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Arts and Culture Calendar (October 2023)

October 3, 2023
Prince Lot Hula Festival promotional graphic

This arts and culture calendar features SFCA grantees, partners, and Hawaiʻi state and local government programs and events. Questions regarding a particular program or event should be directed to the organization listed with the opportunity. Inclusion here should not be interpreted as an endorsement.

Workshops and Classes

  • Bishop Museum “Ola Ka Noʻeau: Excellence in Hawaiian Artistry” exhibit features artwork from 13 notable Hawaiian artists. Public programming includes a series of Living Culture workshops by some of the featured artists. October 28, makau workshop with ʻUmi Kai. Learn more about the exhibit and workshops on the Bishop Museum website: BishopMuseum.org/okn.
  • HoʻomaluhiaBotanical Garden drawing and painting on Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Paint and draw plants, flowers, and seeds provided from this rainforest garden. For more information, please visit the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden website: HBG Ho`omaluhia (honolulu.gov).
  • Kauaʻi Songwriters Music Festival workshops with Kealoha (performance), Ken Emerson (slack and steel guitar), Jason Blume (songwriting), and Rock Hendricks (production and engineering). Workshop tickets include a concert ticket. October 14, 2023 at the Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay. For more information, please go to KauaiSongwriters.com.
  • US Small Business Administration (SBA) (Hawaiʻi Pacific Islands)
    • Starting a Small Business in Hawaiʻi online webinar, Wednesday November 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Register on the SBA website: sba.gov/event/28567.
  • Wailoa Center (Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island) “Hana No Ke Au Ho: hana noʻeau in contemporary times” exhibit art activities: Pua Hulu workshop October 7, Ohe Kāpala Fun-Foam October 14, Native Bird Masks October 21. For more information please visit the Wailoa Center website: WailoaCenter.com.

Art Exhibitions

  • Bishop Museum in partnership with the PAʻI Foundation’s Maoli Arts Movement (MAMo) initiative presents “Ola Ka Noʻeau: Excellence in Hawaiian Artistry” through October 29, 2023. This exhibition explores the genealogy of Hawaiian artistry, particularly through generational transmission of knowledge. Works on view include examples of featherwork, barkcloth, toolmaking, decorated gourds, visual design, and plaiting. For more information, please visit the Bishop Museum website: BishopMuseum.org/OKN.
  • East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center (EHCC) “Haili Moe” through November 24, 2023 curated by Kanani Daley, featuring artworks by Nanea Lum, Mahina Choy-Ellis, Ciara Leina‘ala Lacy, Allison Leialoha Milham, Dr. Jamaica  Heolimeleikalani Osorio, Kumu Pōlani Kahakalau-Kalima Hālau Hula Kauluola. For more information please visit the EHCC website: ehcc.org/content/haili-moe.
  • First Hawaiian Center gallery at First Hawaiian Bank (downtown Honolulu) “Elements” exhibit with Kamran Samimi, Kalani Largusa, Lonny Tomono through December 2, 2023.
  • Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2023 open through October 28 at the Downtown Art Center (Honolulu). For more information, please visit the Hawaiʻi Craftsmen website: HawaiiCraftsmen.org.
  • Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui and The Glass Fusion Collective “Surrounded by Water” juried art exhibition, Kahilu Theatre Galleries (Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island) through October 30, 2023. For more information, the Handweavers’ Hui website at HawaiiHandweavers.org. Exhibit videos – juror walkthrough and artist interviews – are now available on YouTube. Go to the Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui YouTube page to view: https://www.youtube.com/@hawaiihandweavershui.
  • Capitol Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum) current exhibits “Accession: new additions to the Art in Public Places Collection”, “Fear of the Unknown” and “Creatures and Characters”. First Friday Honolulu Pride event October 6, 6-9 p.m., The Vibe live all-ages music event Friday October 13, 6-9 p.m., Super Saturday family art making October 28, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. More information on the Capitol Modern website: CapitolModern.org/events.
  • “Reflections in Water” Hawaiʻi Watercolor Society exhibition at the East-West Center (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu) through October 1, 2023. Watercolor painting workshop September 9 and ʻOhana Day with family-friendly activities October 1. For more information, please visit the East-West Center website: EastWestCenter.org/education/arts-program/gallery-exhibition-reflections-water-2023-hawaii-watercolor-society-open.
  • Mālama Wao Akua 2023 exhibit at the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center (Makawao, Maui) in collaboration with East Maui Watershed Partnership through November 3, 2023. Juried art exhibit celebrating the native species of Maui Nui. For more information, please visit the Hui Noʻeau website: HuiNoeau.com/exhibitions/2023/malamawaoakua.
    • Talk Story Thursdays at Hui Noʻeau in conjunction with the exhibit, a different industry leader from the field of conservation will be hosted.
    • September 21, 5:00 p.m. Zach Pezzillo, Technician for Maui Nui Plant Extinction Prevention Program
    • October 12, 5:00 p.m. Michael Walker – State Fire Protection Forestor, Department of Land and Natural Resources/Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR/DOFAW)October 19, 5:00 p.m.
    • Keahi Bustamente, DLNR/DOFAW Maui Nui Program Coordinator for Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program November 2, 5:00 p.m.
    • Dr. Arthur Medeiros, Program Manager for Auwahi Restoration Project
  • Kauaʻi Society of Artists, KSA Gallery.
    • “Art Kauaʻi 2023” September 16 – October 27
    • “Small Works Show” November 18-January 5, 2024
  • Leeward Community College (Pearl City, Oʻahu)
    • “Facing Future: Faculty Exhibition Past & Present” at the Hō’ikeākea Gallery, through October 14, 2023.
    • “Ghosts of War” art exhibit at the Hō’ikeākea Gallery, October 28 – December 30, 2023. Opening reception October 28, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    • For more information, please visit the Leeward Community College website: leeward.hawaii.edu/the-arts#hoikeakea.
  • Wailoa Arts Center 2023 Exhibits (Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island)
    • “13th Annual Abstract Only!” August 4 – September 14, 2023
    • “Hana no ke Au Hou” October 6-26, 2023“15th Annual Hawaiʻi Nei” November 3 – December 14, 2023
    • Learn more on the Wailoa Arts Center website: WailoaCenter.com.

