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ALL ABOUT EVITA . . . The star of MAPA Live’s production of “Evita” will be sporting a new “do” when she graces the Castle Theater stage for the elaborate run starting on Friday.
But don’t call Amy Hanaiali’i a “platinum blonde.” She’s rather a “chardonnay chanteuse,” with buttery overtones and highlights.
That’s because Hawaii’s top-selling female vocalist of all time will release her new 2013 Hanaiali’i Napa Valley Chardonnay at the private VIP opening party at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
“It will also be available for sale to audience members in the courtyard after 6:30 p.m. on opening night,” explains MAPA Director of Programs Carolyn Wright. “MACC will feature both of Amy’s wines (merlot and chardonnay) as its drink special for the run of ‘Evita.’ “
“This refreshing, sustainably farmed, small vineyard wine represents a celebration of music, life and friendship. I am proud to share this refreshing and buttery delight with you as we spread aloha around the world,” says Hanaiali’i. So don’t cry for her. Be happy!
Serving the pre-show Vietnamese cuisine this weekend will be A Saigon Cafe and next weekend it will be Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
“Amy is releasing a new album also called ‘Chardonnay’ on the opening night of ‘Evita,’ ” says Wright. “She’ll be available in the Yokouchi Pavilion courtyard after each show to sign autographs on the CDs.”
Of course, “Evita” is hot on the heels of Maui Calls, the MACC’s signature fundraiser. Its president and CEO, Art Vento, greeted guests with a warm “welcome aboard” in a ship’s captain costume last Friday.
Reports are in on the final bids of the silent auction. For the private dinner party at Shep Gordon’s house for 10, the winning bidder was Marylou Morgado, benefactors of the MACC’s Morgado Hall. She and husband Bob Morgado will enjoy with their invited guests the evening featuring cuisine by Migrant’s Sheldon Simeon and songs by Maui’s Lily Meola.
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BITS AND PIECES . . . Rumor has it that Beverly and Joe Gannon are now back in the saddle again as sole operators of Joe’s Nuevo Latino in Wailea. . . Veteran Maui restaurateur Raul Bermudez has returned to Kihei, working as a consultant in the culinary department of 5 Palms at Mana Kai Resort. He’s a fab chef. Expect good things to come. . . Montage Kapalua Bay has hired a new executive chef, David Viviano, who most recently came from the St. Regis in Aspen, Colo.
Kai Kanani Sailing Charters will host a farm-to-table sunset cruise Saturday with food by Chef Chris Kulis of Market Maui by Capische?, and beverages by MauiWine, Ocean Vodka and Maui Brewing Co. Also on board will be Bradda Dwight performing live music. Cost is $119 per person.
Burger King at Maui Marketplace in Kahului will host a party celebrating the finalization of its renovation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday with a face painter and a balloon twister, among other festivities.
Hana Cultural Center’s 17th annual Ho’olaule’a will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the “fairgrounds” in front of the Hana Ranch Store.
At the Taste of Hana tent, savor some barbecue chicken by Hatota “Bruddah Hutt” Tehiva; chicken hekka by Maddie Helekahi; pulled-pork sliders by Barry Villiarimo of Barefoot Cafe at Hana Bay; Filipino pork pinakbet by Aunty Myrna Costello; tostadas by Tony Angelini; pancit by Stanley Cabrera; cheeseburgers by Ata’s Burgers; Korean barbecue pork by Masu Hashimoto; veggie plates by Surfin’ Burro (a tenant in the revived Hana Marketplace that’s getting rave reviews); and Pranee’s world-famous Thai curry chicken.
“It will be a fun, tasty event,” says publicist Judy Kinser.