Remove ImagesPicks of the Week
December 11, 2008
photo:Robin Thom.
Thursday (Dec. 11), 7:30pm, McCoy Studio Theater, MACC
I know he's done so much since, but the image of Scott Thompson that will forever be emblazoned on the walls of my memory stores is that of his signature Kids in the Hall character, Buddy Cole. Cole, a gay socialite with ridiculous hair, typically delivered monologues seated at a bar table wearing a purple silk jacket and sipping a martini. He tended to focus on gayness: "We were together for six months, which in heterosexual terms is three reincarnations with the same mate." Thompson's most recent effort, Scottastrophe, is a one-man show, though he doesn't adopt any personas and instead favors chronicling his own weird life. He touches upon a much wider variety of subjects than does his flaming alter-ego, though a common thread runs throughout: disaster. He takes his audience to a variety of locales and talks terrorism, Paul McCartney and religion with an F-bomb or two tossed in for good measure. This should make for an evening of delicious irreverence, which is something we all need a dose of, especially this time of year. To check out some clips from the show, dial up www.myspace.com/scottastropheshow. $20.
Tough broads make good
Saturday (Dec. 13), 6:30 pm, Mulligan's on the Blue, Wailea
Though I'm generally a non-competitive pacifist, some part of me has always wanted to join a rollerderby league. The only thing that's kept me back is that I'm kind of a wuss; the thought of being clobbered by a chick who's twice my size has led me to think twice. Those who are interested may like to know about Saturday's Merry Rock N Derby, a fundraiser for Maui Rollergirls and a recruitment opportunity. Unattached dudes will want to check out the rollegirl date auction, during which they can bid on dates with some of Maui's hottest, toughest chicks. Then there's the music: The Celtic Tigers will kick off the show at 6:30pm and Order of the White Rose will take the stage at 10pm. $8/$5 with a non-wrapped toy, which will be donated to Toys for Tots.
Light one up
Wednesday (Dec. 17), 5pm, Castle Theater, MACC
It's that time; a chance to catch many of the year's most righteous flicks at the Maui Film Festival's annual FirstLight. A few dozen movies will screen throughout December and January, including an Ernesto "Che" Guevara biopic (with Benicio del Toro as Che!) that screens Dec. 20 and $9.99, which looks too trippy and profound to pass up (Jan. 3). The first two films on the block are Elegy, which chronicles a love affair between professor and student (played by Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz) and Slumdog Millionaire. Set in Mumbai, this film follows a penniless orphan's incredible million-dollar quiz show victory. Admission $12; 4-Film VIP Fast Pass $40.
Something for the younguns
Saturday (Dec. 13), 6:30pm, Kihei Charter School, 300 Ohukahi Rd. #213, Kihei
I've heard a lot of people remark about the lack of all-ages venues on Maui, something for which we can, at least in part, thank the oh-so-adorable Liquor Commission. I mean, really, why encourage minors toward creative pursuits like music when we can enhance the county coffers by fining venues for allowing youths to glimpse drunk people? Saturday's all-ages show will feature two bands that, because their members are a year or two shy of 21, are barred from playing at establishments that happen to sell liquor. Uncommonly rocking and damn solid band The Cities Love You headlines. Their sound has a rare degree of intensity as well as heaviness. A Quick Day Scout opens. Free.
Of cheese and pineapple
Saturday (Dec. 13), 10pm, Charley's, Paia
Sunday (Dec.14), 10pm, Hard Rock, Lahaina
What do Maui and Milwaukee have in common? Aside from the fact that they are both currently part of the United States and are both inhabited by humans, they have also both served, in part, as the stompin' grounds for the band Hoi Polloi, which was known on Maui as The Room. Consisting originally of three brothers (Sean, Brian and Andy Carroll), and playing on Maui, The Room became Hoi Polloi with the addition of Don Wiggins and Matt Ray and a slight tweaking of their sound. I'm told these guys are pretty phenomenal live. Partial proceeds from their Hard Rock show will go toward the future Lahaina Skate Park. $10 Fri./$9 Sat.
Giving spirit rocks Paia
Friday (Dec. 12), 6-9pm, Paia Town
One cool thing about living in a place like Maui is that all of the small boutique and locally crafted goods make holiday shopping a less dreadful experience. Take Paia town. It's packed with a pretty diverse slew of independent shops and not many corporate ones of which to speak of. Then there are all the places at which one can partake in a post-shopping beer session. This Friday, as part of Paia Gives, local merchants will be keeping their doors unhinged a little late for those looking to check out what Paia has to offer. Another reason to shop Paia on Friday: participating businesses will donate a portion of the profits that come in that night to a charity of their choice. Some of the beneficiaries: Mana"o Radio, A Keiki's Dream, Paia Youth and Cultural Center and Haleakala Waldorf School. Participating businesses include Ono Gelato, Indigo Paia and Biasa Rose. This is a pretty painless way to help out a few good causes while at the same time helping keep more dollars within the island's economy rather than giving your money to some offshore corporation.MTW