Source: Maui Time, Maui News, Best of Maui, Maui Activities

Picks%20of%20the%20Week

by Starr Begley

November 29, 2007

Guitar Gods

Tuesday (Dec. 4) 7:30 p.m., Castle Theater, MACC

[MUSIC] What do you get when you mix an innovative Southern slide guitar guru who’s toured since the age of 11 with an eclectic and tightly knit group of amazing musicians from around the world? You get the Derek Trucks Band, a group that’s been touring and evolving together for over 11 years and last year released their fifth album, Songlines, a blend of blues-jazz-rock originals and covers. Trucks was the youngest performer to make Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, was recently as a featured soloist on tour with Eric Clapton and also plays with the Allman Brothers Band. Did I mention my parents named me after the Allman Brothers Band’s awesome seven-minute instrumental wonder ballad “Jessica?” Not that I’m biased or anything… Tickets: $55, $50, $45. 242-7469. 242-7469 for more information. [JESSICA ARMSTRONG]

Weekend Ragers

Friday and Saturday, (Nov. 30, Dec. 1) 10 p.m. at Casanova, Makawao

[MUSIC] This weekend there are two great local-music shows taking place at Casanova in Makawao. There seems to be a surge of local talent at this venue. Back when I was younger, keiki-less and single, we used to call Casanova “Casa-groovy” and the scene was a lot different… a lot more Paia-ish, complete with windsurfers and girls with big pupils. Not that this is a bad thing—I mean, I’m all for body glitter, but local music and the crowd it brings has such a good vibe. The weekend kicks off on Friday with Nuffsedd and Dani Girl and continues on Saturday with Na Koho. Both bands are awesome and sure to rock (err, skank) the stage until the wee hours. Dress up or dress down, but remember–no rubbah slippah on the dance floor. Tickets: Fri. $10, Sa. $5 before 11 p.m. 572-0220 for more info. 

Beautiful Badi

Saturday, (Dec. 1) 7:30 p.m. at the McCoy Studio Theater, MACC

[CONCERT] Man, oh man is Badi Assad hot. Beautiful, really… No, hot. Wait. Okay, beautifully smokin’ hot. As a Brazilian singer, songwriter and guitarist that plays jazzy world beats, she’s undeniably talented too. Since 1989 she’s put out 11 albums. In 1995 she was named “Best Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitarist” by the editors of Guitar Player magazine. Her music and style has been compared to Tori Amos, Bjork, Led Zeppelin and Ani DiFranco which is just amazing because none of those musicians have much in common besides the fact that they rock. In a word, her beauty and music are eclectic. Tickets: $25, 242-7469 for more info or www.badiassad.com

Men in Tights

Saturday and Sunday, (Dec. 1-2) 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sun at the Castle Theater, MACC

[BALLET] Who doesn’t love The Nutcracker? Seriously. I don’t care if you’re a 275-pound angry tough-guy, The Nutcracker is still awesome. For example, there’s the whole beauty of the music, scenes and costumes. Then there’s the skill, grace and athletic insanity of the dancers–pointe-shoes and the people who wear them are just magical. Plus, there’s the Rat King. A rat! I know, maybe it’s the whole “men in tights” thing that freaks you out. Get over it and remember professional wrestlers, MMA fighters and other people that you look up to wear tights and embrace each other all the time. Plus, the girls are wearing tights, too. Tickets: $45, $35, $25. 242-7469 for more info.

Top That

Thursday (Dec. 6) 7:30 p.m., Castle Theater, MACC

[MUSIC] For a girl with little or no vocal talent, I have quite a repertoire of songs I sing. I base my song selection on my location, for instance driving in the car usually calls for something mellow and acoustic like Jack Johnson while loud girl rock rules my bedroom while I’m getting ready for work. I do a mean rendition of “Blue” by Patsy Cline, but only when I’m absolutely alone at home and there’s no possibility anyone will hear. Then there are the shower songs, which is where The Four Tops fit in. It’s simple, classic love songs like “Baby I Need Your Loving” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” that top the bathing playlist, probably because it’s impossible to be serious with a head covered in suds. This legendary group has been performing since the 1960’s and have undergone some serious lineup changes but still have the classic Motown, jazz and soul sound that sticks to the brain and won’t let go. Tickets: $65, $55, $35. 242-7469. [JESSICAARMSTRONG]