Sharkwater Extinction – Saturday, December 1; 1:00 pm
A follow-up to “Sharkwater (HIFF 2007),” this new chapter is an inspiring action-packed journey that follows filmmaker Rob Stewart as he exposes the massive illegal shark fin industry. From West Africa, Panama, and France to our own backyard, Stewart’s third film dives into the violent underworld of the pirate fishing trade to expose a multi-billion dollar industry. Sadly, Stewart passed away during the production of this film, but his conservationism and love for the ocean lives on in is work. [United States 2018 | English | 88 min.]
50 First Kisses – Saturday, December 1; 3:00 pm
Meeting the woman of your dreams in Hawaii is a blessing until you discover she has short-term memory loss and forgets everything the next day. Does this plot sound familiar? Because it is! It’s the Japanese remake of the rom-com, “50 first Dates.” Takayuki Yamada is Daisuke, a womanizing travel agent. The object of his affections, Rui (Masami Nagasawa), is an art teacher living with her father and brother, who try to preserve the illusion that nothing has changed since the day of the accident that caused her amnesia. [Japan 2018 | Japanese w/English Subtitles | 114 min.]
Anote’s Ark – Sunday, December 2; 1:30 pm
Threatened with total destruction by rising sea levels, the low-lying pacific nation of Kiribati is poised to be one of the first catastrophic victims of climate change. Set against the backdrop of international climate negotiations, “Anote’s Ark” follows the country’s president as he fights to have climate displacement recognized as an urgent human rights issue, and to find a lasting home for his people and 4,000 years of their culture. Tickets: $12 (plus applicable fees); 10% discount for MACC members
Miranda Lambert & Friends – 4th Annual BMI Maui Songwriters Festival
Saturday, December 1, 2018; A&B Amphitheater; 5:30 pm show / Gates: 4:30 pm
Country superstar Miranda Lambert makes her Maui debut, headlining the 4th annual BMI Maui Songwriters Festival acoustic concert, Miranda Lambert & Friends. The concert will also include several special guests, including Pistol Annies, Randy Houser, Luke Combs, Tom Johnston of The Doobie Brothers, Lukas Nelson, Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, and Lily Meola. Miranda Lambert & Friends will be an acoustic performance filled with songs and stories. The popular format is similar to past BMI Songwriters Festival concerts at the MACC. Tickets: $49, $69, $89, $129, plus a limited number of $159 Gold Circle Seats (plus applicable fees) Gold Circle tickets include premium seating with access to dedicated bars and restrooms in the courtyard.
Holiday Pops featuring Henry Kapono
Sunday, December 2, 2018; Castle Theater; 3:00 pm
Under the baton of music director James Durham, the 50+ member Maui Pops Orchestra extends an invitation to ring in the holiday season with a festive concert featuring Grammy Award-nominated and 14-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano awardwinner, Henry Kapono. The concert will feature some of his most-loved songs of the islands as well as many holiday favorites. Allow the joy of it all to draw you into the spirit of the season! Tickets: $22, $35, $50, $60 (plus applicable fees) Half-price for students w/ID 18 & under except for $22 seats Patrons who purchase tickets to all four shows in the Maui Pops series (Dec 2, Jan 13, Feb 17, and March 10) will receive a 10% discount off each ticket price. This offer does not apply to the $22 tickets or to discounted tickets.
The Merwin Conservancy presents Lewis Hyde and Matthew Zapruder in the Green Room Thursday, December 6, 2018; McCoy Studio Theater; 7:00 pm
The Merwin Conservancy hosts an intimate conversation between renowned scholar, writer, and MacArthur Fellow, Lewis Hyde, and acclaimed poet and former poetry editor of The New York Times, Matthew Zapruder, in the Green Room, an environmental and literary salon series that fosters a reverence for language, nature, and imagination in the community. The duo will speak about why poetry and the arts matter and how they sustain us and reinvigorate the world. The presentation will be followed by a book signing at a courtyard reception with refreshments, book fair, and music. Presented by FIM Group. All ticket sales benefit the non-profit Merwin Conservancy. Tickets: $25 & $10/special student price w/ID (plus applicable fees). All attendees are invited to stay for the post-event hosted reception included in the ticket price. Tickets on-sale date: TBD
Maui Academy of Performing Arts presents “Nutcracker Sweets”
Saturday & Sunday, December 8 & 9, 2018; Castle Theater; show times vary (7:00 pm Saturday; 3:00 pm Sunday)
Maui audiences are in for a sweet treat this holiday season when Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) presents Nutcracker Sweets, a delightful family-friendly adaptation of the treasured classic featuring 120 MAPA students. With sumptuous costumes and inspired choreography set to the timeless Tchaikovsky score, Nutcracker Sweets is a must-see holiday event for all ages. Tickets: $18, $24, $30 (plus applicable fees) Tickets on sale Thursday, November 1
Na Mele O Maui
Tuesday, December 11, 2018; Castle; 8am-2pm
