Maui ‘Ukulele Festival Features All-Star Line Up

On Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 the Maui Arts & Cultural Center will celebrate the musical tradition of Hawai’i’s famous four-string instrument at the 13th annual Maui ‘Ukulele Festival. The public is invited to bring low-backed beach chairs or blankets and relax on the lawn of A&B Amphitheater to enjoy an afternoon of island music with highly-acclaimed musicians starting at 1:00 pm. Admission to the festival is free.

Roy Sakuma, renowned ‘ukulele teacher and founder of the first and original ‘ukulele festival in 1971 will serve as Master of Ceremonies. This 2018 festival offers a diverse line-up of some of the finest ‘ukulele musicians. Performers scheduled to perform this year include: Willie K, Paula Fuga, Kanekoa, Kamakakehau Fernandez, the Hula Honeys, Andrew & Jay Molina, Halemanu, Mike Kane, Arlie-Avery Asiu, Kris Fuchigama, Brittni Paiva, Nick Acosta, the Kalama Intermediate ‘Ukulele Band, Seabury Hall Hawaiian Ensemble, Kaulike Pescaia (the Richard Ho’opi’i Leo Ki’eki’e Falsetto contest winner), and Two Sisters-Roy Sakuma Super Keiki. The artist list is subject to change.

Door prizes from the MACC will be given away throughout the afternoon, plus several finely crafted ‘ukulele provided by Kamaka ‘Ukulele, Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele, Koaloha ‘Ukulele, Ko’olau ‘Ukulele, Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele, and Bounty Music.

There will be displays of made-in-Hawai‘i arts and crafts, plenty of ‘ono-licious island food from Maui Cones, Outrigger Pizza Co., Kalei’s Lunch Box, Maui Cookie Lab and Real Fruit Ice Cream, plus a variety of beverages available for purchase. No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed.

On Saturday, Sept. 29, a free ‘ukulele workshop will be held in the McCoy Studio Theater from 10 a.m. to 11:15 am. This workshop is conducted by Roy Sakuma for students of all ages, from child to adult. Lessons are designed for beginning and intermediate players. It is recommended that students be able to hold C, F, G7 chords and they should bring their own ‘ukulele. No pre-registration is necessary. All participants will be eligible to enter a drawing to win a fine new ‘ukulele, and will be invited to participate in a performance during the festival on Sunday, playing a song they learned in the workshop.

The 13th Annual Maui ‘Ukulele Festival is presented by Maui Arts & Cultural Center and ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai’i.Sponsors for this FREE event are Hawaii Tourism Authority, the County of Maui, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, KPOA/Pacific Media Group, and Speedishuttle/Arthur’s Limousine. Additional support from Kamaka‘Ukulele, Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele, Koaloha ‘Ukulele, Ko’olau ‘Ukulele, Kanile‘a ‘Ukulele, and Bounty Music.