Jimmie Vaughan Trio in Waimea
The Jimmie Vaughan Trio hits the stage on Saturday. The blues legend performs at 7 p.m. at the Kahilu Theatre.
Tickets are $65/$45/$25 and can be purchased at kahilutheatre.org, 885-6868 or at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office located at 67-1186 Lindsey Road in Waimea.
Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival Saturday
KAILUA-KONA — Last year’s winner used Big Island flavored ingredients to create the winning concoction — the aptly named Ka Mai Tai O Keawe, or the Big Island’s Mai Tai.
That sweet-tasting baby had Bacardi Gran Reserva 8 Year and root-washed Kohana Kea Hawaiian agricole rum as its base. Mixed with fresh lime juice, macadamia nut orgeat syrup, coconut vanilla syrup, Lehua Ohia blossom honey and kiawe sea salt foam, the final product earned its creator, Justin Park, $10,000.
But that was then.
Now, it’s time to do it all again.
The Royal Kona Resort’s 11th annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival will be held Saturday, featuring the world’s top bartenders as they return to mix it up and compete for the title of World’s Best Mai Tai and the $10,000 grand prize.
The free event at the oceanfront resort is more than just cocktails.
The Mai Tai Marketplace flush with crafts and island treats from local artisans and merchants will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Battle of the BBQ, serving Hawaii’s best barbecue, will dish up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while the pool party, featuring Hawaiian music legend Henry Kapono, will strum from 2:30-4 p.m.
Still, mai tais there will be.
The main event, the Mai Tai Mix-off, will start at 4:30 p.m. Bartenders from all over the world will compete for the coveted title that comes with its 10 Gs. Second- and third-place finishers will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.
Ceremonies next week offer chance to recognize loved ones
In Hawaii, our fusion of cultures allows us to remember loved ones in many ways, bringing together traditions from around the world.
In August, the public is invited to celebrate the lives of the departed in two uniquely meaningful ceremonies.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will present its 116th annual Memorial Service in the Social Hall at 5:30 p.m., followed by Bon Dance at 7 p.m.
A simple and healing ceremony, open to all, the Community Memorial Service honors those who have passed recently (in the last year or so), as their names are read aloud, and families and friends step forward to place incense in a symbolic gesture of appreciation for their life.
When the service concludes, everyone is welcome to stay, enjoy, and join in the dancing, music, food and celebration.
Names may be submitted in advance by email to misterokumura@yahoo.com, or text 640-4602. During the memorial service, when the person’s name is called, anyone may step forward with friends and family to offer a small amount of incense (provided), with aloha.
And from 5-7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, North Hawaii Hospice invites the community to join in the ninjth annual Floating Lantern Ceremony at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii. Held at near the ocean at Coconut Grove, the event includes live music, hula, taiko drummers and Hawaiian chanting, and will be followed by a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay.
Hulihee concert pays tribute to Kamehameha III
Enjoy a free afternoon at Hulihee Palace 4-5 p.m. Sunday to remember the late King Kamehameha III, “Kauikeaouli.”
Enjoy the voices of the Keolanui Serenaders and Hawaiian performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Donations are appreciated; kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.
Born in 1813, Kauikeaouli was the second surviving son of Kamehameha the Great and he became king when he was 11 years old. During his 30-year reign, he signed the Great Mahele, dividing land among his people; declared the right of religious freedom and instituted the kingdom’s first written constitution.
Line dance lessons starting
Kona Western Dancers is offering eight weeks of line dance lessons on Wednesdays, beginning this Wednesday. Registration begins at 5:30. Cost is $35
Info: konalinedancing@hotmail.com
Performing arts season starts Sept. 3
This fall, Prince Dance Institute (PDI) is offering more than 30 performing arts classes at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Enrollment for classes is now open. The semester begins Sept. 3 and runs weekly through Dec. 19. Represented in the offerings are the disciplines of dance, theatre, music, and acrobatics — with classes available for all ages and skill levels. Performance opportunities are available for interested students.
The winter recital is 4 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Kahilu Theatre.
Registration is now open with scholarships available for qualifying students. The scholarship application deadline for Prince Dance Institute is Aug. 30.
Info: princedanceinstitute.com.