The order Cetacean (i.e. the taxonomic rank of whales, dolphins, and porpoises) is not to be confused with the subphylum Crustacea (i.e. crabs, lobster and shrimp). Members of the former are celebrated as ultra-intelligent beasts of the deep, while the latter (tastiness aside) are essentially the sea’s spiders and cockroaches. Not long ago—in our very own waters—whales were hunted to the brink of extinction for food and ladies’ perfume. So who knows? Though cases of crabs are in no short supply, maybe one day we’ll exalt crustaceans—with song, dance and impassioned preservation—like we do whales? Case in point: Friday’s “Tribute to the Whales” (February 11, 5:30-7:30pm), the opening reception of a three-week mixed-media art showcase at the Maui Mall and part of the festivities culminating with the Pacific Whale Foundation’s annual Whale Day Celebration and parade (Saturday, February 19). A traditional Hawaiian chant opens the event, honoring those denizens of the deep in the form of poetry, music and dance performances, plus videos and artwork. And on Saturday (February 12, 5:30-8pm), four whale experts lecture at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Speakers include: Bryant Austin, who’s created the world’s largest and most detailed body of photographic work on the subject of whales; Ari Friedlaender, a research scientist from Duke University; Greg Kaufman, who’s studied humpbacks for more than three decades; and Corey Ryder, a filmmaker whose credits include the acclaimed 2009 documentary The Cove. 249-8811, mauiwhalefestival.org
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