“Culture & Arts Day,” a Celebration of Maui’s Multicultural Community
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at ‘Iao Valley
In celebration of Maui’s unique multicultural community, “Culture & Arts Day” showcases the traditional music and dance, arts and crafts, costumes and demonstrations by cultural groups that represent Maui’s diverse ethnic mix. Food is also part of the celebration and a wide variety is being offered for sale by many cultural organizations.
“We are pleased to be partnering with both Maui County’s Commission on Culture and the Arts and Sister Cities Foundation to put on this celebration” says Bryant Neal, executive director of Arts Education for Children Group, the organizing nonprofit of Cultural Diversity Days Celebration. “It is an opportunity for many cultural groups to share their traditions and culture and for the public to learn about and enjoy them.”
In conjunction with the celebration, Hawai‘i Nature Center is offering free admission to its Interactive Nature Museum and discounted prices for its Rainforest Walks on Saturday, March 21st. The Interactive Nature Museum contains exhibits to interpret and enhance understanding of Hawaii's cultural and natural history. The Rainforest Walk is a moderate loop trail, featuring native and introduced Hawaiian plants and the remains of ancient habitation. Walkers must be five years old or older and should wear closed-toe shoes suitable for an uneven trail.
Also at Hawai‘i Nature Center on Saturday, March 21st, all Maui entries in the Sister Cities International Young Artists Showcase, “Your Path to Peace,” are being displayed. Entries are original works submitted by 13-18 year old student artists in a variety of media. The winning Maui artist is being announced and will receive $300 from the Maui County Sisters Cities Foundation.
The work of local artist Richard “Gopal” Letney is featured on the poster for “Culture & Arts Day.” His pastels realistically capture the many facets of Maui’s beauty -- waterfalls, mountains, coastlines, and valleys. Prints of Letney’s works are being offered for purchase by the artist at the event. Also, arts and crafts representative of Maui’s cultural mix are being sold by a variety of artisans and cultural organizations. During the day long celebration, several ethnic groups are presenting informational booths, demonstrations and displays throughout Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens.
“Culture & Arts Day” features food booths to celebrate Maui’s diverse cultures with offerings of Chinese cuisine, Portuguese sweet bread, Mexican tamales, island favorites including chili and rice, and festival foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, ribs, pizza, ice cream, and cold beverages.
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens is not available for other activities and there is no parking on-site the day of Saturday, March 21. Free parking and shuttles are available in Wailuku at the County Parking Lot, 200 S. High Street, and the Municipal Parking Lot between Vineyard and Main Streets (behind First Hawaiian Bank).
2009
Cultural & Arts Day •
Performance schedule
9:15 am Blessing – Introduction
9:30 am Maui Paranku – Okinawa Dance and Drum
950 am Na Kupuna o Lokelani – kupuna hula
10:10 am Sarala Dance – Indian *
10:30 am B.E.T. – Maui on Stage, play readings
10:45 am MAPA Tour – Dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Filipino and Spain *
11:10 am Sarah Shim – Chinese Song
11:20 am Nakayama Minyo Kai – Japanese Folk Dance
11:40 am Maui Drumming.com – African Drumming *
12:00 pm Presentations – Culture and Arts Award, Art contest
12:30 pm Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko – Okinawa Taiko Drums
12:45 pm Hawaii Ballroom Assoc, Maui
1:00 pm Komie Juku – Japanese Swordsmanship
1:15 pm Maui on Stage
1:30 pm Maui Taiko
2:00 pm Kapeolei Chorale *
2:30 pm Tau Dance Theater *
3:00 pm Shiroma Ryu – Okinawa Cultural Dance
3:20 pm Reuda Cuban Salsa *
3:30 pm MAPA – Maui Academy of Performing Arts
