The new glass topped outdoorvenue at the
MACC called the Yokouchi Pavilion was sold out for the first of two shows by Sir Elton John who christened the beautifully designed venue with a huge show full of lights, incredible music and anenthusiastic Maui crowd.
The new venue glowed like a Christmas tree with all the new lights shining through the glass roof and stage lights flashing back on the crowd of well over 5,000 lucky ticket holders.
Sir Elton made a grand entrance onto the stage and wowed the crowd with his first piano song "Funeral for a Friend" which lasted 11 minutes.
I was right down in front along with the other official professional photographer for the concert, Amanda Cowan, from the
Maui News.
Amanda shot and scored with several images on the front page and section of the Maui News today. It's always a pleasure shooting with other photographers who know how to capture a show and Amanda is no exception!
Sir Elton played to the crowd who instantly stood and gave a warm Maui welcome for the returning musical icon. The crowd was actually on their feet every time Elton played a song, dancing and waving their arms and singing along to all of his hits.
The GA section in the bleachers was the best chorus!!Elton offset his high energy songs with a couple of ballads on the piano which just made the show by the super star even more endearing. Happy fans snapped up red flashing sunglasses and Elton John t shirts from every era of his career from the Merchandise tents.I think I found my true calling. I love shooting concerts and am a huge supporter of the arts and arts education on Maui.
The MACC asked me to start shooting concerts and events there 3 years ago and I am forever grateful for the chance to be part of a collective positive energy. The staff and volunteers at the MACC work harder than any team I have ever met, with long hours and high stress situations, they always handle everything in stride and with a smile. What a joy to work with such a great crew! I am truly blessed to be part of the MACC family. It's always fun to be part of something that brings positive energy, smile, laughter and dancing to our island community.
Thank you,
Sir Elton John, Art Vento at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Tom Moffat Productions and the hard working staff, crew and volunteers at the MACC for bringing such incredible musical talent to our island. We truly appreciate it and look forward to the next show!
A hui hou,
Aubrey
Damian Marley and Nas brought reggae fans to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for a packed Maui concert recently. The two put on a show filled with hip hop, reggae and the sounds of Damian Marley's Jamaican home. The Maui music scene buzzed for weeks prior to the sold out show and fans were treated to a live performance in the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's new Yokouchi Pavilion.
See you at the next show!
The new venue glowed like a Christmas tree with all the new lights shining through the glass roof and stage lights flashing back on the crowd of well over 5,000 lucky ticket holders.
One of my favorite World Music groups performed on Maui last week at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center to a nearly full house. Ladysmith Black Mambazo showed off their high steps (complete with red socks!) to the sounds of smooth voices from South Africa. Ladysmith beacame even more famous with the partnership with Paul Simon on his Graceland album a few years ago. The group was founded over 40 years ago in South Africa and has performed all over the world This was their third performance on Maui at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
And now to Elton John next month!
Fans squealed at a pitch so high many thought windows would shatter. It was unreal that 1500 teenage girls could reach a fevered pitch that high but earplugs were the ticket that night for sure!
Hawaii born Brumo Mars was a colorful act from the start, singing his favorite hits while cameras flashed and video cameras followed his every move on stage as they shot a video.
Another fun night for everyone!
A hui hou,
I get to do what I love and listen to great music while I work (with ear plugs in-hee hee!). 
It has been an incredible year for concerts at the MACC. Our little tropical island has hosted musical legends including Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffet, Journey, Aerosmith, Loggins and Messina, Pablo Cruise, John Legend, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. 
And local musical legends including Willie K, Eric Gilliom, Richard Ho'opi'i, Ryan Kamaka Fernandez, Jeff Peterson, Vince Esquire and Makana just to name a few. 
Richard Ho'opi'i
Ryan Kamaka Fernandez
Roy Sakuma
Hula at the MACC
Jeff Peterson
Anthony Natividad on traditional Hawaiian nose flute
Makana 
Aerosmith's Joe Perry
Vince Esquire
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler
The Beach Boys
Boz Scaggs
Michael McDonald
John Legend
John Legend
Eric Gilliom 
