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Learn the rich heritage of Ulupalakua

By Staff | Mar 3, 2011

Cyril Pahinui has earned Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for “Best Contemporary Hawaiian Album,” “Best Male Vocalist” and “Instrumental Album of the Year.”

ULUPALAKUA — Maui’s Winery and Ulupalakua Ranch Store invite the public to come on up to Upcountry Maui for another Sunday Drive Fest, “Ulupalakua Remembers,” on Sunday, March 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will commemorate the rich heritage of the area with live entertainment, historical highlights, informal “talk story” sessions and delicious food and wine!

Brittni Paiva — perhaps the finest female ukulele player in Hawaii — will get things started at 11 a.m. on the winery grounds. An award-winning musician who also plays guitar, electric bass, piano and drums, Paiva brings traces of jazz, rock, flamenco, classical and world music into her multifaceted sound. She has a new CD out called “Four Strings: The Fire Within.”

At 1 p.m., ki ho’alu (slack key guitar) master Cyril Pahinui will take the stage with Peter Moon Jr. and Jeff Auhoy. Son of the great Gabby Pahinui, Cyril started playing slack key guitar at age seven, and by 12 was playing concerts. At 15, he was part of his father’s band, and later he played on many of Gabby’s albums. Over the years, Cyril found his own sound with The Sandwich Isle Band, Peter Moon Band and the Pahinui Brothers, as well as through his solo work.

Another island favorite, Uncle Benny Uyetake returns to Ulupalakua with his smooth slack key stylings at the ranch store from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

At the event, visitors can also learn about Ulupalakua’s fabled history. From noon to 1 p.m., Dorothy Terada Nakata will lead a “Talk Story” in the winery’s pavilion. Dorothy’s father, Mitsuji Terada, was bookkeeper of Ulupalakua Ranch for 45 years, and Dorothy was born in her family’s home on the ranch in 1928. From her childhood growing up among the paniolo, she has many stories to tell, giving her lucky listeners a rare and fascinating glimpse into Maui’s past.

Nakata will be introduced by Debbie Von Tempsky Grundhauser, whose grandmother lived in the Ulupalakua Ranch house in the early 1900s. In addition, other kupuna will participate in an informal “open house” to share stories with each other and the public in a uniquely island-style way.

Looking from the past to the future, representatives from Kula Community Association will talk story about their vision for the area.

If you’re in the mood for a picnic, visit the Ulupalakua Ranch Store Deli & Grill. Lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will include Maui Cattle Company burgers, Ulupalakua Elk Burgers, the ranch’s famous Ulupalakua Steak Chili, and Maui Gold Pineapple, along with salads, sandwiches, treats and more.

Free wine tasting will be offered throughout the day in the King’s Cottage Tasting Room, with the morning tour of Maui’s Winery beginning at 10:30 a.m.

“Come on up and help us share, celebrate and preserve the special history of this area for many generations to come,” said Sumner Erdman, Ulupalakua Ranch president.

For more information, call 878-6058 or 573-5530, or visit www.mauiwine.com or www.ulupalakuaranch.com. Clips of past events are posted at www.HawaiiONTV.com.