Nothing says summer is here like going to a festival. And this summer is no exception. Soon we’ll be planting ourselves on grassy fields around the island for Rebelution, Steel Pulse, movie premieres, actors like Lupita Nyong’o and Evan Rachel Wood get awards and a chance to tastes some of Maui’s most divine food and wine. [see our guide to Summer’s Best Fests below] To kickoff the first summer music festival, MauiTime talked with Wesley Finley, Rebelution’s drummer, to find out why this Santa Barbara Reggae band doesn’t listen to their own music, how they feel about digital streaming services and how they coped with their worst festival experience…
MAUITIME: Music has taken Rebelution on quite a journey. Do you have a musical mentor along for the ride or is this a learn-as-you-go trip?
WESLEY FINLEY: We hit the ground running so it’s been a lot of learning along the way. Luckily we have a good education behind us and a strong business sense and work ethic, so we’ve been able to stay afloat. There were definitely things to be learned from touring with bigger bands that have been around the block and we thank them for showing us the ropes.
MT: Speaking of journey, you played at the legendary Glastonbury in the United Kingdom. How was the opportunity and being first timers? Are you forever changed?
WF: To be honest, it was probably the worst festival experience we’ve had as artists. It was just too big. We had about 50 people there for the show, and the local crew would not cooperate with us to get our monitors right so we couldn’t hear half of what we were doing. And it was raining. So yes, we are forever changed, and jaded.
MT: Well, we can’t guarantee no rain for your Hawaii appearances, but your chances for sunshine will be better than the UK. Your fourth studio album, Count Me In, officially releases June 10. Can you think of a better way to kick it off than with your Count Me In Summer Tour starting with your Maui show at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center?
WF: Cheehoo! We love the islands, can’t wait to be back.
MT: In 2007, iTunes’ editors named your first commercial album, Courage to Grow, the Best Reggae album that year. How often, if at all, do you listen to that album or any of your past music?
WF: We don’t really listen to our music at all because we hear it so often. But we’re stoked people can still enjoy our new music and back catalogue as well.
MT: “Feeling Alright” on Courage to Grow is one of my favorite songs. What’s your favorite from Count Me In? WF: I think I like the track “Fade Away” the most from our new album. It’s easily one of the more different directions we’ve gone in as a band, and has Eric [Rachmany] as a songwriter. It’s a slow-tempoed acoustic rock ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. I can’t wait to see people’s reception to it.
MT: Rebelution has been interviewed in Europe and all across the states about their music. Tell me how roots has such a huge worldwide appeal and what that means to you…
WF: Who doesn’t like Bob Marley? He really set the tone for people to connect with Reggae with inspiring, relevant lyrics and tempos that range from dance party to relax mode. Reggae has transcended internationally because of its ability to get everybody on the same page despite the language barrier. There aren’t many other genres that can claim such elasticity.
MT: Which of you is the band’s den mom? How about the comedian? The risk taker?
WF: I’d say our bassist Marley [D Williams] fills all those positions. He’s a man of many faces.
MT: Any embarrassing nicknames we need to know about?
WF: We call [Marley] Marzander, like Zoolander.
MT: You’ve performed at so many festivals big and small. Has there been a constant for Rebelution in you live performances?
WF: Cali Roots has become our new yearly anchor for festivals, although I doubt that can continue forever. Besides that we’ve carved out a pretty regular schedule for the year: medium-sized winter and spring tours; large summer tour and festivals; record and do international shows in the fall.
MT: Music allows for a conversation to happen that otherwise may never come to light. How does Rebelution take advantage of this?
WF: By having an interview with MauiTime! Touring allows us the ability to interact with a different group of people in a different city every day. Besides the show itself we have a meet and greet before the show to get some one-on-one time with the hardcore fans, and we also host official after-parties sometimes when we want to hang with people after the concert experience. They’re good ways to socialize and talk about the music or other things.
MT: With the advancement of digital music downloads and social media, how important are live shows?
