Baby Conversation

We all know people we really don’t like–can’t stand, honestly–but for one reason or another we have to deal with them. Maybe this person is our boss, or our mother, or the guy who comes to fix the cable. We’d much rather drop-kick this person into a dumpster, but circumstances force us to carry on a civil conversation. Wave J. Bannister, author of How to Talk to Someone You Don’t Want to–But Have to–understands our pain. Now he’s on island to give us tips on responding to conflict, predicting behavior patterns in others and figuring out our codependency issues. Free. 6:30-7:30pm. Kihei Public Library (35 Waimahaihai St., Kihei); 808-875-6833; librarieshawaii.org

David Wolfberg

Joel Katz’s music brings me to another era, and the steel guitar is something for the soul to behold. But you don’t have to yearn for days of old to listen: he’s at Mulligans on the Blue this Monday to entertain you with his unique instrument, whether you’re slugging down a pau hana Harp or you’ve come down to enjoy their incredible list of pupus, or even if you’re just enjoying the dinner scene and ocean views at the venerable Irish pub. 6:30pm Mulligan’s (100 Kaukahi St., Wailea); 808-874-1131

Maui finally gets its Morrissey show. His melancholy 80s tunes paved the way for the millennium’s emo set. Some say he created the space for all indie alt rock. His politics have made his music famous and notorious, from “Meat is Murder” to “Girlfriend in a Coma.” Pre-show dinner will be vegetarian fare by Stella Blues. 7:30pm. Tickets $49.50, $59.50, $69.50. Castle Theatre, MACC (One Cameron Way, Kahului); 808-242-7469; mauiarts.org

HAWAIIAN BENEFIT – How about kicking off the weekend with a concert jam-packed with Ekolu, Maoli, Malino, One Inity and more. It’s a “Hawaiian” benefit, and while we aren’t exactly sure what that means or who it specifically benefits, we do know it will be a great night of live music. 10 pm. Ocean’s Beach Bar & Grill (1819 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-891-2414

Ekolu Band

With a few mysterious deaths of Hawaiian monk seals on Molokai still unsolved, the fate of these huge and gentle creatures seems darker than ever. “Today, Hawaiian monk seals are endangered and, although many protection efforts are in place, their numbers are believed to have fallen more than ten percent per year since 1989,” says National Geographic. Here’s a chance for you to hear the latest monk seal news from Hawaii Wildlife Fund biologist Hannah Bernard, NOAA Monk Seal Response Team member Nicole Davis and Monk Seal Foundation member Pat Wardell. Free. 6pm-7:30pm. Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center (lower level, Maalaea Harbor Shops); 808-249-8811 ext.1

Photo: Kent Blackman/Wikimedia Commons

If it seems like there are more beach cleanups than ever, it’s probably because there’s more beach garbage than ever. But The Butterfly Effect, presented by Surfrider’s Maui chapter, is so much more than a beach cleanup. It’s a whole day of stand-up paddle boarding, an all-woman three-mile paddling non-competition, a fashion show and then an after-party at Charley’s with DJ Jay P. and Boomshot (registration is on May 17, 5-7pm, at Flatbread Pizza in Paia). $35 entry fee; $13 cover for after-party, $5 for participants. 8am check-in. Paia Bay Coffee Co. (behind Puka Puka in Paia); betheeffect.com

Exactly 48 days from St. Patty’s day we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day Wikipedia calls a “celebration of Mexican heritage and pride” in America. I don’t know if it’s the deep ocean separating us from the source of the holiday, but we have pretty much watered down the holiday into just tacos and tequila. So grab your Corona and don your sombrero because Cinco falls on a Saturday this year. That means we have license really go south of the border.

Do it right by starting with a big breakfast. We’re thinking huevos rancheros from Fred’s Cantina in Kihei or Pinata’s in Kahului. You’ll need a good base before you hit up all the margarita specials, and there are few better ways than huevos rancheros. And when it comes time for a shot of tequila, summon the courage to stray from Patron and try something different like Corralejo, Cazedores or Peligroso.

Amigos is serving up Mexican specials on food and drinks all day long at their Kahului, Kihei and Lahaina locations. The Maui Onion Festival is having a bartender competition for best Cinco de Mayo drink starting at 2:30pm on Center Stage. Belly up after that at one of Kaanapali’s finest bars: Leilani’s, Hula Grill or Cane and Taro. Oh, and Spanky’s Riptide starts their taco bar and drink specials at 11am. Not on the Westside? Enjoy a leisurely lunch and Milagro’s in Paia. There you can sip some of the best Anejo tequilas found Maui.

