WHO/WHAT: The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui (JCS Maui) will welcome the Year of the Sheep at its annual Shinnen Enkai (New Year) dinner.
WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Elleair Rainbow Room at the Maui Beach Hotel. The Shinnen Enkai will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the traditional otoso (sake welcome) with no-host cocktail hour to follow. Dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT: The event will feature Keith Nakaganeku who produced and released “Hawaiian Jazz Done Asian Style.” Nakaganeku began uta-sanshin at the age of 8 under his grandfather’s tutelage and by the age of 14, was one of the first U.S.-born Okinawan musicians to earn the first-level certificate in the Geino Konkuru in Okinawa. He currently holds the title of kyoshi (instructor) and is the chapter president of the Nomura Ryu Ongaku Kyo Kai Hawaii Shibu. Nakaganeku is also the lead vocalist and ukulele player for Calabash, a muti-genre/cross-culture band.
COST: $50 for adults, $20 for children (6-11 years old), free for children ages 5 and under.
Tickets are available through the Maui Box Shop and Credit Associates in Wailuku, and Sanrio at Queen Kaahumanu Center until Monday, Jan. 19. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door. For more information, call Yuki Lei Sugimura at (808) 870-8047.