WF: More important than ever. Touring is the only viable resource we have left to sustain being professional musicians. As you’re alluding to, music is pretty much free these days, and it’s a battle you’re not going to win should you try and fight it. Luckily we have a supportive fan base that recognizes this and willfully chooses to purchase the albums and attend shows, which in turn allows us to keep touring and making new music for them.
MT: How do you listen to new music? Do you use digital streaming services?
WF: I’ll usually find out about a band through friends or watching programs on the Palladium channel, then listen to more of their stuff on Spotify or Pandora. If I like what I hear, I’ll go and purchase it on iTunes. If there are more than two songs that stick with me, I’ll go a step further and look for their album in an independent record store. If they don’t carry it I’ll buy it directly from the band on their website. I think it’s a good process that supports the right avenues.
MT: What are you listening to now?
WF: Lately I’ve been listening to ††† (Crosses), Phantogram, Foster the People, Paolo Nutini, Little Dragon, Local Natives and Atoms for Peace.
MT: You started in college at UC Santa Barbara. How did that affect you?
WF: If it wasn’t for us all pursuing a higher education then we never would have met, so we’re forever indebted to that. But speaking of indebted, it’s sad that a good education can’t be more affordable. I believe everyone should attempt a college education, but it’s hard to argue with the underprivileged that claim they can’t afford it. That is something our country needs to work on. Education frees your mind and opens you up to new ways of thinking and understanding–no one should go without that.
MT: We’ll finish up by having you finish this sentence: Rebelution is ______________.
WF: Rebelutionary.
Rebelution plays Thursday, June 5 at 7pm at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Rebelutionmusic.com
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Summer Festivals: Summer Fun Who needs Coachella when we got Maui? Here’s our guide to the island’s best festivals and big events taking place during the hot months.
JUNE
5
REBELUTION – See our Wesley Finley interview on Page 10. $40. 7pm, MACC Yokouchi Pavilion
MAUI FILM FESTIVAL – For five days, June 4-8, Maui transforms into a superior Hollywood. Check out the new venue–the Seaside Cinema Music Cafe and Sunset Lounge at Grand Wailea–where Emma Roberts, Evan Rachel Wood and Lupita Nyong’o will receive prestigious awards. The Celestial Cinema is back, as well as films at the MACC. And the Taste of Chocolate at Four Seasons, Spago Soiree and Taste of Wailea are just some of the amazing parties that surround the films. Mauifilmfestival.com
6
WAILUKU SUMMER – There are few things that rock the warm months like Wailuku’s Friday Town Parties. Normally nights are quiet in this all business town, but the first friday of every month Wailuku lets her hair down while the stages goes up. Market Street closes to traffic for this free all ages block party that is appropriate for everyone. Nuff Said gives a free concert, DJ Joralien will be at Banyan Tree Park, Free Movie night with Only the Brave at the Iao Theatre and live Hawaiian music at the beer and wine garden. Wailuku Coffee Co. celebrates four years in Wailuku with free cupcakes, an art reception with Ruben Navarro and the HMH Trio. Start the night with free yoga at Body Alive at 4:45pm. Bring your unwanted shoes to If the Shoe Fits for their Shoe Drive. You can also check the live feed at Wailukucam.com. 6-9pm. Market Street, Wailuku. Mauifridays.com/wailuku/
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ZENSHIN DAIKO – Get your heart beating to summer’s festival of drums. Premier songs by Zenshin, then visiting international act Hanayui. The trio of sisters will captivate you with their merry kodo sounds reminiscent of traveling countryside entertainers. Then Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Japan’s most esteemed odaiko player, will jump in. $20 adults; $10 children, 12 & under free. 7pm. MACC, Castle Theater. Zenshindaiko.com
OBON AT LAHAINA SHINGON MISSION – The obon is a time to honor family ties and reflect on your ancestors, then dance the night away with your best buddhist moves. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to attend and they will teach you the dance steps there. The Japanese festival lets loose with the best chow fun and other Japanese treats like andagi. Each mission and hongwanji will celebrate its own obon, also called bon festival and bon dance, so catch the one nearest home, or go to them all. Obon service at 6:30pm; dancing at 7:30pm.