After you have spent your afternoon with Mexican beers and margies, recharge with a quick siesta and get back on your horse. It’s time to get wild. Fred’s Cantina will have the Gringo Mariachis spicing up sounds. Taco Bar at Ocean’s opens at 4pm with GoGo Dancers and rad electronic giveaways at 9pm. Diamonds has $3 and $4 Mexi beers all night. FreeRadicals Projekt will be at Mulligan’s with DJ Boomshot at 9pm. And there’s a fiesta at the Triangle with Shaun Kamakazi at Three’s, DJ Decka at Ambrosia and Happy Cinco at Dog and Duck.

Shake your tail feathers at Charley’s in Paia’s with their Brazilian Cinco De Mayo Tribal House Carnival, Latin beats, shakers, whistles horns and percussionists. In Makawao, Dr. Nat and Rio Ritmo teams up with Kit Kat Cabaret to give Cinco the burlesque treatment.

Back on the Westside, Longhi’s celebrates hairy lips with DJ Ills Mustache Party, artists in action and drink specials. Next door, Hard Rock Cafe has DJ Kurt & Trvr with a House Dubstep Hip Hop session, free nachos bar and margarita specials. Cool Cat has Jomo Pemberton and Jah Seed playing and Patron while Capt Jack’s has Johnny Ringo and Sauza. Still awake? Continue onto Spanky’s for their Cinco de Derby and Timba’s Patrona.

JUST SCRAP XVI – For you MMA fans out there, this is the real deal. Chad “The Brahma Bull” Thomas will take on Lolohea Mahe while Adam Akau (from Maui!) will go against UFC Veteran Scott Junk. This is as good as it gets (until, presumably, Just Scrap XVII, but we’re just saying). Anyway, all seating is first-come, first-served, so get there early. $20 general, $30 cageside. Doors open 6pm, Scrap starts at 7pm. War Memorial Gym (700 Halia Nakoa St., Wailuku); BJPenn.com/tickets

The 35th annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards are scheduled for May 27 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Visit nahokuhanohano.org for more information.

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The Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts (“HARA”) has announced the Final Ballot Nominees for the 35th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, per below. There are 27 categories, including Technical and Adjudicated categories, as well as a brand new category, International Album of the Year, with artists from Japan and Korea among the finalists.

35TH ANNUAL NA HOKU HANOHANO AWARDS FINALISTS

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Most Promising Artist of the Year

1. ABRIGO OHANA, Ekahi (Abrigo Ohana) 
2. KAINALU, Kainalu (Mellowsoul)
3. STARR KALAHIKI, Salt (Kipuka)
4. KAWENA, Salty Kisses (Kawena Mechler)
5. JOHN IOANE KEANAAINA, JR., Na Mele O Ioane Keanaaina (no label)
6. JOSH TATOFI, This Love (Waiehu)

Female Vocalist of the Year

1. NATALIE AI KAMAUU, A (Keko)
2. RAIATEA HELM, Sea of Love (Raiatea Helm)
3. STARR KALAHIKI, Salt (Kipuka)
4. LEHUA KALIMA, Rising in Love (Kalima)
5. MAILANI MAKAINAI, Aina (Mountain Apple)

EP (“Extended Play” Release) of the Year

1. CHRISTMAS FROM HAWAII, Fran Kalb and Glenda Delenstarr (Rising Star)
2. HOLIDAYS IN HULAVILLE VOLUME 1, Hot Club of Hulaville (Hulaville)
3. INTIRE PROJECT, THE, The Intire Project (Aumakua) 
4. NA MELE O IOANE KEANAAINA, John Ioane Keanaaina, Jr. (no label) 
5. SALTY KISSES, Kawena (Kawena Mechler) 

Religious Album of the Year

1. CHUCKY BOY CHOCK AND FRIENDS, Chucky Boy Chock (New Song Music)
2. LITTLE PRAYER, Dennis and Christy Soares (Elation)
3. NOW IS THE TIME – LIVE WORSHIP FROM HOPE CHAPEL WEST OAHU, Hope Chapel West Oahu (Hope Music)
4. SENT, THE, Kamalei Mark Teves (no label)

Group of the Year

1. EKOLU, Simply for Love (Waiehu)
2. HIIKUA, Aia I Hiialo (Kanemakua)
3. DENNIS KAMAKAHI & STEPHEN INGLIS, Waimaka Helelei (Aumakua)
4. NUFF SEDD, Life…In a Song (Goofyfoot)
5. WAIPUNA, E Hoi Mai (Poki)

Hip Hop Album of the Year

1. DROWN ‘EM IN BEATS – SAVE ‘EM WITH RHYMES, Nocturnal Sound Crew & Slapp Symphony (Slapp Symphony)
2. ILLNOMADIC, Navid Najafi (Aumakua)
3. NOW! SERVING FAMILY DINNER – A SPORKFUL OF FUNK!!!, Family Dinner Band (Pass Out)
4. REFLECTIONS, Tripple Los (Gotthos)

