FIRST ANNUAL MAUI CULTURAL DIVERSITY DAYS CELEBRATION TO BE HELD JANUARY 16-21, 2008
The first annual Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration will be
held Wednesday, January 16 through Monday, January 21, 2008. The Celebration, highlighted by the professional stage production of “Sistas and Storytellers,” also includes workshops, concerts,
and a free outdoor festival of cultural performances, ethnic foods and traditional crafts.
Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration is presented by Arts Education for Children Group (AECG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing arts and cultural enrichment for the youth of Maui. “We hope that through collaboration of many cultural groups, we can educate
residents and visitors about the many ethnic groups that make up the Maui community,” said AECG’s Executive Director Bryant Neal.
“We believe that it is up to us to pass on traditions and encourage children to honor their ancestors and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions made by those who immigrated here.”
The celebration is sponsored by Black Swan Talent and Productions, County of Maui, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui OnStage, South Maui Learning `Ohana and Wailuku Community Association.
We invite you to join in celebrating Maui’s unique cultural mix.
Additional "I Have A Dream" Concert information:
There will also be historical displays and informational exhibits at the festival. Jasmyne Koch has created a Maui cultural heritage display which includes a timeline of the arrival of the various
immigrants to Hawaii. Jasmyne is the daughter of AECG President
Aimee Koch and is a senior at Seabury Hall (where she is vice president of
her class). Jasmyne is a product of the first Arts Education for Children Group music programs on Maui since 1996.
An interesting mix of ethnic foods and crafts from local vendors and restaurants will be available for sale.
Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 21 with events held in Wailuku Town. The day
begins at 9am when a blessing and opening ceremonies take place at
the County Building. The celebration continues at Banyan Tree Park, on
the corner of Vineyard and Market Streets, with a free Performance
Festival from 10am-3pm. The festival features traditional song and dance
performed by Maui groups representing cultures from around the world.
“I HAVE A DREAM” CONCERT
The finale of the celebration is the “I Have a Dream” concert at
I'ao Theatre from 3-5pm on Monday, January 21. Popular radio personality
Kathy Collins will emcee the evening. Entertainment will be provided
by ukulele player Gabe Goebbert , The Maui Gospel Choir, and Game Kids.
The stage production of an original work, “We Shall Overcome,”
will be presented. This piece was created to expose youth and adults to a
bit of the history, spirit and energy of the civil rights era and events leading up to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream”
speech. The historic speech is considered a defining moment of the American
Civil
Rights Movement and one of the most notable in US History. Admission to the concert is free.
The story behind the original production of We Shall Overcome
Arts Education for Children Group Executive Director Bryant Neal talks about the creation of “We Shall Overcome.”
“A couple of years ago after a performance of the "I Have a Dream" speech I was approached by a mother of an approximately 11 year old girl and both thanked me and shared how much they had enjoyed the performance. The mother then shared with me that she related to and identified with the speech but was concerned that her daughter's generation didn't have an understanding of the events leading up to the march on Washington and the inspiration for the speech. I then thought that I would like to create a vehicle that was able to teach or expose youth and adults to a bit of the history, spirit and energy leading up to the speech and events surrounding the civil rights era. We would try to recreate the era in a dramatic fashion through spoken word, song and dramatic interpretation.
“At last year's event, Sheryl Renee added her historical music element and a gospel choir which when combined with the speech was quite effective. At a post event brain storming session, we began discussing the possibilities of a collaborative effort. She wrote a frame
work including the music, Harriet Tubmann and Mahalia Jackson characters while I added the Martin Luther King character. After last year's year's Seabury Hall Crafts Fair I was engaged in a conversation with Seabury Hall Head Master Joe Schmidt whom I discovered is a Professor of history with an emphasis on the Civil Rights era and Martin Luther King Jr. So when we needed an introduction, I asked
him if he would write it and he eagerly agreed.
“So at best it is a wonderful collaborative effort working towards a performance with a message of peace and diversity.”
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Wednesday, January 16 - Gospel Choir Workshop. 6:30pm - Keolahou Hawaiian Church, 177 S. Kihei Road, Kihei.
Maui Cultural Diversity Days Celebration begins on Wednesday,
January 16 with a gospel choir workshop led by Denver, Colorado-based artist Sheryl Renee, founder of the Voices In Faith Power Gospel Choir. A versatile vocalist and actress, she has won awards for her
performances
and has created and produced popular stage shows. The workshop
starts at 6:30pm at It is free, however, donations are accepted. For more information call 283-3576.
Friday, January 18-"Aloha” Concert.
6:30pm - Keolahou Hawaiian Church, 177 S. Kihei Road, Kihei.
On Friday, January 18, the stage production of “We Shall
Overcome” will be performed for students at Seabury Hall. Through narration, song and spoken word “We Shall Overcome” highlights the life and
accomplishments of historic African Americans such as the “Mother
of the Civil Rights Movement” Rosa Parks, gospel singer Mahalia
Jackson and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Later in the evening on Friday, at 6:30pm, a free Aloha Concert featuring the cast of “Sistas and Storytellers”, local
entertainers, Game Kids and more.
Saturday, January 19 - “Sistas and Storytellers” 7:30pm - Iao Theatre, 69 Market Street, Wailuku
The original stage production, “Sistas and Storytellers,” will be presented at I'ao Theatre on Saturday, January 19. Promoting cultural awareness and understanding, the show has been playing to sold out audiences on the Mainland with rave reviews. The story follows six former members of a traveling youth choir called the Heavenly
Voices who, after 25 years, come together for a weekend reunion in the Colorado mountains. They eminisce, laugh, cry and sing, about life,
love, and friendship. The show begins at 7:30pm and is rated PG-13
(13 years and older). Tickets prices are $20, $18 for seniors and students. Call 242-6969 for tickets and information. www.sistasandstorytellers.com
Monday, January 21 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 10am-3pm - Free Performance Festival. Banyan Tree Park, corner of Market & Vineyard Streets, Wailuku
3pm - “I Have a Dream” Concert
Iao Theatre, 69 Market Street, Wailuku
Festival Schedule:
10:00am Blessing by Rev. Alalani Hill/ Sundance
10:20am- Earl Sundance & Buffalo Nation - World Beat Music
11:00am - Dance International - Filipino Dance and Song
11:30am - Isle of Maui Pipe Band - Scottish/Irish Percussion Band
Noon - Ensemble Performance by the cast of “Sistas andStorytellers”
1:00pm - Manutea Nui E - Tahitian and Hawaiian Dance and Music
1:30pm - Mexican Folklore
1:45pm - African Dance
2:15pm - East Indian Instrument demonstration - Rakahal Plouffe
2:30pm - Pueo Women’s Drum Circle
* subject to change without notice
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