Best Band
The Throwdowns
What can I say, except that MauiTime readers know how to rock. The Throwdowns have been around a few years now, and they put on an electrifying show. I guess you could label them rock/pop/island music, but what does that tell you? All that can really be said is that their songs “Shake Your Bones,” “Heart Attack” and “Stolen Car” will rock your world. And if you see them live, your senses are really in for a treat. They’ve played on the same stage as Train, The Fray, Panic at the Disco, Sublime with Rome, Steel Pulse, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Matisyahu, which kind of gives you an idea of their range. Erin Smith (vocals), Ola Shaw (guitar), Kimo Clark (bass) and Ian Hollingsworth (drums) form one of the best bands in Hawaii, and our readers are justifiably thrilled with them. Thethrowdowns.com; @TheThrowdowns
Runner-up: Rampage (AP)
Best Local Facebook Fan Page
Post Popo Checkpoints
Here’s your best source of information on police checkpoints and speed traps throughout Maui. An open group, this page provides solid, real-time information, updated nearly every day. “Checkpoints’ intent is to share information regarding traffic situations on Maui that may interfere with our daily/nightly commutes (accidents, construction, speedtraps, traffic jams…..),” states the page. But don’t confuse this with a forum to rave against Maui PD cops–the hosts swiftly ban anyone putting up posts bashing cops. http://www.facebook.com/groups/293953007303528/
Runner-up: Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport (AP)
Best Local Blog
A Maui Blog
I’m totally gonna blog today. It’s gonna be awesome. I’m gonna blog so hard it’s going to leave a dent in the internet! Bloggity-blog-blog. Hmm… better check my email. Oh, a Facebook notification. Click. Scroll. Ew, she’s with him now? Huh, a Youtube video. Whoa. WHOA… What was I doing again? Dammit, Liza from A Maui Blog already covered this and posted pictures! Oh well, back to Facebook. Seriously, Liza is a veteran blogger who single-handedly covers relevant Maui events, without the meandering or self-righteousness of amateur bloggers. After you refresh your Facebook feed 10 times, you should definitely check her out. Amauiblog.com
Runner-up: Kama‘aina Loan (YT)
Best Karaoke
Sansei
Although Sansei got an enviable karaoke set-up, it’s the regulars that make the spot. If there had been a “Best use of polyester” or “Most ingenious use of glitter” category, the regulars would have cornered the market. Something about Sansei’s karaoke stage, late night specials and copious amounts of alcohol make even the most mild-mannered people believe Sir Mixalot’s “Baby Got Back” is the most beautiful and profound song, ever, and they need to share its lyrical genius with the world, hip thrusting, all the way. 1881 S. Kihei Rd., #KT-116; 808-879-0004 / 600 Office Rd., Lahaina; 808-669-6286; sanseihawaii.com
Runner-up: Haui’s Life’s a Beach (YT)
Best Local Twitter Feed
@ReqB
There’s an art to tweeting and Brendan Smith has mastered it. I’m not sure of the exact formula, but here’s my hypothesis: one part wit, one part street-savvy, a healthy dash of photography enthusiast, throw some current events into the mix, add a generous helping of humor, and sprinkle with quick links and hash tags. Stir and simmer until 140 characters or less. Viola! You’ve either got a piping hot @ReqB or a volatile solution you shouldn’t expose to direct sunlight. Probably both. twitter.com/reqb
Runner-up: @jenrusso (YT)
Best Local Club DJ
DJ Illz
There are a lot of DJs on this island–seriously, a lot–but our readers pretty clearly chose Lahaina’s DJ Illz. We last caught up with him at Diamonds Icebar in Kihei, where he spun records as part of the Halfway to New Years party, but he was also featured at the NEON Party in June and the St. Patty’s Bash in March, both at Longhi’s Lahaina. He’s done Moose’s during 2nd Friday as well? What can you say, the guy’s popular. soundcloud.com/dhillz
Runner-up: Del Sol (AP)
Best Open Mic Night
Haui’s Life’s a Beach
When I picture an open mic night, I imagine the tortured artist type, skinny and sensitive. Vitamin D deprived, they strike a pose before exiting the stage. What I don’t imagine is a raucous crowd, clamoring for more beer, sand still stuck to their slippers. If the stereotype of an open mic night has intimidated you from ever attending one, I would recommend Haui’s Life’s a Beach. The laid back atmosphere, good food and strong drinks are sure to get the creative juices flowing. You won’t even need to bring your bongo drums. 1913 S. Kihei Rd., 808-891-8010
Runner-up: Blue Lagoon (YT)
Best Dinner and a Show
Stella Blues
