Weekend Round-Up: Freeradicals Projekt, Funk, Throwdowns, Burlesque

By Madeline Ziecker

It is commonly believed, or at least recognized, by most that Friday the 13th is deemed an unlucky day – an idea passed down from 19th century English folklore.

This doesn’t concern Maui – many events are lined up on “unlucky” Friday the 13th and throughout the weekend, intended to deflect superstition with fun.

FREERADICALS PROJECKT’S SOUL FIRE RADIO ALBUM RELEASE SHOW Friday, January 13 at Stella Blues. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. 

Maui’s own Freeradicals Projekt will present and celebrate their smashing, recently released album, “Soulfire Radio.”

DJ Paul Gotel will open as a special guest to get the crowd ready for Freeradicals Projekt to dominate the stage.

The band has developed a strong Maui following with their dynamic performance style and talent, so Friday night’s show is expected to sell out early.

Stella Blues – 1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei. 874-3779.

MACEO PARKER LIVE SHOW Saturday, January 14 at the MACC. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the show. 

Maceo Parker album cover.

American saxophonist Maceo Parker will perform with a live band, bringing Maui some rarely heard, very funky funk.

Parker has worked with soul king James Brown, as well as bands Parliament-Funkadelic, Janes Addiction, and De La Soul.

Parker and his band deliver a sound with a foot-tapping, finger-snapping mix of jazz, funk, and soul.

Concert-goers will get the chance to see a worthy saxophonist show the example of how perfecting and blending basic, older music styles can create  a refreshing new sound.

MACC – 1 Cameron Way, Kahului. Box Office number is 242-SHOW.

THE THROWDOWNS, MOTH xp AND OWAILA IN CONCERT Saturday, January 14 at Stella Blues at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. 

Stella Blues will host their first big concert of the year with three  popular Maui bands performing: The Throwdowns, Moth xp and Owaila.

The Throwdowns are a pop-rock, reggae, and experimental band who play regularly with singer Erin Smith.

Moth xp takes sound systems to new levels with just two members, a guitarist and a drummer, creating melodic hard rock reminiscent of Modest Mouse‘s slow-to-fast, soft-to-crescendo guitar-based song structures.

Owaila falls under the Hawaiian rock category, mixing hard-driving rock with distinctly Hawaiian-influenced vocals. The strong vibrato of the lead singer’s voice over the crunchy guitar riffs below is a musical blend unique to Hawaii.

93 people have already confirmed that they are attending the concert via the show’s Facebook event page, so it will likely be a sell-out show for late-comers.

Stella Blues – 1279 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei.  874-3779.

‘ONE HOT WINTER’S NIGHT’ BURLESQUE CABARET SHOW Friday, January 13 at the Historic Iao Theater. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door. 

Maui Onstage, Power Up Comedy, and Kit Kat Club Cabaret will host a variety show featuring burlesque dancing, standup comedy, and live music.

All proceeds from the show will go to non-profit organization Maui OnStage to create more shows like “One HOT Winter’s Night.”

Iao Theater – 68 N. Market Street, Wailuku.  242-6969.

‘BOTTOMS UP FRIDAYS’ RETURN LAUNCH PARTY Friday, January 13 at Ocean’s Bar. Doors open at 10 p.m.

Ocean’s is claiming territory as “the new party spot for 2012” and to start they are re-launching their weekly Friday night club party.

Several DJ’s are scheduled to play for the night, including DJ LX of DA JAM 98.3.

Free giveaways will be given out ever hour of the party and paparazzi will be clicking away to enhance the night club atmosphere.

LAHAINA SECOND FRIDAY JANUARY TOWN PARTY Friday, January 13 on and around Front Street in Lahaina from 6-9 p.m.

The theme of January’s Second Friday Town Party is “Front Street – Great Street,” celebrating Front Street’s new title from the American Planning Association  as one of the 10 Great Streets in America for 2011. Stores along Front Street will stay open late for the town celebration.

Hard Rock Cafe Lahaina will host a patio party including a beer garden and live music by Evan Shulman from 6 – 9 p.m. Food will be discounted 15% and there is no cover charge for the event.

Willie K will play at Kimo’s Restaurant from 9-11 p.m. No cover is required for those who receive free coupons from the Lahaina Visitor’s Center.

The following art galleries will each have a small party of their own including music, demonstrations, wine and pupus:

• Peter Lik Gallery
• Sargents Art Gallery
• Images Fine Art
• Higgins Harte Gallery
• Gallery 505
• Village Gallery
• Martin Lawrence Gallery
• Lahaina Galleries
• Thomas Barbey Art Gallery
• Lahaina Print Sellers

The Baldwin Home Museum will have a 6:30 p.m. presentation, “Healing Practices of the 1800’s,” in addition to their usual Candlelit Tour of The Baldwin Home.

The Wo Hing Museum will have a presentation on the Chinese New Year and the traditional Lion Dance from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

“KEEP ALIVE THE DREAM” MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION Friday, January 13 at The Temple of Peace in Haiku at 7 p.m. A $5 donation or five nonperishable food items at the door will be required from those who wish to participate.

A “Concert for Peace” gathering will be held at The Temple of Peace in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. (Monday, January 16 is Martin Luther King Day).

Reverend Kedar St. John and special guests will perform the concert to commemorate  Dr. King.