rates starting from $179 a night. For more information visit www.lanaijazzfestival.com. Call the resort at 1-800-321-4666 to inquire about the performances and/or reserve a room.