A&E Wrap-Up: 02-07-20

‘Into the Woods’ opens tonight at Aloha Theatre

Aloha Performing Arts Co. presents “Into the Woods” opening tonight at Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu.

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece — and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

One of Sondheim’s most popular works, the story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later.

Tickets range in price from $22-$30 with tickets for those 18 and younger priced at $12. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays through March 8.

Info/tickets: www.apachawaii.org.

Inaugural Best of Kona Festival Saturday

The Best of Kona Festival is a “first of its kind” lifestyle festival in West Hawaii bringing together all the best that Kona has to offer.

From noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Keauhou Shopping Center attendees will experience a celebration of community where food, culture, arts, education, entertainment and more combine to showcase the best of Kona. Dozens of local businesses, restaurants, food trucks, nonprofits, artists and more will take part in the free event focused on arts and culture, culinary, health and wellness, housing and finance, and lifestyle and family.

There will also be educational presentations on a variety of topics including buying a hope, volunteering and adopting or fostering a pet. In addition, tasting and education of locally sourced produce, how to make flower and ti leaf lei, pound poi, and play makahiki games will be part of the fun. Parents can also talk to admissions representatives from Kona charter schools, keiki can ride miniature ponies, and attendees of all ages can make art and crafts.

Live entertainment includes bands Blue Jade featuring Ann Hoku Lynn, Mis Demeanor &the Felons, Pacific Roots, Shina Romero and Big Island Music Academy and a local hula halau. There will also be a fashion show and a beer garden for those over age 21.

The event was founded by Juilie Ziemelis, Aesha Shapiro and Nichole Lear to give Kona a signature lifestyle event.

Info/schedule: Visit www.bestofkonafestival.com.

Wiliwili Festival this weekend

The 9th annual Wiliwili Festival is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Waikoloa Stables.

The festival is a free, family friendly event that highlights the forest conservation efforts of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative and its community of partners.

The initiative will bring together various organizations that work to protect and restore our natural and cultural resources. Participants will have the opportunity to meet cultural practitioners, scientists, and community leaders to learn more about the important landscapes found on our island.

There will also be kids’ activities, free lectures, music, food vendors, guided preserve tours, a native plant giveaway and a silent auction full of excellent items and adventure packages.

In addition, this year’s festival will feature a beer garden after party from 2-5 p.m. in the stable courtyard. The after-party will include adult beverages, food, games and a live rock band.

The free lectures will range in topics from around the island. Patrick Hart, biology professor from the University of Hawaii, will speak on native birds found in Hawaii’s dryland forests. Faculty from Imiloa Astronomy Center will be presenting a star compass to discuss traditional Hawaiian wayfinding techniques.

Guided tours of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with transportation offered every half hour from the Waikoloa Stables to the preserve provided by Hawaii Forest &Trail. The preserve will be open during these hours to visitors who would like to visit for a self-guided tour.

All proceeds from the Wiliwili Festival will benefit WDFI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to protect, promote, and restore native Hawaiian dry forest through land management, outreach, education, and grassroots advocacy.

Info: Visit www.waikoloadryforest.org, email wdfi@Waikoloadryforest.org or call 494-2208.

SKEA holds Music is Art on Sunday

Music is Art is this Sunday at the Society for Kona’s Education and Art in Honaunau.

Hosted by Clive Salmon and Robert Chung, the event runs 2 to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. Attendees should bring their own instrument, voice, and something they are working on, or something they enjoy to share. All styles of music are encouraged.

Each session will start with a short informal presentation followed by a period of individual performance and end with a jam session. There will be a PA set up and percussion on site. A donation of $5 is requested.

The Society for Kona’s Education and Art is located at 84-5191 Mamalahoa Highway in Honaunau, between mile markers 105 and 106.

Info: Email skea@hawaii.rr.com or call 328-9392.

Hawaii Writers Guild announces new venue

The Hawaii Writers Guild announces a new venue for its Writers’ Voices authors readings. Beginning Thursday, Writers Voices will be held at Tutu’s House in Waimea.

Writers’ Voices is an evening of original readings by Guild members held every other month on the second Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tutu’s house is located at 64-1032 Mamalahoa Highway, suite 305.

Readers at the February Writers’ Voices will include Peter Georgas, Amy Elizabeth Gordon, Dave Fouts and Jada Rufo.

Concerts honor Beethoven’s 250th birthday

Ohrlandos Chamber Ensemble presents two concerts this month honoring German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven.

The concerts featuring Roland Maurer on oboe and bassoon and Ursula Hesse on piano are planned Feb. 15 and 16 at a private residence in Kailua-Kona. Both performances commence at 3 p.m. and a $20 donation is requested.

This year marks the 250th birthday of Beethoven, one of the most important and influential figures in music history. The ensemble will honor the composer with two lesser-known compositions in our its version. Also included will be music by composers close to Beethoven, including a sonata by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and an adagio piece by Louis Spohr. The final point makes an Ohrlando-made arrangement of the “Arpeggione Sonata” by Franz Schubert.

Info/reservations: Email roland.maurer@gmx.ch or call 315-7666.