Wailuku First Friday Honors Maui Serviceman Vickers

By Wendy Osher

Kraig Vickers. Courtesy photo.

Tonight’s First Friday event in Wailuku Town will be held in honor of Maui Serviceman, Kraig Vickers.

Vickers is one of 30 service members who died in a helicopter crash over Afghanistan last month.  His memorial services are set for tomorrow, Saturday, September 3, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

He is the younger brother of Maui Police Sgt. Mark Vickers, who is credited for contributions to the growth of the monthly event in Wailuku.

To honor Kraig Vickers and let Sgt. Vickers know how much he is appreciated,  event organizers decided to dedicate tonight’s festivities to the memory of Senior Chief Petty Officer Vickers.

The Wailuku event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Market Street and features special live entertainment with The Makaha Sons.

Makaha Sons. Courtesy Photo.

The award-winning group, consisting of members Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, John Koko on upright acoustic bass, and Jerome Koko on 12-string guitar, will take center stage at 7:30 p.m.

The event also is the first official event being held in collaboration with this year’s Festivals of Aloha in Maui County.

The Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style is an annual event that celebrates Hawaiian heritage with royal pageantry, parades, street parties, concerts and family activities hosted on each of the islands of Maui Nui.

All events are free and open to the public.  Special events may require the $5 Festivals of Aloha 2011 button for entry, with proceeds helping to fund countywide events.

Other musicians featured at tonight’s First Friday event include:  Ikaika Blackburn; Joel Katz on Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Gene Argel ohana at the Wailuku Banyan Tree Park; and High Rise and Dejavu at the Maui Things Stage.

The special First Friday celebration will also feature live entertainment up and down the street, plus hula, food, artisans, crafters and shopping.