PICKS
BY ANU YAGI
THURSDAY, APRIL 19
FRIDAY, APRIL 20 MAUI SLAM – “Ah, poetry,” muse Maui Slam promoters. “It asks big questions and searches for big answers [in] love, life, cultural relativism, social justice, time travel, sex... and now it’s time to tackle climate change!” This month’s poetry slam is about all things Earth (it’s also the event’s six-year anniversary), and if you come prepared with a three-minute piece (costumes, props and group performances are encouraged; sign-ups are from 9-9:30pm), you can vie for the $100 cash prize. Augmenting this month’s show is an “upcycled” bikini fashion show by Indie Attire, showcasing couture pieces by designer Sara Plesset who reworks used swimsuits in unique ways. Plus, DJ Boomshot’s on turntables, Douglas Deboer’s doing visuals and comedian Chino LaForge presents a set titled “Dirty Earth.” $10 cover / $5 before 9:30pm. 9pm sign-ups / 9:30pm show. Casanova (1188 Makawao Ave.); 572-0220; mauislam.com
MAKAWAO THIRD FRIDAY GOES “BOUTIQUE CHIC” – This month’s Makawao Third Friday party’s got a Spring fashion theme, with a special runway show styled by Desiree Martinez of Pink by Nature, featuring clothing, shoes and accessories from many of Makawao’s boutiques and DJ sets by Sweet Beats and Cudra Clover. Plus, there will be a live performance by Kepa and slam poetry by Pat Masumoto and the Maui Slam Poets. See our Da Kine Calendar for more. Free admission. 6-9pm. Makawao Town. mauifridays.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 20 ANNUAL ART OF TRASH EXHIBIT AND FASHION SHOW, PRESENTED BY COMMUNITY WORK DAY PROGRAM AND SHARING ALOHA – The Art of Trash is a bad-ass event where Mauians can make the most of their creative minds by turning junk into jewels–eco-alchemy, if you will. “Maui’s Art of Trash has always had a playful energy and an underlying awareness of just how serious a matter reuse and recycling can be,” says Ira Ono, founder, juror and creator of the exhibit. This Friday, check out the exhibit’s trash fashion show (and opening night of the exhibit, on display through May 13), where the stunning ensembles are all made of repurposed rubbish. The night also features a performance by the band Junkyard and attendees are encouraged to dress in their trashiest best, too. Free admission. 6pm. Maui Mall (70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului); facebook. com/artoftrash
LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL – (Fri & Sat, Apr. 20-21.) Aren’t we lucky? Maui’s a sort of home base for Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, who (when they’re not globe trotting) gig every so often at Papa Willie’s North Shore saloon, Charley’s. They’ve also been getting major air lately, with appearances on Letterman, Leno and Kimmel. Their latest album, Wasted, was just released on Apr. 3, and of its style, Nelson explains, “Neil Young suggested that we record the album live in the studio in analog, which is something we didn’t do on the last record... It really added a lot of magnetism, energy, and that live feel.” But the only way to really get “that live feel” is to go to a live show–and lucky us have two to choose from this 4/20 weekend. $22. 9:30pm both nights. Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon (142 Hana Hwy., Paia); 579-8085; charleysmaui.com
DIAMONDS’ 420 PARTY – Duuuude. It’s, like, totally gonna be goin’ down at Diamonds this 4/20. Green bottle Becks are just, like, three bucks–which is, like, whoa–and if you’ve got the munchies, the kitchen’s serving food ‘til midnight. Best of all, Gomega’s manning the stage and, um, hold on... [gurgle-gurgle, hold, exhale, cough] Um. Um. Ummm... I forgot what else. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s, like, awesome. No cover. 10pm. Diamonds Ice Bar & Grill (1279 S. Kihei Rd.); 874-9299
SATURDAY, APRIL 21 20TH ANNUAL EAST MAUI TARO FESTIVAL – Taro’s been cultivated for thousands of years around the globe (even ancient Egyptians farmed taro with Nile waters), but nowhere on Earth was taro farming perfected like it was in old Hawaii. Wetland varieties are on average 30 percent more productive than dryland types, and production practices (i.e. lo’i) ingeniously allow water to recirculate back into to the river system and flow into the sea (the lack of which contributes to ocean acidification). Another cool thing about taro is that it’s a high-carbohydrate but low-glycemic food–making it an ideal staple crop that simply needs to be paired with a lean protein for perfect nutrition. There’s loads to learn about taro–both culturally and biologically–and the best place for that’s at the annual East Maui Taro Festival. See our Da Kine Calendar for more details. Free admission. 9am-5pm. Hana Ballpark (Hau’oli St. & Uakea Rd., Hana); 264-1553; tarofestival.org