Established in 1972 for the youth of Maui County, Nā Mele O Maui, Maui’s only county wide Hawaiian song and art competition, is dedicated to cultural preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian mele, language, and arts. Nā Mele O Maui strives to foster education and enlightenment of Hawaii’s heritage. In 2002, the event was honored with the prestigious Kahili Award in the Hawai`i Visitors & Convention Bureau’s “Keep It Hawai‘i” annual awards program. Nā Mele O Maui helps instill pride in our youth by providing a rare opportunity for many of them to perform in public and compete for excellence with the support of the community. For more information go to www.kaanapaliresort.com. FREE ADMISSION
Alsarah & the Nubatones *dance floor!*
Thursday, December 13, 2018; Castle Theater; 7:30 pm
Alsarah & the Nubatones came together out of a collective love for Nubian music and a genuine belief that soul transcends all cultural and linguistic barriers. Inspired by the pentatonic scale, they blend a selection of Nubian ‘songs of return’ from the 1970s to today with original and traditional music of central Sudan. Their concerts are a musical journey through diaspora and migration, fusing the sounds and styles of disparate cultures into music that is both modern and nostalgic. Band leader Alsarah describes herself as a practitioner of “East African retro-pop” — a lavish, joyful, eraspanning sound full of Arabic-language reflections on identity and survival. Presented in collaboration with Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. NPR Tiny Desk Concert: https://www.npr.org/2016/12/06/504553161/alsarah-the-nubatones-tiny-desk-concert YouTube: https://vimeo.com/262819690 YouTube: https://vimeo.com/224550448 Tickets: $40 (plus applicable fees); 10% discount for MACC members and half-price kids 12 and under
Island Breeze Friday, December 14, 2018; McCoy Studio Theater; 7:30 pm
Jeff Peterson – slack key guitar • Kenny Endo – taiko drums • Riley Lee – shakuhachi Island Breeze is a trio of world-class musicians, each masters of their own instruments, who have come together to create new and beautiful music. Grammy nominated slack key guitarist, Jeff Peterson, and shakuhachi master, Riley Lee, have been working together for many years. They joined forces with taiko master, Kenny Endo, and together the three recorded a CD which was released in 2014. The unique blend of slack key guitar, taiko drums, and Japanese flute is an inspired sound. VIDEO CLIPS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoPdgruqmbw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJpSV9qGH6k Tickets: $30, $45 10% discount for MACC members (prices increase on day of show; plus applicable fees)
Amy & Willie K: A Ho‘onanea Holiday Concert Saturday, December 15; Castle Theater; 7:30 pm Celebrate musical magic this holiday season with two of Maui’s favorite entertainers, Amy Hanaiali‘i Gilliom and Willie Kahaiali‘i, on stage together as a dynamic duo of Hawaiian music and song. Amy’s rich, sultry voice joins Willie K’s own exceptional vocal abilities and guitar prowess to create crystalline melodies and virtuoso instrumentals, along with plenty of good-natured camaraderie. The range and power of each of these performers can fill a stage; together, they present a powerhouse of talent! Ho‘onanea preshow festivities start at 5:30 pm, with local craft vendors and live music in the courtyard. Tickets: $35, $45, $55, $65 (plus applicable fees); 10% discount for MACC members and half-price kids 12 and under
Exhibit: Surfing Hawaii December 16, 2018 – February 17, 2019; Schaefer International Gallery; Tue – Sun 10am – 5 pm (Also open before Castle Theater shows and during intermission)
Surfing Hawaii presents the most popular ocean sport, beginning with the Native Hawaiian origin and knowledge of he’enalu through the evolution of surf tourism in the islands today. Surf board collections, ephemera, video, and contemporary works by artists Carol Bennett, Mark Cunningham, Pete Cabrinha, Peter Shepard Cole, Charlie Lyon, Wayne Levin, and Noble Richardson will be on view. It reflects a timeline from ancient Polynesia to the 21st century, presenting the influences of surfing through art, literature, film, music, and fashion. FREE ADMISSION
Pepper | Stick Figure Sunday, December 16, 2018; Yokouchi Pavilion and Courtyard; 6:30 pm/Gates: 6:00 pm Pepper is a three-piece rock band originally from Hawai‘i, now based in San Diego. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Kaleo Wassman, vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger, and drummer Yesod Williams. Since the band’s formation they have released seven studio albums as well as two live albums. Stick Figure is an American reggae and dub band founded in 2006 and based in Northern California. The group has released six full-length albums and one instrumental album, all of which were written and produced by front man and self-taught multi-instrumentalist Scott Woodruff. The concert will also feature the band, Tunnel Vision. Tickets: $39.50 General Admission, $79.50 VIP (plus applicable fees; prices increase day-of-show)
Generations @ the MACC: An Evening with Pat Simmons Sr. & Pat Simmons Jr. Friday, December 21, 2018; McCoy Studio Theater; 7:30 pm
