Kani Wai CD

There are concerts, there are wine dinners, there are CD release parties, but seldom are all three rolled into one smashing event. That’s exactly what fans and foodies will enjoy next Sunday, November 15th, at Lulu’s Lahaina when one of our favorite local eateries presents a special evening starting at 6 p.m. featuring a live performance by one of our favorite performers, Maui’s own Grammy Award Winning Slack Key Guitar Master, George Kahumoku, Jr.

George Kahumoku, Jr.

Thousands of adoring fans have thrilled to the sounds of George’s music at the Slack Key Master’s Concert series formerly presented at the Ritz Carlton and more recently at Napili Kai Resort. Ever since the esteemed Grammy Awards began including a category for Hawaiian Music, George Kahumoku has been at the podium on Grammy night. In February of 2006, George and fellow slack key artists and producers were thrilled to receive the 48th Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Album for their compilation recording, Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 1: Live in Concert from Maui. The sequels to this recording, Legends of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar: Live from Maui won the 49th Grammy and then in 2008, Treasures of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar won the 50th Grammy Award. In 2009, The Spirit of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar found George an honored Grammy nominee once again.

George’s most recent release, Kani Wai – Sounds of Water is collaboration with Bob Brozman, a Na Hoku Award winner himself. Brozman’s acoustic steel guitar provides the perfect pairing with George’s voice and 12 string slack key tuning.

Lulu’s Wine Dinner offers another example of perfect pairings. The reception at the evening’s event starts with Estancia Chardonnay, followed by Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand poured while guests enjoy Da North Shore Salad, made from chopped sweet Maui onions, Olowalu Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts, grilled avocado, feta cheese and rock shrimp. It’s a Lulu’s specialty and you’ll love it!

The next course offers a choice of entrees including Lulu’s Famous Meatloaf wrapped in smoked applewood bacon in a mushroom bordelaise sauce, topped with Maui onion jam and horseradish cream. Mahimahi, pan seared in a smoked shrimp crust over polenta and white asparagus is the second option. Both entrees will be accompanied by a Blackstone Merlet “Sonoma Reserve” 2006.

Chocolate Lava Souffle topped with homemade caramel wraps up the dinner, but not before waiters fill glasses one more time with Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Moscato 2008.

Cost is a mere $30 and includes a Kani Wai CD, world-class live entertainment from George, wine and three course dinner! Tax and gratuity not included. Call 808-661-0808 to make reservations for what is sure to be a sell-out event!