Japanese Cultural Society of Maui Hosts New Year Dinner Event

Keith Nakananeku. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is bringing in the New Year with its annual Shinnen Enkai dinner. The event will usher in 2015, “The Year of the Sheep,” on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Elleair Rainbow Room at the Maui Beach Hotel.

Artist Keith Nakaganeku, producer of “Hawaiian Jazz Done Asian Style,” will provide live entertainment for the crowd. The seasoned Okinawan musician, vocalist, and music instructor is the lead singer and ukulele player in Calabash – a multi-genre and cross-cultural band.

A traditional otoso (celebratory spiced sake) will kick-off the event at 5:30 p.m., followed by a no-host cocktail hour.

The dinner buffet begins at 6:00 p.m.

Cost for the dinner is $50 for adults, $20 for children (6 to 11 years old), and free for children 5 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the Maui Box Shop, Credit Associates in Wailuku, or Sanrio at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center through Monday, Jan. 19. They are limited and must be purchased in advance to attend.

For more information, call 870-8047.