UPCOUNTRY AG FAIR – Join the paniolos June 7-8 in perpetuating their heritage and honoring their ranching lifestyle. There will be live entertainment, a car show, motorcycle display, roping, horse rides, wagon rides and working dog exhibitions. 8am-4pm. Oskie Rice Arena.
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KAPALUA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL – Maui’s premiere wine festival sets the bar nationwide. It’s four days of wine tasting, rubbing elbows with sommeliers, master classes, wine seminars, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, golf and elegant wine dinners with wine-makers. Kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com.
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THE GRAND TASTING – This collection of Kapalua’s finest restaurants, Kapalua’s newest hotel and fine wines from around the world sounds like a match made in vinum heaven. The Grand Tasting has a new home at the new Montage Kapalua Bay and a special pavilion dedicated to the wines of New Zealand and tastes of Whole Foods will be featured. $160/$150. 6-9pm. Montage Kapalua Bay.
LAHAINA FRIDAY TOWN PARTY- Lahaina’s block party celebrates Kamehameha Day with Hawaiian music by Sean Robbin from Big Island and Maui’s Leohone ft. Ikaika Blackburn, Pi’ilani Arias and Kamakoa Lindsey-Asing. Grinds include ono food booths to support the Boys and Girls Club and Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club. Free keiki art activities and exhibits. 5-8pm. Campbell Park, Lahaina. mauifridays.com/lahaina/
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NA KAMEHAMEHA COMMEMORATIVE PA‘U PARADE & HO‘OLAULE‘A – Front Street closes at 8:30am while onlookers line the streets in anticipation of this annual Pa‘u riding exhibition and pageantry. The parade starts at 9am and runs through 9:45am, starting from Kenui Street and running through Shaw Street. Then celebrations span Kamehameha Iki Park and Banyan Tree Park with exhibits, keiki art activities, a pa‘u awards presentation, food booths supporting community nonprofits, Maui-made crafters and live local entertainment. 8:30am to sunset, Lahaina.
INSIDE STORIES – Three female artists are featured in the Schaefer space with concurrent solo exhibits drawn from concepts on bohemianism, sexuality, fantasy, instinct and counterculture. Artists Rose Adare: Restraint and Revolution; Gabrielle Anderman: Fear, Letting go; and May Izumi: Cloud Formations and Other Phenomena. The show runs June 8 – July 27. Free. 11am-12:30pm. MACC, Schaefer Gallery. Mauiarts.org
OBON – It takes place at the Pu‘unene Nichiren Mission. Service at 7pm. Dancing at 8pm.
MATISYAHU & STEEL PULSE – Matisyahu, originally from Brooklyn, now reigns from LA with his unique sound. Steel Pulse has been skanking since 1975 with a message about education for all, fighting injustice and uplifting sounds. $39 advance, $45 day-of-show. VIP: $80 advance, $85 day-of-show. 5:30pm. MACC, A&B Amphitheater. Mauiarts.org/
REGGAE AFTER-PARTY – Ride your red gold black and green high down to Sport Page where they are kicking off their Summer Sessions events. It’s a celebration of life in honor of Sebastian Cerda, hosted by Irie Dole. Music by Chala with The Alliez, Lawaia, Kokomon, Doobie and Officer Jerome. $10. 10pm. Sports Page.
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ARCADIA MANIA – The Fuzz Box invites you to an amazing night of film, video gaming, music and performance. Video game obstacle course, film: “Scott Pilgrim Vs The World,” DJs, geeky game competitions and who knows what else. Bonus Round players head to the Smoke House for even more pixelated pleasure with DJ Kitty Trap, Deviant and the Honorable Archibald Chizzelberry–plus visuals until the wee hours. 6-10pm, Lahaina Civic Center. 10pm-2am, Smoke House.
