Maui’s Weekend: Shirelles, Oceanside Block Party and Maui Calls

The Summer Soul Concert features The Shirelles & The Manhattans on Sunday at the MACC. Photo courtesy of MACC.

By Sonia Isotov

Shows

Solo Artist Exhibition 2012 featuring Valerie Yong Ock Kim and Billy Welker. August 11 – September 21. Opening Reception: Friday, August 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao

The Solo Artist Exhibition is one of the only exhibitions in the state that provides the unique opportunity for artists to be personally involved in all facets of exhibition planning and gallery installation of artwork. It has advanced careers, spurred community dialogue, and continues to define our local visual arts movement.

Valerie Yong Ock Kim, from Hawai‘i Island, will present “Light Speed Matter, A Still Place Waiting” featuring vivid, kinetic images in photographic archival pigment prints, video and cast glass that explore concepts of light and matter in the context of time and the human experience. With “Configuration,” Maui artist Billy Welker presents a continuing exploration, in honest and sculptural oil paintings on wood, of the figure and the portrait as objects and vessels of humanness.

Located on the upcountry estate of Kaluanui, the Hui provides an array of programs that support lifelong learning in the visual arts including public workshops and classes, free lecture series, monthly exhibitions, art events, historical house tours and educational outreach programs with schools and community partner organizations.

Artist Walk-Through with Val: Saturday, August 11 at 12 p.m. No charge.
Artist Walk-Through with Billy: Saturday, September 8 at 12 p.m. No charge.

Learn more at the HuiBlog.

Staff are ready for the annual Maui Calls fundraiser for the MACC. Photo courtesy of MACC.

Maui Calls 2012. Friday, August 10 at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Pavilion/Amphitheater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Maui Calls is the signature fundraiser gala of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, which is celebrated under the stars in Yokouchi Pavilion and A&B Amphitheater.

This year’s theme is Nā Lei O Hawai‘i. Enjoy delectable pūpū created by 18 chefs from stellar Maui restaurants paired with premium wines served by vintners and representatives from outstanding wineries around the world. The evening begins with sweet island sounds and ends with dancing to Jimmy Mac & the Kool Kats.

The gala includes a fresh flower lei greeting and entertainment by a surprise musical guest as well as a chance to bid on hundreds of items from art and jewelry to golf and travel packages during silent and live auctions. This event is for adults 21 years & over.

Tickets: $175 to $500 (plus applicable fees). For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to http://www.mauiarts.org/tickets/ or call the box office at 808-242-7469.

Rapper Mickey Avalon. Saturday, August 11 at 8 p.m. in the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Los Angeles rapper Mickey Avalon is known for his bad-boy, punk-rock style. He has created street art, eventually joining the graffiti crew CBS (Can’t Be Stopped / City Bomb Squad), which led him into the local hip-hop scene.

The Solo Artist Exhibition 2012 at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao features the work of Valerie Yong Ock Kim (pictured is one of her works) and Billy Welker. Photo courtesy of the Hui.

Avalon was drawn to songwriting by friend and MTV VJ Simon Rex. The two joined forces with Armen Melik and began recording and releasing their own material as the Dyslexic Speedreaders, an irreverent group that provided a satirical, lascivious look at the LA club scene.

Avalon has recorded two solo albums: Mickey Avalon (2006) with the hit singles, “Jane Fonda” and “Mr. Right” and Loaded (2012) which has released the singles, “Tight Blue Jeans,” “Girlfriend,” “I’m Hot” and “More Junk.” Presented by BAMP Project; for mature audiences only.

Tickets: $35 general admission (plus applicable fees). Preshow dinner by: Rodeo General Store. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to http://www.mauiarts.org/tickets/ or call the box office at 808-242-7469.

Summer Soul Concert with The Shirelles & The Manhattans. Sunday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Two of America’s most beloved soul groups, The Shirelles and The Manhattans, will deliver nonstop hit songs in this Maui Summer Soul Concert.

Rock-and-Roll Hall of Famers The Shirelles were the first major female vocal group of the rock era, defining the so-called girl group sound with their soft, sweet harmonies and yearning innocence. Their music was a blend of pop and R&B – especially doo wop and uptown soul – that appealed to listeners across the board. Their chart hits include: “I Met Him on a Sunday,” “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Mama Said,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “Soldier Boy,” “Baby It’s You” and “Tonight’s The Night.”

The Manhattans are R&B trailblazers who have achieved career longevity by adapting their style to fit changing times. Formed in the 60s as a doo wop-influenced R&B quintet, The Manhattans reinvented themselves in the 70s as smooth soul balladeers. Their hit songs include: “I Wanna Be (Your Everything),” “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” “Am I Losing You” and Grammy Award winning “Shining Star.”

