Mick Fleetwood, one-time Jimi Hendrix bassist Billy Cox and members of The Rolling Stones’ touring band are among the many musicians set to perform at an upcoming festival on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The inaugural Maui Music & Food Experience will take place September 5-7. The event will help support those affected by the devastating fires that hit the town of Lahaina in August 2023. The fires destroyed a large part of the town and killed more than 100 people.
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The festival will be held at multiple locations in Maui and will include a variety of musical performances. It also will celebrate the culinary arts while offering a range of food choices.
The Maui Music & Food Experience is being presented by the Hua Momona Foundation. The non-profit organization was founded by Lahaina-based microgreens supplier Hua Momona Farms. The foundation supports the Maui community by providing food, helping those in need of replacement housing, supporting mental health programs, and hosting fundraisers to benefit local residents.
Incidentally, Fleetwood was personally affected by the Lahaina fire. The Fleetwood Mac drummer, who is a longtime Maui resident, owned a restaurant and music venue in Lahaina that was among the many businesses destroyed by the fire.
Star-Studded Jimi Hendrix Tribute
One of the festival’s highlights will be the “Music at the MACC” event, which will take place September 7. The event will feature an outdoor concert at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, followed by an indoor show at the center’s Castle Theater. The concert will include a tribute to Hendrix and the 1970 concert film Rainbow Bridge, which was filmed on Maui.
Among the musicians slated to take part in the Hendrix tribute are Fleetwood, Cox, Rolling Stones touring members Darryl Jones and Bernard Fowler, The Isley Brothers’ Ernie Isley, Charlie Sexton, and Ivan Neville. According to a press statement, Cox may be giving one of his last performances at the event. Billy was a member of both the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Hendrix’s side group Band of Gypsys. He performed with Hendrix at the Maui shows documented in Rainbow Bridge.
Other Events at the Festival
The festival will kick off September 5 with the “Night at the Farm” event at Hua Momona Farms. The event will give the top donors to the cause the opportunity to welcome the participating artists to Maui while enjoying chef stations, fine wines and solo music performances.
The Maui Music & Food Experience will continue on September 6 with a gala at The Ritz-Carlton Maui in Kapalua. The gathering will feature celebrity chefs, a live auction, and more music performances.
Besides attending the various events, people can help support the Maui community by donating to the Hua Momona Foundation. You can visit HuaMomonaFarms.com to purchase event tickets, to donate money, and for more information.
Statement from the Hua Momona Foundation’s Founder
“We are thrilled to bring together such a unique and eclectic set of artists for the Maui Music & Food Experience,” Hua Momona Foundation founder Gary Grube said in a statement. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see many of these artists and we encourage music lovers not to miss out. For those who can’t make it to the event, you can still support our efforts by visiting the Maui Music & Food Experience website. Every contribution helps us continue our vital recovery work for the Lahaina community.”
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