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Star-studded New Year’s Eve event gets county approval

11th annual bash raises money for food bank, MACC

WAILUKU — A star-powered New Year’s Eve concert featuring Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and Grammy Award-winning artist Michael McDonald is moving forward after receiving approvals from Maui County’s Liquor Control Commission.

The 11th annual concert and fireworks show has raised millions of dollars for the Maui Food Bank, Maui Arts & Cultural Center and other local groups over the past decade. Famed Hollywood manager and organizer of the event, Shep Gordon, appeared before the commission Wednesday to obtain an approval to allow donors to bring their children to the Dec. 31 show at Wailea Beach Resort.

“We have a $50,000 donor who has come for 11 years with his children,” Gordon told the commission. “We’ve never asked him to separate with his children on New Year’s Eve. He won’t come if he has to. We have, I think, 11 minors between ages of 15 and 21. If we can’t sit them with their parents, we lose $200,000 to the food bank because they’re our biggest donors. That’s 600,000 meals.

“I’ve done 30,000 concerts — I’m very responsible with liquor. We’ve never had a problem, and I don’t anticipate any problems.”

Gordon told commissioners that patrons 21 years or older will be given wristbands, like at other concerts nationwide, to provide licensed bartenders a visual aid. He added that security will be placed throughout the event to monitor safety.

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I have 11 kids here,” he said. “But they have parents who fly in on a private plane, and believe me, have access to a bar anytime they want — except at our event.”

The event that runs from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. also includes Alice Cooper, Dave Mason, Willie K and others. Gordon said the event is private, and every attendee is screened due to the high-profile people attending.

The cheapest ticket to the event was $675, though the average price was over $1,000, Gordon said. The performers do not make “one penny” off the concert, he said.

Marlene Rice, development director for the food bank, testified during Wednesday’s liquor commission meeting, saying the concert has raised $656,200 and provided 2.6 million meals over the past decade. She said the food bank provides meals for more than 10,000 people a month, with 40 percent going to children.

“Every penny that comes into this event is utilized for people who are food insecure,” Rice said. “This is probably the largest donor the Maui Food Bank has, and we’re so grateful for what they do.”

MACC President and Chief Executive Officer Art Vento also testified in support of the concert. He told commissioners that the center has received $168,500 over the last eight years, and the money has gone directly to arts and education programs with Maui’s youth. He thanked Gordon and resort officials for continuing to host the event.

“This is what we do at the MACC and what Shep does in his heart,” Vento said.

* Chris Sugidono can be reached at csugidono@mauinews.com.

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