Weekend Offers (Just About) 32 Musical Flavors

By Vanessa Wolf

A scene from Makawao Friday. Courtesy image.

Welcome to Spring!

The season of chocolate bunnies, practical jokes, asparagus, Lei Day and – potentially – cleaning.

But no need to rush that last part when there’s so much – particularly where eclectic musical offerings are concerned – going on this weekend.

If It’s the Third Friday, It Must Be Makawao

And so it is.

Tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. the party moves upcountry where the theme is “Makawao For Women.”

Organizers plan to “raise awareness in our community of safety, strength, and support, while celebrating the Spring Equinox: a celebration of balance, rebirth, and renewal. As a community we will come together honoring the sacredness of life and gratefulness for our community.”

As for entertainment, Joie Yasha plays at OnCore Sudio, DJ Chilltown is at Maui Hands and Chala takes to the main stage from 6-8 p.m.

Also anticipate food vendors, crafts, and a silent auction for Charli Scott.

Laugh for Relief

Augie T. Courtesy image

On Nov. 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan devastated the central Philippines, causing widespread destruction and killing thousands. The storm — one of the most powerful ever recorded — slammed into the island of Leyte, triggering landslides, uprooting trees, and destroying homes. Reports indicate that almost 650,000 people have been displaced.”

Get your opportunity to help – and laugh – tonight with the “premiere Filipino American comedians”Rex Navarrete and Augie T.

Proceeds from the “Laugh for Relief” tour will be used for a reconstruction project in Ormoc City, a sister city of the County of Hawai’i.

The shows are at 7 and 9 p.m. in the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater. Tickets are $25.

Hey, Remember The Lovin’ Spoonful?

John Sebastian. Courtesy image

If your answer is “yes,” then please fill us in.

Meanwhile, those with your hands up might also be excited to learn that the MACC is also offering an evening of music with John Sebastian, founding member of The Lovin’ Spoonful and a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.

According to promoters, their #1 hits songs include: “Do You Believe In Magic?” “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice” “Daydream” “Younger Girl” “Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?” “Summer In The City” “Rain On The Roof” “Nashville Cats” “Six O’Clock” “Darling Be Home Soon” “Younger Generation”

Apparently The Lovin’ Spoonful disbanded and John performed at massive festivals like Woodstock and Isle of Wight, wrote movie scores, and is an avid supporter of social, environmental and animal rights causes.

See how the years have treated him and his musical abilities tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Castle Theater.

Tickets are $40, $45 and $55.

Seems The MACC is Pulling a Hat Trick

Debashish Bhattacharya, who we find super charming in his images. Courtesy image.

That’s right, an unprecedented three offerings in one night.

Described by Guitar Player magazine as one of the world’s foremost slide players, Debashish Bhattacharya is a pandit (master) in the modern Indian music tradition of Hindustani slide guitar.

This is Bhattacharya’s first appearance at the MACC, and he will be joined by his brother, tabla virtuoso Subashish Bhattacharya. In addition, Maui-born slack key guitarist Jeff Peterson – with whom Bhattacharya has been recording a new album – will also accompany him on a few songs.

The MACC notes that the Maui connection is not coincidental as “from Calcutta, India, Bhattacharya performs raga and fusion on instruments adapted from the Hawaiian steel guitar.”

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the MACC’s Morgado Hall and tickets are $30.

Calling All Pipe Organ Enthusiasts

Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kula Katherine Crosier will be giving a pipe organ concert.

Retired as organist of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu after 35 years,  Crosier will perform works ranging from the wedding music from Downton Abbey; a French Baroque suite, JS Bach’s last compositions, The Great Eighteen Chorales; and works by American composers.

According to organizers, the concert celebrated the restoration of the church’s Oberlinger organ and the people who made that possible.

Tickets are $15. Call 808-878-1485 to make reservations.

Talent + Charisma + Panache

Kuini. Courtesy image.

At least according to the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

Kuini – comprised of Iwalani Hoomanawanuiikanaauao Apo (ukulele), Kapulanakehau Tamure (guitar) and Keli Mehealani Viernes (acoustic bass)- play the MACC’s Yokouchi Pavilion on Saturday, March 22.

The trio took top honors in 2012 in the prestigious Ka Himeni ‘Ana contest for acoustic performances of Hawaiian music, judged on the quality of harmonization, use of Hawaiian language and overall musicianship.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $30 if you buy them today and $40 if you do so tomorrow.

And to Really Hammer Home This Point About the MACC Hogging the Spotlight This Weekend…

The Maui Pops Orchestra. Courtesy image.

On Sunday, March 23 at 3 p.m. in the MACC’s Castle Theater, the Maui Pops Orchestra presents music from favorite movie scores.

The offerings encompass several decades, including well-known composers John Williams, The Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and Henry Mancini.

Promoters promise you can also anticipate the familiar music of Walt Disney, along with offerings from  James Bond, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, and many others.

Tickets are $15, $30, $40, $50 and half-price (for tickets originally priced at $30-$50) for those 18 and younger.