Weekend Brimming with Music Shows and Whiskey

By Vanessa Wolf

Whiskey. Or Whisky. Hard to say. File photo.

New Year’s resolution procrastinators: it’s go time.

You officially have 25 days left. Hit the gym, put down those cigarettes and knuckle down on that screenplay.

Either that or continue blowing it all off to commemorate the 96th anniversary of Finland declaring independence from Russia.

Either way.

Best Excuse to Overindulge in Whiskey

Tonight at Mulligan’s, partake in a whiskey (or ‘whisky’ for non-American varieties – Ed.) tasting fundraiser for Rotary Club of Wailea.

In a tasting seminar led by Whiskey Master Tomas Turner, PhD (“Dr. Tom”) explore the flavors of Irish, Scotch, Canadian and American whiskeys.

Don’t worry if you’re headed there straight from work with an empty belly: each whiskey will be paired with a pupu prepared by Mulligan’s.

In over a decade of experience in the spirits industry, Dr. Tom claims to have served as a Vodka Ambassador, studied Tequila in Jalisco, and sipped rum on exotic beaches throughout the world. While Tom enjoys his work with all types of spirits, his heart belongs to whiskey, which is why he considers his role as Master of Whisky for Diageo the pinnacle of his career.

The event is from 6-9 p.m. and tickets are $55 each.

Best Opportunity to Geek Out on Classical Music

Pianist-Composer Dan Tepfer will make his first appearance on Maui performing his critically acclaimed Goldberg Variations/Variations at Seabury Hall’s `A`ali`ikūhonua Creative Arts Center this Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Tepfer has been called “Brilliant” by the Boston Globe and “a player of exceptional poise” by the The New York Times.

His latest work, Goldberg Variations/Variations, approaches JS Bach’s masterpiece as a jumping off point for creativity. Interspersed with his faithful and affectionate interpretation of the “Goldbergs” are his own improvised variations on Bach’s variations.

Proceeds from this event go to support the Arts Education for Children Group, a Maui-based 501c3 that offers arts education opportunities for Maui’s youth.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and seating is general admission.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Best Way to Get Your Funk On 

Tower of Power seemingly never met a brass player they didn’t like. Courtesy photo.

If your fondest memories are based in the early ’70s, then we have got some exciting soundtrack-of-your-life news for you.

This Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the MACC’s Castle Theater take in the groovy tunes of Tower of Power and WAR.

Tower of Power enjoyed their greatest commercial success from 1973 to late 1974 and their biggest hits that some of you may remember include “So Very Hard to Go,” “You’re Still a Young Man,” “Soul Vaccination,” “Soul With a Capital S” and “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream).”

Founded in 1969, their memorable hits include “Spill The Wine,” “Summer,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends”, “Me and Baby Brother,” “Slippin’ Into Darkness,” “All Day Music,” “Cisco Kid” and the song indelibly associated with Cheech & Chong in our minds: “Low Rider.”

Although the main event doesn’t start until 7:30 p.m., feel free to come early and take in Maui’s own Soul Kitchen at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $45, $65, $85 and $125.

Best (Only?) Chance to See Santa on Molokai

Santa. The real deal by the looks of it.

If you’re not already there, catch a flight or the ferry to Molokai for the 7th Annual Happy Holidays Molokai Style Christmas Light Parade and Hoolaulea on Saturday.

Beginning at 4 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai Town is a Hoolaulea will consist of food, games and novelty booths. Entertainment is by local musicians and community groups. There will also be Christmas tree decorating and for children ages 4-11, wreath and stocking contests.

At 6:15 p.m. begins the Christmas light parade.

Ho ho ho! Santa Claus will be there and afterward will head to the Mitchell Pauole Center for lap sitting and begging. Organizers note that “for keiki who do not leave Molokai during the holidays, this is the only event where they are able to interact with Santa.”

The event is free to the public.

Best Chance to Get Some Holiday Shopping Done

The annual Holiday Fair 2013 of Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Maui High School gymnasium in Kahului.

The wares include Christmas ornaments, shell and glass jewelry, candles, soaps, baked goods, Jeff’s Jellies, plants and a farmers market.

The Holiday Fair is a fundraiser for Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans, whose projects include historical programs and the annual Chrysanthemum Festival, which in turn funds scholarships.

The event is free to the public.

Best Way to Wind Up Your Weekend

Hyperion Knight. Courtesy photo.

On Sunday at 3 p.m. in the MACC’s Castle Theater enjoy Holiday Pops: “Peace On Earth.”

Billed as the “musical celebration of the season,” the Maui Pops Orchestra presents special guest pianist, Hyperion Knight.

Knight will perform Grieg’s “First Piano Concert,” a Romantic Era classic. In addition, Nā Leo Lani O Maui, Maui’s Hawaiian Community Choir, present a program of holiday favorites titled “Peace On Earth.”

The show is from 3 to 6 p.m. and tickets are $15, $30, $40, $50 or half that for those 18 and under.