Best of Spring’s Upcoming A&E Events
By Vanessa Wolf
James Taylor. Courtesy photo.
The changing of the seasons can seem a lot less negligible here in the tropics, but that matters not to the march of time.
With the first quarter of 2013 now behind us, let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated arts and entertainment events that will be happening here on Maui in the coming months.
April 8
The Oscar-nominated documentary “5 Broken Cameras,” a first-hand account of struggle and resistance in Bil’in, a West Bank village, will be screened for free at UH Maui College.
The film follows those affected by the Israeli West Bank barrier that cut off the villagers from their farmlands. It is co-sponsored by Maui Peace Action, the Hawaiian Studies Department and UH Maui College Peace Club. Watch it at 6 p.m. in Ka Lama 103.
April 12
Sweet Baby James (Taylor) plays the MACC.
His music is said to embody the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms.
Taylor has been described as “a master at detailing specific situations in a way that resonates with people everywhere.” His warm baritone is among the most recognized voices in popular music, and his distinctive style of guitar-playing has influenced musicians for more than 40 years.
The five-time Grammy Award winner has long been a local favorite, with such bestselling hits as “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Shower the People,” “Handy Man,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Up On The Roof,” “Everyday” and “Copperline.”
Catch him at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, $65, $85, and $110.
April 14
Art Maui celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2013.
The exhibition opens to the public at 11 a.m. on the 14th at the Schaefer International Gallery in the MACC.
For 35 years and counting, Art Maui continues to be one of the most prestigious juried art exhibitions in the state of Hawaii.
The exhibit features works by local artists in a wide range of media including sculpture, painting, video, jewelry, photography, ceramics, quilting, woodworking and more.
You can enjoy the plethora of art daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 11th.
May 2
Nas’ 10th album – Life is Good – was released recently.
Hip-hop musician Nas plays the courtyard of the MACC at 7:30 p.m.
Described as a “gifted poet. Confessor. Agitator. Metaphor master. Street disciple. Political firebrand,” Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones first came on the scene in 1991.
Two decades later, Nas remains an incendiary, outspoken and candid rapper. His recently released 10th album Life is Good, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200.
Nas has earned 11 Grammy Award nominations, seven platinum albums and been named to The Source’s Top 50 Lyricists of All Time.
Gates open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $45 in advance, $50 the day of the show, and $65 for VIP.
May 4 and 5
The Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) presents their spring spectacular offering three unique shows for the entire family.
Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m. catch MAPA’s annual dance recital, featuring dancers of all ages strutting their stuff in jazz, tap and hip-hop.
On Sunday, May 5, at 1 p.m., The Little Mermaid Ballet showcases over 200 MAPA ballerinas and tells the famous Hans Christian Andersen story of a young mermaid and her handsome prince.
That evening at 7:30 p.m., the MOVES dance concert features MAPA’S top dancers presenting original choreography and includes a guest appearance by Maui’s new professional dance company “ampersand.”
All three shows will be presented at the MACC’s Castle Theater.
Tickets are $15 for each event.
June 12-16
The Maui Film Festival returns in June.
Tickets are already available with basic transferable passes ranging from $40 (granting four admissions) to $80 (eight admissions) through June 3. The passes increase to $44 and $88, respectively, on June 4.
Submissions are still open, so the exact film lineup is not yet known, but be certain to enjoy a wide variety of first-run and other interesting entertainment options.
June 23
Take in an all-star lineup of Hawaii’s best slack-key guitar musicians at the Ki Hō‘alu Guitar Festival 2013.
Popular musicians and recording artists who regularly perform include Makana, Brother Noland, George Kahumoku, Dennis Kamakahi, Jeff Peterson, Bobby Moderow and Nathan Aweau. Island food and crafts will be available for purchase.
The event is free to the public and will run from 2-7 p.m.
Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story or topic? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. -Vanessa (@mauinow.com)
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