Compilation Album of the Year

1. HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS, A, Various Artists (HCUCC) Kenneth Makuakane, Jon Brekke, Charles Buck, Lisa Doud, Jeff Orig, and Tasha Tavares-Makuakane – producers
2. HOALA IAPANA, Various Artists (no label) Dave Tucciarone – Producer
3. ISLAND STYLE UKULELE, Various Artists (Neos) Bob St. John and Pati St. John – Producers
4. REBUILDING – YOU GOTTA START SOMEWHERE, Various Artists (Voyager) Kenneth Makuakane – Producer
5. SOUL SEARCHING – WORLDWIDE COMPOSERS VOL.2, Dennis Soares (Elation) Dennis Soares – Producer                                                                                                                          

Single of the Year

1. AINAHAU, Waipuna (Poki) 
2. AMAZING GRACE, Jake Shimabukuro (Hitchhike)
3. HIDEAWAY, Kapena (featuring Kalena Ku) (KDE)
4. I FOUND MY LOVE IN WAIKIKI, Brad Kawakami (Lele)
5. WALK AWAY, Bruddah Waltah (Rubbah Slippah)

Male Vocalist of the Year

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO, Hula (Mountain Apple)
2. SHAWN ISHIMOTO, John Valentine Presents Shawn My Kine of Music V.3 (Studio Valentine)
3. WILLIE K, Warehouse Blues (Maui Tribe)
4. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, Kaunaloa (Kuana Torres Kahele)
5. HENRY KAPONO, Henry (Kapono)

Anthology Album of the Year

1. ISLAND IN YOUR EYES, Various Artists (Mountain Apple) Jon de Mello – Producer
2. JOURNEY OF LIGHT…THE EARLY YEARS, Leiohu Ryder (Ululoa) Leiohu Ryder and Jake Rohrer – Producers
3. KEKUMUWAI, Pandanus Club (Makuakane) Kenneth Makuakane, Chris Keliiaa, and Tash Tavares-Makuakane – Producers
4. LIVE A LITTLE…HAWAIIAN STYLE Vol. 2, Various Artists (Mountain Apple) Jon de Mello – Producer
5. TROPICS, Henry Kapono (Kapono) Henry Kapono and Lezlee Kaaihue – Producers

Instrumental Album of the Year

1. HAWAIIAN AT HEART – UNIQUE UKULELE ARTISTRY, Harold Uchino (He-U) 
2. MYSTICAL SOUL, Dennis Soares (Elation)
3. OPEN TUNING IMPROVISATIONS, Dennis Soares (Elation)
4. PEACE LOVE UKULELE, Jake Shimabukuro (Hitchhike)
5. REJECTS FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY IMAGINARY MOVIE, David Kauahikaua (Tiki)
6. UKULELE ISLAND, Kenneth Makuakane (Makuakane)

Slack Key Album of the Year

1. IN MY HEART – HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR & UKULELE INSTRUMENTALS, Doug and  Sandy McMaster (Aloha Plenty)
2. KAMAALUA, Patrick Landeza (Addison Street)
3. NA LANI O MAUI – MAUI SKIES, TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR, James Kimo West (Westernmost)
4. WAIMAKA HELELEI, Dennis Kamakahi and Stephen Inglis (Aumakua)
5. WAO AKUA (THE FOREST OF THE GODS) HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR INSTRUMENTALS, George Kahumoku, Jr. (Daniel Ho)

Island Music Album of the Year

1. E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)
2. EKAHI, Abrigo Ohana (Abrigo Ohana)
3. MYSTICAL MOLOKAI, Eddie Akio Waimakanui Tanaka, Jr. (Mystical Molokai)
4. NO KUUIPO, Ahumanu (Ululoa)
5. SEA OF LOVE, Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm)

Jazz Album of the Year

1. SALT, Starr Kalihiki (Kipuka)
2. SENTIMENTAL SWING – VIOLIN, Duane Padilla (no label)
3. TONE COLORS, Les Peetz, Dean Taba, and Noel Okimoto (OK No Name)
4. UKULELE JAZZ LIVE IN CONCERT HILO, HAWAII, Benny Chong (no label)
5. WE GO TO HILO, Glen Goto and Friends (Sweet Brown Pitbull)

Contemporary Album of the Year

1. CONTAGIOUS, Kanohowailuku Helm (Anahaki)
2. HENRY, Henry Kapono (Kapono)
3. KAINALU, Kainalu (Mellowsound)
4. MY JOURNEY, LT Smooth (Rhythm and Roots)
5. RISING IN LOVE, Lehua Kalima (Kalima)

Reggae Album of the Year

1. FEELING GOOD, Micah G (HI Finest)
2. GOT THIS MUSIC, Natural Vibrations (GO Aloha)
3. LOVE TOWN, Kolohe Kai (GO Aloha)
4. SIMPLY FOR LOVE, Ekolu (Waiehu)
5. WAYS & MEANS, The Green (Easy Star)

