Category: Maui Culture
One of the things that I enjoy most about Maui is the tremendous blend of cultural traditions on the island. In addition to Polynesian and European influences, there are a variety of Asian cultural traditions that are continued on Maui. The island’s plantation agriculture drew people from Korea, Japan, the Philippines and China.
Today, the Green Banana Cafe in Paia is highlighting the cultural traditions of China and the Chinese New Year with a Lion Dance. The Lion Dance is traditionally one of the more exciting events of Chinese New Year Celebrations. The dance is performed by two separate dancers with one at the head and one at the tail of the lion. The dance is skilled and takes considerable practice to execute the movements and give the lion a life like quality. The dance is usually performed accompanied by drums, cymbals and occasionally fireworks. Lion Dances are thought to bring good luck to the homes and businesses where they are held. The Green Banana will be conducting their own lion dance at 5:00 PM today.
I have had a really busy last couple of weeks. This has left me a little short on time for blogging. In particular, I have been delayed posting my unofficial Maui Real Estate Statistics for the month of September. I should have a bit of a breather tomorrow and hope to post the stats with a few comments and notes. In the interim, I thought it was worth taking a moment for a quick post on the Maui Arts and Cultural Center September schedule. I had heard that the MACC was lining up an exciting line up for the fall and September gets things off to a great start. Here are a few quick highlights:
- Grammy award winner John Legend will be performing in the MACC’s Castle Theater on Thursday September 10th.
- On Saturday afternoon September 10th the MACC presennts Kai Mai Ka Hula: “Hula Appears”. This event features award winning Hula from Japan and Hawaii in this fourth annual competition.
- Thursday September 17th Mikhail Baryshnikov and Ana Laguna will be dancing on the stage at the castle theater.
These are just a few of the events scheduled. Check out their website for the complete September schedule and ticket information. When people consider relocating to Maui, I always let them know about the MACC. This world class venue brings us tremendous local and international performing arts talent. It is a true jewel of Maui.
Today wraps up a great five days of the Maui Film Festival. If you are looking for a last minute special something to do for dad on Father’s day take him to the MACC or Wailea for one of these great events.
- Earlier this week, the Maui Film Festival honored Zooey Deschanel with the Nova Award. Today, you have the opportunity to see Zooey’s new film 500 Days of Summer at the Castle Theater. The film does not hit theaters until later this summer. This movie starts at 7:30.
- The Celestial Cinema ends with a bang tonight. At 7:30, there is a concert by Hapa. Hapa featuring Barry Flanagan and Nathan Aweau are a true musical treat. The 8:00 showing is More than a Game followed by Facing Ali at 10:00. Admission is free for kids under 12.
There are other films and events scheduled today. Check out the film festival website for a complete schedule of the final day’s films. I had the opportunity to attend the Celestial Cinema last night. As usual, Barry Rivers put together a first class event. The movie Paper Heart with Michael Cerra and Charlene Yi was a treat. I would not be surprised if this turns out to be a box office surprise when it hits the theaters later this year. I enjoyed the start of Yousou’ N Dour’s I Bring What I love. However, we headed out before the ending as the night started to get late for me and the rest of my early to bed crew. Thanks again to Barry, the volunteers and all of the sponsors for another great event.
I have gone with the broader title of Friday Festival update vs. Wailea Film Festival Update for a specific reason. In addition to the Maui Film Festival at Wailea, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center is also hosting the Zenshin Daiko Taiko Drum Festival at the Castle Theater. I wanted to give the usual Film Festival Highlights followed by a quick overview of the event at the Castle Theater.
- Music Legend and activist Willie Nelson will be honored with the Film Festival Maverick Award at 9:30 at the Celestial Cinema. After receiving the award, Willie will play some tunes for the crowd. The award ceremony will be sandwiched between three films. The movies start at 7:30 with Splinterhead. After Willie’s award, the movie One Peace at a Time will be showing at 10:00. The 11:00 movie is Cash Crop.
- The party of the night is the Taste of Chocolate hosted at the Four Seasons Resort. I am literally salivating on my key board after looking at the menu for this event and I am not what you would call a Chocaholic. It truly is a chocolate lovers fantasy. The event runs from 10:00 to 12:00.
- Tonight marks the 10th annual Taiko Drum Festival at the MACC. The event is hosted by the local Zenshin Daiko group. The lineup for the festival includes the Shirakaba Orchestra, Jun Daiko from Mountain View , California and Zenshin Daiko with special guest world renowned Taiko artist Kenny Endo. Tickets are $20 and $10 for kids 12 and under. The festival starts at 7:00 at the Castle Theater.
Check out the Maui Film Festival Website for a complete list of today’s events and movies. I am often asked if I get island fever on Maui. My answer is a resounding no, and nights like tonight are a good reason why. For a relatively small island, Maui is graced with a diverse array of cultural events and activities. Thank you to the Film Festival and the MACC for bringing these great events to our shores.
By all accounts, the first day of the Maui Film Festival at Wailea was a smashing success with good attendance at all venues. It looks to be another good day today. There are lots of great films scheduled today. Here are a couple of today’s festival highlights.
- Every year the film festival honors stars of the cinema or public figures with awards and a tribute event. Tonight, the film festival honors Zooey Deschanel with its Nova Award at the Sand Dance Theater at 8:00 PM. The animated film Surf’s Up featuring the voice of Zooey will be shown before the award. Zooey can also be seen on the big screen in the film (500) Days of Summer in the Castle Theater on Sunday. The Sand Dance Theater and the award tribute are free.
- The Celestial Cinema has a Rock and Roll theme tonight. The fun officially starts at 7:30 with a special musical surprise. At 8:00, the movie Rock Prophecies will be shown. Art Officially Flavored shows at 10:00 PM followed by Sita Sings the Blues at 11:00. As always, it is a great idea to come early with a picnic and a blanket so you can get good seats and enjoy the sunset.
Check out the Maui Film Festival schedule online for a complete schedule of films, film descriptions and trailers, venue information and ticket information. We hope everyone has a great night!
The Maui Film Festival at Wailea and the MACC kicks off today. As always, this is a fun event offering quality films in a variety of beautiful Maui settings. Here are some of today’s event highlights.
- The first films of the festival are to held at the McCoy Theater at the MACC at 5:00 PM today. The films at the 5:00 showing are Back to The Garden: Flower Power Comes Full Circle and Processed People. The McCoy will host another set of films at 8:00 PM.
- Opening night is surf night at the Celestial Cinema tonight. The Celestial Cinema is always the most popular venue of the event held above the Seawatch restaurant on the Wailea Emerald and Gold courses. There are three films being shown under the Stars. Highwater kicks things off at 8:00 followed by The Women and the Waves at 10:00 and Waveriders at 11:00. Come early and bring a blanket and a picnic for a beautiful evening in Wailea.
- The first party of the Festival is being held at Tommy Bahama Wailea. The Starry Night Moondance starts at 10:00 and runs until 1:00. It features a great menu of gourmet pupus.
Check out the film festival website for a complete schedule of all of tonight’s events. It should be a great next few days at the MACC and down in Wailea. I hope everyone gets to enjoy the festival. I will continue to post event highlights for each day of the event.