Maui ‘Ukulele Festival returns Oct. 8

KAHULUI — On Sunday, Oct. 8, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center again celebrates the musical tradition of Hawai’i’s famous four-string instrument at the 16th annual Maui ‘Ukulele Festival, a free Maui community music event in the A&B Amphitheater and Yokouchi Pavilion.
Gates open at 2:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 3 p.m.
This year’s festival will also support those impacted by the recent wildfires, serving as a drop-off point for donations to the Maui Food Bank. The MACC requests that patrons bring needed items for those impacted by the wildfires. Suggested emergency donation items include diapers (baby and adult) and personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner. Donation bins will be located near the MACC’s main entry gates.
All community members, in particular those affected by the fires, are welcome to attend and enjoy an afternoon of island music with highly acclaimed musicians. Attendees should bring low-back beach chairs or blankets and relax on the lawn of the A&B Amphitheater.
The concert will also be livestreamed on the MACC’s website and on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
This year’s festival offers a diverse lineup of some of the finest ‘ukulele musicians. Artists scheduled to perform this year include Jeff Peterson, Rama, Kamaka & Kala’e Camarillo, Kamakakehau Fernandez, Arlie Asiu, Benny Uyetake, Andrew Molina, Anthony Pfluke, the Hula Honeys, the Kamehameha Middle School ‘Ukulele Band, and the Kalama Intermediate School ‘Ukulele Band. Also appearing will be Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva and Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka. (The artist list is subject to change.)
Door prizes of several ‘ukulele will be given away throughout the afternoon. There will be displays of made-in-Hawai’i arts and crafts, plenty of ‘ono-licious island food plus a variety of beverages available for purchase. No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed.
On Saturday, Oct, 7, a free ‘ukulele workshop will be held in the MACC’s Morgado Hall at 11 a.m. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. The workshop is conducted by ‘ukulele master Roy Sakuma for students of all ages. Lessons are designed for beginning and intermediate players. It is recommended that students be able to hold C, F, G7 chords, and they should bring their own ‘ukulele. No pre-registration is necessary.
All participants will be eligible to enter a drawing to win a fine new ‘ukulele and will be invited to participate in a performance during the festival on Sunday, playing a song they learn in the workshop.
The 16th annual Maui ‘Ukulele Festival is presented by Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Sponsors for this free event are Hawai’i Tourism Authority, the County of Maui and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, with additional support from ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai’i and KPOA/Pacific Media Group.