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – The creme de le creme of Maui’s restaurants compete for the “Best of the Fest” award in the final showcase of food and vintage pairings at the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival. Nuff Sedd gets center stage while you enjoy the sunset by the sea on the Ritz-Carlton Beach House Lawn. $160/$150. 6-9pm. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com/
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‘THE MIKADO’ – The Esteemed Hawaii Opera Theatre, with members of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, bring the opera to life on Maui with Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado. Follow the elaborate plot twists in the sordid love triangle between Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum and Ko-Ko. $27, $47, $72 & $97, special pricing for keiki and students. 7:30pm. Castle Theater. mauiarts.org
20
OBON – Takes place at the Wailuku Jodo Mission. Service at 7pm. Dancing at 8pm.
GAUDI – Internationally acclaimed artist Gaudi celebrates the release of In Between Times with a new world tour. Expect a phenomenal live show, where he will be joined by UK beat box champ Danny Ladwa. Special guest with Sandwich Isle Bass. 9:30pm. Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon.
21
OBON – Takes place at the Wailuku Shingon Mission. Service at 7pm. Dancing at 8pm.
ART=MIXX: BOHEMIAN FEMINIQUE – The summer installment of this art party connects us with visual art, multimedia, video, networking, music, dancing and cocktails, though not necessarily in that order. Guests (21 and over only) will enjoy Feminique – the theme pays reverence to the spirit of women who take the road less traveled. Free. 7-11pm. MACC, Yokouchi Pavilion and Schaefer International Gallery. Mauiarts.org
SURF ARTS EXPO AND MOTH XP – Celebrate International Surfing Day and the summer solstice with Maui’s board shapers, artists and musicians. There will be a local swimwear walk-off, board giveaway to presale tickets holders and plenty to keep you in touch with the surf community. Vintage surf attire encouraged. 7pm. $15/$20 door. The Mill House. Mothxp.com
22
KI HO‘ALU FESTIVAL – Here will be Hawaii’s best slack key artists: Danny Carvalho, Hapa (Barry Flanagan), Stephen Inglis, John Ka‘aina, George Kahumoku, Keale, Kaoru Kohnoike, George Ku, LT Smooth, Bobby Moderow, Brother Noland, Jeff Peterson, Glen Smith and Paul Togioka. Free. 1-7 pm. MACC, Yokouchi Pavilion/A&B Amphitheater. 28 ‘80s IN WAILEA – Summer’s biggest dance party is back with sweet ‘80s pop mixes by DJ Joe Cortez and Maui’s most eligible host, Jay J. Dress to dazzle at Gannon’s After Dark and shake your booty ‘till the early morning. Designated drivers drink alcohol-free on the house. $10. 9pm. Gannon’s Wailea. slackkeyfestival.com/
JULY
3
MAKAWAO RODEO – Thursday is qualifying runs, which you can watch for free. The Friday Bull Bash happens at 7pm. Saturday and Sunday offers bull-riding, team-roping, calf-roping, bronc-riding, mugging, barrel racing and break-away. Live music after the rodeo on Saturday. Free shuttle Saturday to and from town to watch the parade. $15 adults, $10 for seniors and students, $5 kids. Oskie Rice Arena.
4
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS – Celebrate American independence by strolling down Front Street and watching the night sky light up. Live music on the library lawn starting at 5pm. Fireworks display around 8pm.
MAUI THING SIXTH ANNIVERSARY WAILUKU TOWN PARTY – It’s a blowout hottie fashion show celebrating Maui Thing and their summer collection at the Wailuku Town Party in July. This year, they’re planning a show with a circus theme, but that’s all we can hint at for now. Market Street, Wailuku. mauithing.com/
5
MAKAWAO PANIOLO PARADE – The 49th annual parade highlights rodeo royalty, beauty queens, pa‘u traditions, classic cars and the hard working cowgirls and cowboys of Maui. 9-11am. Baldwin Avenue, Makawao.
