Remove ImagesPicks of the Week
July 02, 2009
Rodeo: Thursday-Sunday (July 2-5);
Parade: Saturday (July 4), Makawao Town
Paniolo party people all know it's time for Makawao's Fourth of July Rodeo and Parade. Bus' out your boots and belt buckles, because the festivities at this Upcountry mainstay—the rodeo in its 54th year, the parade in its 44th—are always a 10-gallon hat hit for the whole ohana. Presented by the Maui Roping Club at the Oskie Rice Arena, the state's largest rodeo kicks off with the popular Bull Bash on Friday at 7pm. Saturday's parade (9-10am) theme will naturally celebrate Hawaii's 50th year of statehood, so stake out a choice spot at the crest of Baldwin Ave. to get a good view of the action. It's wise to pack a chair, but chuck the picnic, as ono grinds always abound in Makawao Town. Casanova will feature the country western crooning of Sheron De Ponte and the Silverspur Band (several years running, they're starting a tradition of their own); and Viewpoints Gallery's Fourth of July Makawao Paint Out Invitational hosts its Gala Awards from 5-8pm. [Anu Yagi]
Swingers
Friday (July 3), 7:30pm, Iao Theater, Wailuku
Just 12 days after the Summer Solstice, July's First Friday seems poised to proclaim that summer is already in fully swing. The Hot Club of Hulaville will take the stage at the historic Iao Theater, bringing its unique "Adventures in Paradise" show on the road from hometown Honolulu. There, the jazz scene has been ripening from Chinatown to the Atherton, and this steamy ensemble is said to be at its core. On Maui, they'll share their "special blend of 1930s-style jazz, swing and gypsy music" for a paltry $10 requested donation. When it comes to jazz, you'll want to look as cool as you'll feel. So if you've got a closet full of Schiaparelli and Vionnet, they're boasting three evenings of events you can wear your best duds to. Gear up with the Gypsy Jazz Improvization Workshop, tonight, Thursday, 5:30pm at the MACC. Hosted by violinist Duane Padilla, followed by an improv session with all the band, this free (but donations accepted) workshop is open to "students of all ages, abilities and instruments." Finally, on the Fourth of July, they'll hold a 6pm show at the West Side's Westin Resort and Spa. [AY]
Sweet as Fuga
Friday (July 3), 6pm, Mulligan's on the Blue, Wailea
When I first heard that Paula Fuga was going to be jamming with Mike Love at Mulligan's this Friday, I was like, no way. Is this the same Mike Love who allegedly challenged Van Dyke Parks' seemingly nonsensical lyrics to the SMiLE track "Cabinessence?" Nuh-uh. However little he may have had to do with Brian Wilson's best work, Love did, after all, participate in the Earth-altering Pet Sounds. Well, it's actually a different Mike Love that'll be jamming with Fuga, I was told. This Mike Love is actually the lead singer and main songwriter for Oahu roots band Dubkonscious. That does make more sense, I reckon. I couldn't imagine Fuga providing lead or backup vocals on "Little Honda" or "Be True to your School." Plus, adding uke to either tune would be an insult to the instrument. So anyway, not only will these two mellow island sound-generating types headline this most glorious pre-Fourth shindig, but LAWA/Fishtank guitarist Pete Sebastian and singer-songwriter Gail Swanson will also perform. Find tickets at Mulligan's on the Blue, Request, Wokstar and Wings Hawaii for $10, or $15 at the door.
The Fourth rite
Saturday (July 4), Lahaina
The Fourth of July is kind of a win-win. On the one hand, it celebrates the right of rich white males to not give money to other rich white males—a tradition still widely practiced among gentry in this country. On the other hand, it is an occasion for those who are not rich, white and/or male to blow stuff up in potentially deadly gestures that signify our resentment of rich white men (or any other power that shouldn't be). Lahaina is the place to be on Independence Day, if the whole crowded, fireworks, blankets on the lawn, carefully concealed flask of Sailor Jerry is your ideal Fourth scenario. If you get there early enough (which I'd recommended, given that Front Street will be closed down and parking will thus be an effing nightmare), you can catch Latin 21N, followed by Hot Hawaiian Nights as part of the Maui Invitational Music Festival on the library lawn, followed by fireworks at about 8:30pm. Those up for an extra schnazzy experience can hop on a fireworks cruise, such as the one Pacific Whale Foundation is holding ($69.95, food and booze included; visit pacificwhale.org).