Jazz Maui and South Maui Learning ʻOhana host AANHPI Heritage Month tribute concert, May 24

Jazz Maui and South Maui Learning ʻOhana will present a special concert and dinner event in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at The Altitude Deck, 650 Līpoa Parkway in Kīhei.

The evening concert will feature acclaimed jazz violinist Meg Okura and soprano saxophonist Sam Newsome, joined by keyboardist Jeff Hellmer, bassist Dave Graber and drummer Kevin Garland. The ensemble will perform original compositions and reimagined melodies from Japan, China and beyond in a tribute to AANHPI cultural traditions through jazz. Kathy Collins will serve as emcee.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with opening performances by Nā Aliʻi Jazz Combo, Wilmont Kahaialii and other guests. Advance ticket and dinner purchases are required and available at JazzMaui.org.

The event also includes a festival plate dinner curated by Chef Itara Wood, featuring local and plantation-style dishes such as shoyu chicken, kalua pork, teriyaki mushroom tofu, ʻulu potato-less salad, beet poke lettuce cups and more. Attendees may bring their own wine with a $10 corkage fee. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Okura is a Grammy-nominated violinist, composer and bandleader recognized for her seamless fusion of jazz, chamber music and global influences. An Issei (first-generation) Japanese immigrant, she leads the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, whose music has been described as “grandiloquent beauty that transitions easily from grooves to big cascades to buoyant swing” by The New York Times. A recipient of the Asian Arts Council Fellowship and the latest winner of the SJO George Duke Commissioning Prize, Okura has established herself as a leading voice in jazz, captivating audiences with her distinctive artistry. She has collaborated with legendary artists such as Michael Brecker, Lee Konitz and David Bowie

Newsome is a composer and pioneering soprano saxophonist celebrated for his groundbreaking solo work and fresh approaches to jazz improvisation. He first gained prominence playing with jazz legends such as Terence Blanchard and Donald Byrd. Over the years, he has redefined the possibilities of the soprano saxophone, garnering five-star reviews in DownBeat Magazine for his groundbreaking works. While known for his experimental work, Newsome brings a soulful and engaging approach to this performance, bridging jazz’s rich past with its evolving future.

Chef Itara Wood began her professional cooking career the summer after sixth grade at Lynn’s Café in Haʻikū. She graduated from King Kekaulike High School and earned degrees in culinary arts, baking and business management from the Maui Culinary Academy. She paid for education by working at Mama’s Fish House and later at restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Chef Itara blends childhood favorites with inspirations from her culinary journey.

Jazz Maui is a branch of the nonprofit Arts Education for Children Group and offers year-round jazz education programs and performances, including the Sunset Jazz and Pau Hana Series. Select performances are also live-streamed on JazzMaui.org.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.JazzMaui.org or text 808-283-3576.