Tickets: $29, $39, $49 and a limited number of premium seats for $69 (with meet-and-greet) (plus applicable fees). Preshow dinner by: Rodeo General Store. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to http://www.mauiarts.org/tickets/ or call the box office at 808-242-7469.

Parties

August’s Lahaina Second Friday “Oceanside Block Party” Friday, August 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lahaina Town comes alive this Friday with live music, art, history all along Front Street. Festivities open with a Hawaiian blessing and street performance by the cast of Ulalena Maui at 6 p.m. at the sea wall across from Hard Rock Café. Friday night is “art night” and gallery with entertainment and food are wide open.

Live music is everywhere and retailers from the harbor to the highway are putting out some great specials and entertainment, such as:

• Hula Rock:  Live Hawaiian Music 5-9 p.m. Enjoy the Awa Bar.
• The Shops at 505 Front Street:  music by Gary Larson, Jazz in The Courtyard
• Pioneer Inn:  Live music 6-9 p.m.
• Kimo’s:  Willie K., 9-11 p.m., free admission coupons available at the Lahaina Visitor Center to the first 30 people
• David Paul’s Island Grill – live jazz, island, reggae or contemporary guitar
• Moose McGillycuddy’s Lahaina:  Visibly Shaken, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
• Longhi’s:  Live jazz overlooking the water, 7-10 p.m.
• Hard Rock Cafe:  Live music with Evan Shulman from 6-9 p.m., plus “All is One” DJ industry night from 10 p.m. until closing
• The Wharf Cinema Center:  Live music on center stage, 5-7 p.m.
• Captain Jack’s Island Grill:  Bob Jones and the Drive, 8-10:30 p.m.
• Cool Cat Café:  Live music overlooking the Banyan Tree – Johnny Ringo, 7:30-10 p.m.
• Tickets: Entry is free and a street festival atmosphere is enjoyed.

Sleep with the Sharks. Friday, August 10 from 5:30 p.m. to Saturday, August 11 at 8 a.m. Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea

The Maui Ocean Center is staying open overnight with a special “sleepover” program for children in grades 3-8. Participants will have the rare opportunity to explore the aquarium after hours, and witness the change in behavior in sharks, fish and other marine life as the day turns into night. Activities also include hands-on discovery lessons about Hawaiian marine life, ocean-themed games and crafts, a supervised turtle feed and more.

Tickets: $60 plus tax per child; aquarium members receive a 15% discount. Fee includes a pizza dinner, continental breakfast, snacks and a souvenir. Advance reservations are required by 12 p.m. on Thursday, August 9. Call (808) 270-7075 for more information or to make a reservation.

American Cancer Society Presents 2012 Hope Ball: “A Small World, A Big Purpose” Saturday, August 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa

Proceeds from this annual gala fundraiser event will support research, education, advocacy and patient services for Maui County. A gourmet menu is planned along with live and silent auctions, dancing and live entertainment.

Tickets are available at $150. For more information, please call Pam Webster at (808) 244-5554.

Community Events

Kealia Pond Summer Saturday, August 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge visitor center

The public is invited to Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge visitor center and Kanuimanu Ponds viewing area for the following activities:

• An 11-minute movie titled, “America’s National Wildlife Refuge System: Where Wildlife Comes First” will be shown continuously from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• A talk presented by Sonny Gamponia entitled, “Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge: Wetland Wonders” will be at the visitor center from 11 a.m. to noon.

Visitors to the refuge will have access to the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge visitor center and Kanuimanu Ponds where they can learn about and view Hawaii’s endangered  Hawaiian stilt (ae‘o) and Hawaiian coot (‘alae ke‘oke‘o)  and other native wetland birds.

Although there are no formal guided tours, refuge staff and volunteers will be available to provide information and answer questions. Visitors can tour the interpretive exhibit hall in the visitor center and view native birds in the wetland environment.

Admission is free. Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is located at Milepost 6 along Mokulele Highway, just outside Kihei.

Wild Dolphin Sand Sculpture Contest. Saturday, August 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Keawakapu Beach in Kihei

Try your hand at sculpting a dolphin from sand or watch the expert create fabulous sand art. This event is part of Wild Dolphin Days, an annual celebration of Maui’s wild dolphins. Prizes will be awarded for the top sculptures. All participants will receive a free Wild Dolphin Guide and Wild Dolphin Poster. Some shovels and pails will be available, but bring your own if possible.

Free and open to individuals, groups and families. Sponsored by Pacific Whale Foundation. For information, call (808) 249-8811.