Of Willie Kahaialii’s rendition of “O Holy Night” off his 1999 album Willie Kalikimaka, YouTube user liquidtension808 effuses, “I’ve always said that when God created this song, he had Willie K in mind. God just let other people sing it before him.” Kahaialii’s newest Christmastime endeavor, Willie Wonderland, stands to elicit similar heartfelt response—especially at the special CD release party slated for this Saturday at the Tropical Plantation. His own operatic pipes will be accompanied by a hand-picked choir of his talented friends and ‘ohana, and additionally features opening acts CJ “Boom” Helekahi as well as Leokane, with mistress of ceremonies “Morning Goddess” Alaka‘i Paleka of KPOA fame. Tickets available at Maui Thing, Queen Kaahumanu Center, Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union and Round Table Pizza. (myislandsoul.com, williek.com) On Sunday, it’s time again for Holiday Pops! with our island’s community symphony, Maui Pops Orchestra. “We try to perform classical music, written for the orchestra, in an entertaining way,” says conductor James Durham. “Style is everything,” he adds with emphatic staccato, and explains he carefully crafts each concert to align with the orchestra’s goal: to “entertain, educate and empower our listening audience to fully enjoy the broad spectrum of music written for the symphony orchestra.” 242-7469, mauiarts.org, mauipops.org
Saturday (December 4), 6pm, Maui Tropical Plantation, $20 advance/$25 door; Sunday (December 5), 3:30pm, Castle Theater, MACC, $10/$21/$26/$41
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