REQUESTS AND KAOI RADIO GROUP PRESENT RECORD STORE DAY – Requests is Maui’s only record store–a musical shrine that’s stood the test time–that’s independent n’ authentic to boot. Celebrate this sensationally bizarre realm of beats and much more at Record Store Day with live performances by Owaila, LiA LiVE, DjBlast, Visibly Shaken, Helmet Conspiracy, DJ Trip, The Mary Jane Xperiment, Halemanu and Earth Bound Misfits. Plus, there’s loads of freebies from major and indie labels (mean kine stuff like logo bags, limited release vinyl, stickers, buttons and other gallimaufry goodness) and deep discounts store-wide. Free admission. 10am-6pm. Requests (10 N. Market St., Wailuku); 244-9315; requestshawaii.com / @requestshi on Twitter / hashtag #RSD2012
SUNDAY, APRIL 22 EARTH DAY FESTIVAL – Two entertainment stages boast performances by Maui Underground, Anthony Natividad, Dreaming Bear, The Freeradicals Projekt, The Troublemakers and more. Plus, explore environmental and social awareness booths, keiki activities, a farmers’ market, and discussions about alternative transportation, energy and agriculture. Sponsored by Haleakala Solar, Mandala Eco Homes and Lovevolution Foundation. (PS: Be green and bring your own reusable cups, plates and utensils!) $7 admission / free for keiki. Ke’opuolani Park Amphitheater (behind the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, across from the War Memorial Stadium on Kanaloa St., Kahului); 268-1211; mauiearthday.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 24 “STRESSED” IS “DESSERTS” SPELLED BACKWARDS – Dessert names exemplify the whole sum-of-its-parts thing. Words that sound good on their own suddenly sound leaps and bounds better when strung together. For example, dark chocolate almond butter cups; mint chocolate truffles; and vegan cherry cobbler. Mmm... Go the munchies? Us, too. Luckily for us, we can learn how to make those very recipes from Jessica Oshier, who instructs free vegetarian cooking classes each Tuesday at Down to Earth. Free. 5:30pm. Down to Earth (305 Dairy Rd., Kahului); 877-2661; facebook.com/downtoearthhi / @downtoearthfood on Twitter
FREE SCREENING: STARRY NIGHT CINEMA PRESENTS BEE MOVIE – Have you heard the buzz about the MACC’s monthly movie nights? They’re free, geared for families and full of fun. This month’s featured film, in honor of Earth Day, is the animated comedy Bee Movie (2007), starring the voices of Jerry Seinfeld and Renee Zellweger. Plus, local rockers SoundWave perform, and casual dining and drink specials are offered in the courtyard. Sponsored by County of Maui with support from Maui Film Festival and H. Hawaii Media radio. (PS: Remember to bring beach chair and/or blankets for outdoor seating!) Free. 5:30pm gates / 7pm show. A&B Amphitheater / Yokouchi Pavilion, MACC (One Cameron Way, Kahului); 242-SHOW (7469); mauiarts.org
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 JACK JOHNSON ACOUSTIC TOUR WITH JOHN CRUZ AND PAULA FUGA – (Wed. & Thu., Apr. 25-26.) This is one of those big shows where everybody and your aunty’s neighbor’s coworker wants to be there. You should want to be there, too. So what can we tell you about the show that you don’t already know? Not much. But try this: Life’s full of social rules. Most are simple matters of decency. Don’t fart on an elevator. Cover your mouth when you cough. Pass the dutchie to the left. Meanwhile some social rules are designed to keep us from being creepers. Don’t stare into your dentist’s eyes while he’s working on your teeth. Hips should stay out of hugs unless you’re aiming to end up horizontal. But here’s one we hear the kiddies neglect nowadays: if you’re en route to–or, heaven forbid, in the parking lot of–a concert, don’t bump the music of the band you’re about to see! It’s just lame. If that rule rocked your world, sorry. We didn’t want to be the ones to have to break it to you, but you had to know. And aren’t you glad you now know better? We thought so. In fact, we’re so proud of how well you’re taking this, we want to help you out. Here’s a quick list of Jack Johnson-esque acts that will have you sounding like a smooth pro in the parking lot before the show: 1) M. WARD – Sounds like: if Jack Johnson had an older, heroin-addicted brother. Looks like him, too. Other projects: She & Him, a duo with Zooey Deschanel on ‘ukulele. Seriously. 2) ANIMAL LIBERATION ORCHESTRA – Sounds like: sweet and sour studio-fried Phish with a pinch of Blues Travelers’ saccharin side. Fun fact: the band’s basically Jack Johnson’s college homies and signed to Johnson’s Brushfire Records in 2006. 3) TREVOR HALL – Sounds like: you know how alternative albums always have at least one acoustic ballad by their angsty frontman? It’s like that–but always. First Line on Wiki Page: “He is most often noted for his song “Other Ways” which was a part of the Shrek the Third soundtrack.” $50 / $75. 7:30pm both nights. Castle Theater, MACC (One Cameron Way, Kahului); 242-SHOW (7469); mauiarts.org
APRIL 19, 2012
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