Through 9/9
21st Century Women
Showing works created within the past 18 years, this second installment of a two-part series by contemporary woman artists engages with the cultural and political issues of the current era (with particular regard to sex and gender). Gender identity and the #MeToo movement join immemorial artistic explorations of place, nature, family, memory and mythology in a collection both haunting and thought-provoking. $10, Honolulu Museum of Art, Makiki/Ward, O‘ahu
THROUGH FEBRUARY 2020
Louise Nevelson & Lee Bontecou
In the HoMA’s temporary exhibitions gallery, see eight arresting works by two influential American artists, both noted for their work in deep, otherworldly blacks and their use of industrial materials. Here, iconic pieces that will be familiar to fans of the artists appear alongside lesser-seen works. $10, Honolulu Museum of Art, Makiki/Ward, O‘ahu
9/7
Jody Watley: Unplugged
For just one evening, the Blue Note presents the acoustic stylings of Grammy winner Jody Watley, whose bona fides begin with “Friends,” her 1987 collab with Eric B. and Rakim, and continue through the decades with her unique blending of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and pop music. With top 40 singles in R&B, dance and smooth jazz, this timeless artist is difficult to pigeonhole into any one style or genre—but therein lies the magic that is Jody Watley. 6:30 & 9pm, VIP seating $45, Blue Note Hawaii, Waikiki, O‘ahu
9/20-22
Keiko Matsui
Duke Ellington called her music “beyond category,” and the Japanese composer and keyboardist plays to that expectation, bringing to her performances a genre-blurring sound that evokes both formal composition and spiritual sound. Matsui draws on the traditions of jazz, new age and more to create a trademark sound that is unique and resonant. 6:30 & 9pm, premium seating $45, Blue Note Hawaii, Waikiki, O‘ahu
9/29
Maui ‘Ukulele Festival
The annual cultural fest, hosted by MACC, is a wonderfully relaxed site for all ages to kick back, talk story and take in the sweet sounds of acclaimed ‘ukulele musicians doing what they do best. Delicious local food is available for purchase at this outdoor event, and admission is complimentary. 1-6pm, free, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, A&B Amphitheater, Kahului, Maui
10/18 & 19
The Music of Queen
The excitement of rock ’n’ roll, the elegant power of orchestral theater and the frothy pleasure of throwback pop culture coalesce in this absolutely vibrant show. Queen and Freddie Mercury’s music are brought to the stage with the star power of Brody Dolyniuk’s vocals and Brent Haven’s masterful command of the orchestra, which is joined by a full rock band. 7:30pm, premium orchestra tickets $92, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Kaka`ako, O‘ahu
10/19
The Moth—True Stories Told Live
The famed Moth Radio Hour—tagline: “true stories, told live, without notes”—comes to Honolulu. Anyone familiar with the radio show or its accompanying Moth Podcast can speak to the vast range of emotions provoked by the deeply personal stories shared by live storytellers. Prepare to laugh until your cheeks hurt, let loose a few tears and become a lifelong fan of the compelling power of people sharing their true vulnerable experiences. 7:30pm, premium tickets $88, Hawaii Theatre, Chinatown, O‘ahu
Photography by: venues