OBON – The floating lantern ceremony is magical, illuminated lanterns with prayers to ancestors are set out to sea at Mala. Dancing later. 6:30 pm. Lahaina Jodo Mission.
KAWEHI – The multi-instrumental performer and international looping sensation will be on Maui for one night. Kanoa opens the show. $20/$25 door. Mill House.
THE STEPPAS – Massive Roots from our Southerly brethren on Hawaii Island, embarking on a statewide tour for the release of their new album. Special guest Jordan T. $10. 9pm. Sports Page. thesteppas.com
<a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/mauitime/14346974572″ title=”17.51_lede_listings_The-steppas by Jen Russo, on Flickr”><img src=”https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/14346974572_8fe50bf785.jpg” width=”500″ height=”257″ alt=”17.51_lede_listings_The-steppas”></a>
11
MO‘OHIKA O PI‘ILANI LAUNCH – A project 18 years in the making, the epic Akua moon launch of Hui of Wa‘a’s Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani will be an all-day event. Cultural canoe launch protocols begin at noon, with county and state officials making statements. The final chant and blessing takes place at 2:30 pm. The exact launch time will depend on tide, currents, winds and swell at the new Mala boat ramp. After launch, Moʻolele and a flotilla of Maui outriggers and racing canoe clubs will escort Moʻokiha o Piʻilani to Lahaina Roads near Kamehameha Iki Park and Hui o Waʻa Kaulua Dry Dock. Huiowaa.org
OBON – Takes place at Paia Mantokuji Mission. Service at 6pm. Dancing at 8pm.
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IKAIKA NUI EXTREME 5K OBSTACLE CHALLENGE – Mud crawling, climbing, ice obstacles, slipping and sliding on a 5k course built at Mendes Ranch. Ho Nah! $60. 7am. Mendes Ranch.
MAUI CRAFT SESSION – Ka‘anapali’s premiere beer event has special brews, cigars, spirits and fine culinary fare on the Sheraton’s Ocean Lawn. This year features the distinctions of old world versus new world brewing styles and methods, with Ocean Vodka’s debut with the welcoming cocktail and a selection of the worlds finest whiskies. $89. Sheraton Maui. sheraton-maui.com
13
CHARICE PEMPENGCO – This young Filipina is an Internet sensation–just check her Youtube page. Grab VIP tickets for the “meet and greet” opportunity. $39, $66, $88, VIP $102. 7pm. MACC, Castle Theater. mauiarts.org
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OBON – Takes place at Kahului Hongwanji Mission. Service at 7pm. Dancing at 8pm
25-26
OBON – Takes place at Makawao Hongwanji Mission. Service at 6:30pm. Dancing at 7:30pm.
MAYJAH RAYJAH MUSIC FESTIVAL – This two-day Reggae festival will be the biggest yet. Catch Shaggy of Jamaica and J boog, Common Kings, Tenelle, Nesian Nine, Jah Maoli, Siaosi, Kiwini Vaitai, The Jimmy Weeks Project and local favorites like Rebel Souljahz, Common Kings, Anuhea and Sammy J. $58 both shows or $33 per night, groups of 10 $29 each. $40 day of. Starts at 5pm both days. MACC, A & B Amphitheater. mauiarts.org
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SOLO SESSIONS: BILL CHAMPLIN – Formerly with Chicago, Champlin is an iconic jazz/pop artist known for his talents as a soulful singer and keyboardist. Sing along with your inside voice to “Look Away,” “Hard Habit to Break,” “Here In My Heart” and “You’re Not Alone.” $30/$45. 7:30pm, MACC, McCoy Studio Theater. mauiarts.org
AUGUST
1
JAZZ MAUI 2014 – Explore Jazz events at multiple island venues presented by Arts Education for Children Group from July 28 to Aug. 3. World renowned trumpeter Valery Ponomarev headlines the MACC show along with and Tommy James of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Hawaii vocalist Shari Lynn. $30. 7:30pm concert, 7pm pre-show concert in courtyard. MACC, McCoy Studio Theater. jazzmaui.org
UPTOWN GET DOWN- Celebrate Request Music’s anniversary with breakdancing and live entertainment on the streets of Wailuku in the Friday Town Party of August. Market Street.
