Jazz Maui  and South Maui Learning Ohana present a Musical Tribute to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month celebrating cultural connections through music and food on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at The Altitude Deck, 650 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei.

May is officially designated AANHPI Heritage Month in the United and was established in 1992 to celebrate the diverse contribution and rich heritage of AANHPI cultures. Performing artists are acclaimed jazz violinist and composer Meg Okura, soprano saxophonist and composer Sam Newsome, keyboardist Jeff Hellmer, bassist Dave Graber, and drummer Kevin Garland. The all-star quintet blends original works and reimagined melodies from Japan, China and beyond to celebrate heritage month through  the universal language of jazz. Kathy Collins is the master of ceremonies for the concert. Doors open at 5pm  and the show opens with Na Alii Jazz Combo, Wilmont Kahaialii and other guests.

Advance ticket and dinner purchase are necessary at JazzMaui.org.

 The all-inclusive festival plate, created by Chef Itara Wood, focuses on local/plantation-style and includes items such as  ulu potato-less salad, pickled vegetable medley, long rice, braised beef, beet poke lettuce cups, shoyu chicken, kalua pork or teriyaki mushroom tofu and dessert. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase; diners may bring their own wine for a $10 corkage fee paid at time of ticket purchase. For a full menu, visit wwwJazzMaui.org.

Meg Okura is a Grammy-nominated violinist, composer, and bandleader recognized for her seamless fusion of jazz, chamber music, and global influences. An Issei Japanese immigrant, she has led her critically acclaimed Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, whose music has been described as "grandiloquent beauty that transitions easily from grooves to big cascades to buoyant swing." — 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, further cementing her reputation as a versatile musician.

Sam 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, showcasing his deep roots in the tradition. 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 Haiku, Maui. 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, a branch of the 501(c)-3 nonprofit Arts Education for Children Group (www.aecg.org), provides opportunities for participation in high quality jazz music education and performances. Throughout the year Jazz Maui presents Sunset Jazz every Sunday and the Pau Hana Series every Friday in Lahaina, and special concerts, clinics and classes held at various venues around the islands. Jazz Maui supports “Sheryl Renee Salutes” at ProArts. Selected performances presented by Jazz Maui are live-streamed on the organization’s website: www.JazzMaui.org.

For tickets and more information, visit https:// www.JazzMaui.org  or text (808) 283-3576.