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

Picks%20of%20the%20Week

by Kate Bradshaw

May 14, 2009

Paint it green

Thursday (May 14), 6:30-8pm, Kihei Charter School

The degree to which we have altered natural landscapes across the globe—especially in the US—is nauseating. Lawns, for example, are something most of us take for granted despite the fact that many lawn grasses do not occur naturally anywhere near the front yards and golf courses where they grow rampant. And they’re an environmental nightmare, given the water they soak up, the pesticides used to protect them and the fertilizer runoff they cause. This is why the idea of a sustainable yard—one that uses plants that require less water and labor—should have broad appeal, especially here on Maui. Contrary to popular belief, sustainable landscaping will not make your house look abandoned. Tonight’s South Maui Sustainability lecture will feature sustainable landscaping experts Susan Wyche and Joy Webster, who will discuss things like water conservation, use of edible plants and composting with worms. Those inspired to transform their yard will find that a sustainable yard, in addition to having a much smaller environmental impact, can also be easier on the wallet. 

Rock and/or roll

Friday (May 15), 9pm, Charley’s Paia

It is a question that has been posed for decades in thousands, if not millions, of venues. But whether or not we, as a society, are truly ready to rock is a quandary for which only history can provide an answer. As such, if we are to confirm long held suppositions regarding our readiness to rock and/or roll, it is our duty to stand and be counted at every juncture involving good tunes. Friday gives us an especially ear-pleasing (and, honestly, eye-pleasing, ladies) chance to do so, as elusive rock outfit Highly Unlikely will make an appearance. They share the bill with Maui metal band Severed Edges, the Licker Commission (hot diggity, what a name!), Elaine Ryan and Cameron Maxfield. $10.

For Matsuri

Friday  (May15), 6:30pm 

Saturday (May 16), 3pm

Pilina Building, Maui Community College, Kahului

While the word basically means “holiday” or “festival” in Japanese, for nine years Maui has turned its own Matsuri into a sizable function. This annual celebration of Japanese culture’s perennial theme is Kodomo No Tame Ni (“for the sake of the children”). It kicks off Friday night with the screening of two Japanese films, the first of which, The Picture Bride, portrays the life of a Japanese girl who gets sent to Hawaii for an arranged marriage. The second, scheduled for 8pm, is the animated gem Princess Mononoke. Festivities ensue the next day with Aikido demonstrations, saimin eating contests, Taiko drumming, Obon dancing and tons of keiki activities. The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui will present strands of paper cranes collected Saturday to the Children’s Peace Monument at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park this October.

The Doc is in

Friday (May 15), 9pm, The Cellar 744, Lahaina

While I can’t claim to know nearly as much about the house music scene as I do about, say, garage rock, it is apparent that Maui venues have lately been bringing in some world-class house DJs. The latest evidence of this is Friday’s happening at the Cellar, which features the first Maui appearance of famed LA-based DJ Doc Martin. Martin, who first appeared on the scene in the mid-’80s, is known for seamlessly blending a wide variety of sounds based on the feel he gets from the room. Sublevel, a project on which Martin collaborates with singer Lilia, will also make its Maui debut.  

Around the world in three nights

Thursday-Sunday (May 14-16), 9pm, Casanova, Makawao

Sometimes the events lined up at a given venue make it impossible to highlight just one. In Casanova’s case, all three acts slated to play make for a globe-spanning weekend. It starts Thursday with the Barabajaba Percussion Collective, a percussion and dance outfit that hails from West Africa. Featuring master dancer and drummer Youssouff Koumbassa, the band blends elements from Africa as well as Brazil and Haiti. DJ Shaman’s Dream and Rada and the Sambamix Dancers will also perform. Friday’s show brings us Oregon-based dubs and roots reggae bands and DJs for Bloodshot Riddims’ Pride 2 Upwise. And on Saturday, Palestinian musician Khalil Lulu will dazzle those in attendance with his unique brand of Middle-Eastern rock. Bellydancer Marya provides the visual element to this intriguing performance.

Ocean thing

Saturday (May 16), 11am, Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului

Sunday (May 17), 12pm, Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului

In both mythology and reality, few things are more significant across cultures than the sea. And nowhere is that significance more evident than in the Hawaiian Isles. Fortunately there is an inexhaustible list of ways we can show our appreciation for the ocean, including skimming, surfing, paddling and attending this weekend’s Olukai H’oolaule‘a, which takes place at central Maui’s Kanaha Beach Park. There’s something ocean-related for everyone, including stand-up paddle races for $15,000 in prize money (I think it would be hilarious if at least one contender dressed up like Jesus—you know, like walking on water?), Hawaiian games and Polynesian sailing canoe rides. Entertainment includes hula performances, a luau and a live set or two from superstar and Maui girl Paula Fuga, whose phenomenal vocals have gotten her national recognition and an opening slot in a recent Jack Johnson tour, among other things. Partial proceeds benefit Hawaii’s Junior League Lifeguard Program as well as Maui Cultural Lands. Those interested in racing can find info at olukai.com or by stopping by Neil Pryde at 400 Hana Hwy in Kahului.