Hawaiian Album of the Year

1. A, Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko)
2. AIA I HIIALO, Hiikua (Kanemakua)
3. AINA, Mailani Makainai (Mountain Apple)
4. HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
5. KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Rock Album of the Year

1. DEEP WATER, Allan Thomas (Black Bamboo)
2. INVENT, Sing the Body (Aumakua)
3. LEGS OF OUR OWN, The Throwdowns (The Throwdowns)
4. PIMPBOT, Pimpbot (Pass Out)
5. WAREHOUSE BLUES, Willie K (Maui Tribe)

Album of the Year

1. A, Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko) Dave Tucciarone, Iolani Kamauu and Natalie Ai Kamauu – Producers
2. AINA, Mailani Makainai (Mountain Apple) Dr. Trey and Jon de Mello – Producers
3. E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki) Kale Chang and Waipuna – Producers
4. HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple) Jon de Mello and Robert Cazimero – Producers
5. KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele) Kuana Torres Kahele and Dave Tucciarone –  Producers

Song of the Year

1. E IKE I KA NANI AO POLIAHU by Kawaikapuokalani Hewett from E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)
2. KUU PUA PAKALANA by Natalie Ai Kamauu from A, Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko)
3. NA VACQUEROS by Kuana Torres Kahele from KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. NAU HOOKAHI by Robert Cazimero from HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
5. RISING IN LOVE by Lehua Kalima from RISING IN LOVE, Lehua Kalima (Kalima)

Favorite Entertainer of the Year

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO
2. RAIATEA HELM
3. HI`IKUA
4. WIILIE K
5. KUANA TORRES KAHELE
6. LEHUA KALIMA
7. NATALIE AI KAMAUU
8. MAILANI MAKAINAI  
9. JAKE SHIMABUKURO
10. WAIPUNA
    

Graphics Award

1. JON de MELLO AND ROBERT CAZIMERO, for HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
2. JON de MELLO AND KEITH USHER, for AINA, Mailani Makainai (Mountain Apple
3. NEAL IZUMI, KAUILA BARBER, AND ESTHER SADA, for SALT, Starr Kalahiki (Kipuka)
4. GRANT MIYASAKI, for SEA OF LOVE, Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm)
5. KUHAO ZANE AND KAMELE ESKARAN, for KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Liner Notes Award

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO, for HULA, Robert Cazimero (Mountain Apple)
2. KAMA HOPKINS, for AIA I HIIALO, Hiikua (Kanemakua)
3. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, for KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. STEPHEN INGLIS, for WAIMAKA HELELEI, Dennis Kamakahi and Stephen Inglis (Aumakua) 
5. NEIL J. HANNAHS, for E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)

2012 ADJUDICATED FINALISTS
Note:  Each of these categories is voted on by a separate panel of judges.

Haku Mele

1. KUONOONO, by Puakea Nogelmeier from E HOI MAI, Waipuna (Poki)
2. KUU HOA HIIKUA, by Kalehua Krug from AIA I HI`IALO, Hiikua (Kanemakua)
3. WAIKAHULI, by Kuana Torres Kahele from KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. WAIMAKA HELELEI, by Rev. Dennis Kamakahi from WAIMAKA HELELEI (Aumakua)
5. WAIMANU I KA LAUOHA, by Kuana Torres Kahele from KAUNALOA, Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)

Hawaiian Language Performance

1. ROBERT CAZIMERO, Hula (Mountain Apple)
2. HI`IKUA, Aia I Hiialo (Kanemakua)
3. KUANA TORRES KAHELE, Kaunaloa (Kuana Torres Kahele)
4. NATALIE AI KAMAUU, A (Keko)
5. WAIPUNA, E Hoi Mai (Poki)
   

Engineering Award

1. WENDELL CHING for Lover’s Race (Afflatus)
2. WENDELL CHING, BRAD WATANABE, AND JP KENNEDY for Self Titled, Hot Rain (Afflatus)
3. JEFF GAETH for Shoestrings, Jeff Gaeth (Puna)
4. MATTHEW HONDA, TATSUYA SATO, AND JAY FRANCO for Drown ‘Em in Beats – Save ‘em with Rhymes, Nocturnal Sound Krew & Slapp Symphony (Slapp Symphony)
5. SHAWN PIMENTAL AND MICHAEL GRANDE for Rising in Love, Lehua Kalima (Kalima)

International Album of the Year – NEW CATEGORY

1. HAWAIIAN MUSIC FOR HULA, Kapalili (Studio 273)
2. KA PILINA, Park Sang Eon (Gois, Inc.)
3. KAYO HULA, VOL. 2, ASIAN MELE HULA, Various Artists (Maunaloa)
4. MY SWEET LEI, Na Lei (Amane)
5. OHANA, Kaulana (Kaulana)