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

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by Starr Begley

February 14, 2008

Shot through the Heart

Thursday, (Feb. 14) at various times and locations all over Maui

[EVENTS] Love is in the air. Or is that the faint smell of stress? Nothing freaks single folk and new lovers out as much as Valentine’s Day. Yeah, we know that flowers, chocolate and hearts in shades of vixen red and bubblegum pink are meant to bring on that fuzzy, “head over heels” feeling. But let’s face it, Valentine’s Day puts a whole bunch of expectations on the table. If you’re single, you feel like a schmuck, and if you’re in a relationship and want to keep it that way, you feel like you need to come through with something wonderful. Whatever your situation may be, there are cool events for you to take part in this V-day. For those of you with someone, book a trip on the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Valentine’s sunset and dinner cruise. If you’re single (or hooked up with a swinger) try Casanova. There will be cool DJ music with Pio and Gretchen (See MTW’s “NewGroove” in Jan, 24th issue) as well as a sultry ambiance that only real Italians can pull off. If you hate gimmicky, lovey dovey events–and we feel your pain on this–check out author Brandon Wilson as he discusses his new book Along the Templar Trail: Seven Million Steps for Peace at the Wailuku Library. And for those of you who want to celebrate the vagina (without actually getting laid), consider The Vagina Monologues at the Iao Theater. Not only is it a cool production, but the pickup line possibilities after watching something like this are endless. For more information: Pacific Whale Foundation 249-8811; Casanova 572-0220; Wailuku Library 243-5766; Vagina Monologues 242-6600. [STARR BEGLEY]

Hula Madness

Friday (Feb 15) at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday (Feb 16) at 2 & 7:30 p.m., Castle Theater, MACC

[HULA/MUSIC] Keali`i Reichel is a dedicated man. He’s spent his life studying Hawaiian language and culture, founding an immersion school to share his passion with others. Not satisfied with being a master of hula dancing and Hawaiian chanting, he’s become a kuma hula and begun a hula school, too. And while I’m sure he thinks the 19 Na Hoku Hanohano awards he’s received are nice and all, he says his motivation for creating new traditional and contemporary compositions in the Hawaiian language is so his hula students will have fresh, new material. If there’s a major hula music or dance competition, you can bet that Reichel will be there. That’s his turf, and he’s coming here with his Halau Ke`alaokamaile for a show that’s going to knock your slippers off. Tickets: $45, $35, $10. 242-7469. [JESSICA ARMSTRONG]



Say OM

Saturday (Feb 16) at 7:30 p.m., McCoy Studio Theater, MACC

[COMEDY] A two-month yoga retreat on the sandy shores of Bali seems like a stressed-out girl’s dream come true, right? Wrong, according to Suzanne Morrison, who found out that the downward dog position was anything but rejuvenating when she had a health-crazed yoga guru breathing down her neck and a flock of fashion obsessed, spoiled rich women looking down their noses at her. Yoga Bitch is her one-woman show about all the things that went horribly wrong when she traveled in search of serenity, peace and a washboard stomach. The funny thing is she’s coming to Maui (where you can’t throw a stone without hitting a yoga studio or health food store) to tell us about the dark side of the search for tranquility. Tickets: $20. 242-7469. [JA]

Public Property

Saturday (Feb. 16) at 10 p.m., Casanova, Makawao

[MUSIC] Believe it or not, Iowa does reggae, and they do it rather well. This weekend Public Property–Dave Bess (vocals/guitar/ukulele), Ben Franklin (drums), Paul Hala (keyboards/vocals), Margaret larson (vocals), Jeremiah Murphy (bass), Mireva Minerbi (vocals) and Andy Parrott (guitar)–will bring their popular, funky tunes from the Hawkeye State to Upcountry Maui. Interestingly enough, both Bess and Minerbi are from Hawai`i. They met in Italy, and now they’re coming back to the Islands to play in an Italian restaurant. Pretty groovy. Tickets: $10. 572-0220 or www.myspace.com/publicprop for more info.

Polo Party

Sunday (Feb 17) 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Maui Winery, Ulupalakua Ranch

[SPORTS/HISTORY] Polo is a big deal on Maui. I guess it makes sense, given the island’s laid-back lifestyle and the rich paniolo ranching history. I know it’s a big deal because the Ulupalakua Sunday Drive series is featuring the history and culture of polo, with an exhibition game between team Ulupalakua and team Leo Lani (1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) There’s also going to be live bluegrass music, a polo history display, two cultural tours at the Maui Winery (10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) and a barbeque lunch at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. Besides just having a great time and enjoying a little history, music and food, you can learn how to get involved with Maui polo clinics and help carry the sport to Maui’s next generation and beyond. Plus, who doesn’t like hanging around a bunch of horses? 878-6058 for more info. [JA]