Pat Simmons Sr. is an original member of The Doobie Brothers. Pat Simmons Jr. has grown up with music – on Maui, in California, and around the world – on tour with his dad! The ability of The Doobie Brothers’ music to connect with the essentials of people’s lives in tuneful, affecting songs has developed an audience that spans generations today – and you can hear that in the Simmons’ own family! Pat Sr. says, “(The Doobie Brothers) have a hardcore fan base that has handed our music down through the years to their children and their children’s children. Repeatedly, people go to our concerts and come up to us and say, ‘My dad turned me on to you guys years ago, and I’ve loved you guys all this time, and my kids are listening to you now.’” Pat Simmons Jr.’s music career began as a teen, when he first started performing as a solo act for The Doobie Brothers, along with many other well-known artists over the years. When he’s not performing multiple shows a week on Maui, traveling, or on tour, Pat lives on the family farm with his wife and son, homesteading, and running a small-scale organic farm/reforestation project. He uses music as a tool for activism and education concerning environmental/ocean health, cancer awareness, Hawaiian culture, and ecologically conscious living. Pat’s debut 2017 album release, “This Mountain,” has been nominated for two Nā Hoku Hanohano Awards. Join us for an evening of good-time music for all ages to enjoy! Tickets: $30, $45, $65 (plus applicable fees) Tickets on sale to MACC Members: Friday, October 26 Tickets on sale to public: Friday, November 2
Steven Tyler Thursday, December 27, 2018; A&B Amphitheater; 7:00 pm, gates at 5:30 pm Steven Tyler is an award-winning singer, songwriter, philanthropist, author, and actor. A member of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, he has sold more than 150 million records, both as solo artist and as a member of the legendary rock band Aerosmith, and has won multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, plus an Emmy Award and the ASCAP Founders Award. As the lead singer of Aerosmith, Tyler stands as one of the most iconic rock stars in history. During the band’s remarkable career, he has played in front of millions of people and influenced artists from the worlds of rock, hip hop, country music, and beyond. He’ll be accompanied by his touring band, The Loving Mary Band. Tickets: $65/GA, $79, $89, $129, and $179 Gold Circle/SEATED (plus applicable fees) Gold Circle tickets include premium seating and access to the Yokouchi Courtyard bars and restrooms. In addition, a limited number of special VIP meet & greet packages are also available via the MACC Box Office. The VIP package includes a premium Gold Circle seat, a preshow photo opportunity and meet & greet with Steven Tyler, as well as a souvenir show laminate.
SOLO SESSIONS: Steve Earle Saturday, December 29, 2018; McCoy Studio Theater; 7:30 pm
Rock/country/folk singer and songwriter Steve Earle began his career writing songs in Nashville, breaking to fame with the 1986 album, Guitar Town. He has released 15 other studio albums since then, received 3 Grammy awards, and his songs have been recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Vince Gill, and Emmylou Harris. Steve Earle has been many things during his illustrious career, equally acclaimed as a folk troubadour, a rockabilly raver, a contemplative bluesman, a honky-tonk rounder, a snarling rocker, and even a bluegrass practitioner. He has also appeared in film and television and has written a novel, a play, and a book of short stories.
Bill Maher’s 8th Annual New Year’s Comedy Extravaganza starring Bill Maher, with Natasha Leggero Sunday, December 30, 2018; Castle Theater; 7:30 pm
The tradition continues! For the eighth year in a row, Bill Maher will be ringing in the New Year in Hawaii! Making the celebration extra special this year, Bill will be joined by two very special guest comedians and queens of late-night comedy, Natasha Leggero and Wendy Liebman. After sold-out shows for the past seven years, Maher continues to make good on his promise to be the “Don Ho of New Year’s.” Natasha Leggero is an accomplished actress, writer, and stand-up comedian who created, wrote, produced and stars in the Comedy Central sitcom Another Period. Leggero can also be seen starring opposite Andrew Dice Clay on DICE. Stemming from her breakout appearance on the Comedy Central Roast of James Franco, Leggero was lauded as the stand-out roaster on the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber. This show will include mature subject matter. Tickets: $79.50, $99.50 (plus applicable fees)
Straight No Chaser Thursday, January 3, 2019; Castle Theater; 7:30 pm
If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses… think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait‐laced nor straightfaced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fan base, numerous national TV appearances, and proven success with CD releases. Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor. On the road, Straight No Chaser has built a reputation as an unforgettable live act. Tickets: $33.50, $48.50, $58.50 (prices increase on day of show; plus applicable fees)
Judy Collins Friday, January 4, 2019; Castle Theater; 7:30 pm
Blues Bear Hawaii presents singer/songwriter and folk music icon, Judy Collins. Judy is on tour in support of her most recent release, “Strangers Again,” a collection of duets with some of her favorite male artists, including Don Mclean, Michael McDonald, Jeff Bridges, Willie Nelson, & Jackson Browne. “These are guys that I adore & respect … I have dreamed of playing with them.” Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable song writing, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century. The award-winning musician is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” from her landmark 1967 album, “Wildflowers,” has been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Judy Collins is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern-day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart. “Collins remains a singer of astonishing clarity and intuition….” —USA Today. Tickets: $50, $65, $85 (plus applicable fees)