If our readers were referring to Stella Blues Supper Club, which runs Friday nights through July and features the musical wonders of HAPA, then they’re smart, indeed. This is an amazing performance (readers even said it beat out Ulalena!). For $60, you get a four-course dinner and a show by HAPA, a great Hawaiian music duo that’s been electrifying audiences for years. Be sure to make reservations! Stella Blues, 1279 S. Kihei Rd.; 808-874-3779; stellablues.com; hapa.com
Runner-up: Ulalena (AP)
Best Place to Dance
Timba
I don’t feel qualified to write about the best dance spot, since I can’t dance. My brain gets so embarrassed that I even attempt it, that it shuts down every syntax in my body, stopping me mid-movement. In a sea of beautiful gyrating bodies, I’m feebly trying to raise the roof. Even Timba’s great music, amazing beach view and outright gorgeous and relaxed interior can’t put me at ease. I’m the girl that volunteers to hold my friends’ purses. But if you’re kinetically blessed, you will love Timba’s. Go ahead, move your booty on the dance floor—I’ll watch your stuff. 505 Front St. Ste 212, Lahaina 808-661-9873
Runner-up: Ambrosia (YT)
Best Female Musician
Erin Smith
No surprise here, since Erin Smith is the best female musician currently playing on Maui. Her song “Kihei Town” remains an anthem not only for South Maui, but for a whole lifestyle. She and her band, The Throwdowns are getting bigger and doing more gigs throughout the state. They were up for a Na Hoku award this year, but lost out to Willie K (though their playing the actual awards ceremony seriously rocked). Smith still somehow takes time to do afternoon and evening gigs at places like Southshore Tiki Lounge, Cool Cats and Monkeypod Kitchen, though given that she’s also playing gigs in Waikiki and recording new songs in Canada, I can’t imagine it’s easy.
Runner-up: Anuhea (AP)
Best Akaku Program
MACC Moment
Akaku’s The MACC Moment is no frills entertainment information. Sure, there’s adjectives thrown in there, but that’s just a formality. It’s like, Wham! Here’s a kind and friendly face telling you about a major MACC event coming up. Up next is on a strictly need-to-know basis: Name. Date. Time. Place. Some background information. Bam! Feast your eyes on some event highlights. Thank you, Ma’am! The MACC Moment has dropped some knowledge on you in three minutes, flat. And before you can even catch your breath, a smiling “A hui hou,” sends you on your way. Akaku Channel 54
Runner-up: County Council hearings (YT)
Best Local Radio DJ
Jay J
Once upon a time, it took more than a MacBook to make a DJ. It meant in-depth music knowledge and a backbreaking amount of equipment. Jay J has DJ-ed for more than 10 years, is part of the longest running radio show on KPMW Wild 105.5, and an emcee for Next Level Entertainment. Now he can add this to his list of accomplishments. I once asked him for the name of a song that “sounded happy and mentioned speakers.” Without even asking me to hum it, he named the song and artist. If that doesn’t qualify him as awesome and amazing, I don’t know what would. 808-357-1157
Runner-up: Shaggy (YT)
Best Male Musician
Kanoa Kukaua
Is there a more creative, talented, harder-working male musician on the island these days? Yes, Willie K won the Na Hoku award this year for best rock band, and he’s great. But Kanoa is one hell of an entertainer. He’s the main guy in Gomega, but his solo work is fantastic, too. His album Makin Thru the Breakthru is incredible. But go watch Kanoa one Sunday night at Southshore Tiki Lounge in Kihei: the guy is amazing. Hilarious, too. Seriously hilarious, and I’m not even talking about when he’s beatboxing. Willie K is many things, but he’s not hilarious.
Runner-up: Willie K (AP)
Best Local Radio Station
Native 92.5 FM
For our readers who still actually listen to the radio, the island music of Native 92.5FM is their favorite station. For those wanting Ekolu, Matisyahu, the Barefoot Natives and all the best Reggae and Jawaiian hits, it’s a good place to stop. Their on-air DJs Kawikaveeka, Pito Javier, Chisa and Ms. Loke aren’t bad either (at least, as far as radio DJs are concerned). You can also stream the station live online. Native925.com; @Native925
Runner-up: KAOI 95.1 FM (AP)
Best Local Visual Artist
Taryn Alessandro
For the second year in a row, Alessandro is a favorite among MauiTime readers. She does live painting events at various festivals and tries very hard to let her individuality dictate her artwork. “I refuse to get bored or become mechanical in painting,” she says. “Using a variety of materials opens up my imagination into a whole new playground of possibilities… and provides both a visual and tactile experience.” tarynalessandro.com; @TarynAl
Runner-up: Ron Pitts (AP)
[PHOTO: Sean M. Hower]
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