OBON – Takes place at Wailuku Hongwanji Mission. Service at 7pm. Dancing at 8pm.
9
OBON – Takes place at Kahului Jodo Mission. Service at 6:30pm. Dancing at 7:30pm.
DUBFOUNDED – Summer Sessions at Sports Page keep raging, this time with Bud Gaugh, the drummer of Sublime and Long Beach Dub All Stars. Gaugh will perform with his new band Dubfounded and special guest Phil and the Blanx. $10. Sports Page.
16
OBON – Takes place at Paia Rinzai Zen Mission. Service at 6pm. Dancing at 7pm.
22-23
OBON – Takes place at Lahaina Hongwanji Mission. Service at 6:30pm. Dancing at 7:30pm.
30
OBON – Takes place at Kula Shofukuji Mission. Service at 6:30 pm. Dancing at 7:30 pm.
29-31
KA‘ANAPALI FRESH – Take Labor Day to the next level at Ka‘anapali Resort’s dream culinary event. Friday’s sunset chicken skin ceremony, ‘Aha‘aina O Ka‘anapali, will see the Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani lead a flotilla of canoes to the shores of Ka‘anapali Beach with traditional chanting and gift exchange sea to land. Meet the islands farmers at the Grown on Maui Market at the Whalers Village. Craft Mixology is the name of the game at Saturday’s Fresh Mixology 101, where hands-on cocktail crafting and supping get the day rolling. Then culinary enthusiasts gear up for “From Range to Sea,” the signature Food and Wine Festival event that showcases the island’s harvest, along with live entertainment and libations. The grand finale is a six-course menu by six chefs at the Hyatt Maui, a prelude to the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival on Oahu. Kaanapalifresh.com
<a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/mauitime/14347091322″ title=”Ka'anapali Coffee Estate Tour Lunch by Jen Russo, on Flickr”><img src=”https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14347091322_90f5c31bfb.jpg” width=”334″ height=”500″ alt=”Ka'anapali Coffee Estate Tour Lunch”></a>
SEPTEMBER
12-13
CHINESE MOON FESTIVAL – Celebrate the first full moon of harvest season in Lahaina with moon cakes, cooking demonstrations, the Chinese Ribbon Dance, live music with traditional instruments and cultural arts. 1pm. Wo Hing Museum.
OCTOBER
2-5
MAUI FAIR – Parade, EK Fernandez Rides and games, local food at its finest, live entertainment, shopping, art, orchid land, contests, school art, livestock, commercial exhibits, and more. There is something for everyone at Maui’s biggest party. War Memorial. MauiFair.com
MAUI PRIDE – All new gay events include the First Annual Maui Pride Film Festival with special guest Erin Davies and the premier of Fagbug Nation. The exciting LGBTQ news is Frenchie Davis from The Voice is headlining the dinner show! mauipride.com
17-18
LAHAINA PLANTATION DAYS – The Old Pioneer Mill Smokestack hosts this annual party with nostalgic games and rides, and fond remembrances of sugar and pineapple plantation days with historical displays. The plantation grinds food booths, and a farmers market. Kids carnival zone and animal rides. $5, kids 5yrs and younger are free. 5-10:30pm. Old Pioneer Mill Smokestack.
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IRISH ROVERS – Alright laddies, who doesn’t love a good sing along to Drunken Sailor? This is the last go for the Irish Rovers as they are calling it quits to rovin’ Come say goodbye to these fellas on their last world tour bringing you their raucous shanties and Celtic hits for the last time live in their Craic will be Mighty show. $45, $50, $60. 7:30pm. MACC, Castle Theatre. mauiarts.org
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HALLOWEEN IN LAHAINA – The keiki parade gets this hallows eve rolling as Halloween falls on the spookiest day of the week: Friday. The block party to end summer with. Front Street, Lahaina.
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