University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa Department of Art and Art History

  • “Honolulu New Painting Invitational”, August 27 – October 22, 2023. The Art Gallery, University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. Public lecture series:
    • October 19, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Kainoa Kruspe
  • “Abstract Fragments” faculty exhibition, August 27 – September 30, 2023. Commons Gallery, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
  • “Jean Charlot as Critic: Art in Hawaiʻi, 1950-1970”, opening 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. August 27 at the John Young Museum of Art.
  • Learn more on the UHM Art and Art History Department website: hawaii.edu/art/exhibitions-events-museum.

Festivals

  • City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation
    • 35th Annual Talk Story Festival at the Missions Memorial Auditorium, Friday October 13, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    • 47th Annual Mayor’s Craft and Country Fair at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall, Saturday November 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Kapolei City Lights block party and parade, Saturday December 9, 2023. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
    • Full calendar of events on the Honolulu.gov website: Department of Parks and Recreation Home (honolulu.gov).
  • 2023 Hawaiʻi Book and Music Festival October 20-22, 2023 hybrid event – some online, some in-person at the University of Hawaiʻi-Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law. For more information, please visit the Hawaiʻi Book and Music Festival website: Hawaiʻi Book & Music Festival (hawaiibookandmusicfestival.com).
  • Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC)16th Annual Maui ʻUkulele Festival October 8, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Alexander and Baldwin Amphitheatre. Free admission! The concert will also be livestreamed on MauiArts.org, Facebook, and YouTube. For more information please visit the MACC website: MauiArts.org/show-info.php?id=880.
  • Kauai Matsuri Festival 2023 a Japanese cultural festival Saturday, October 14, Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Free admission, open to the public. For more information, please visit the Kauaʻi Japanese Cultural Society website: KauaiJCS.org.
  • Kauaʻi Songwriters Music Festival concert, October 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay. For more information, please go to KauaiSongwriters.com.

Performances and Presentations

  • Hawaiʻi State Public Library System free events at public libraries include storytime, crafting, and music performances. Learn more about public library events on the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System website: LibrariesHawaii.org/events. Below are just a few of the free events and presentations happening this month:
    • Year of the Kāhuli: celebrating Hawaiʻi’s native land snails presentation at Makawao Public Library (Maui) by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Forestry and Wildlife Division. October 4, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
    • Family Storytime at the Waiʻanae Public Library (Oʻahu) storytime where we read books, sing, dance, and make crafts. Aimed at ages 3-5; all ages welcome. October 14, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
    • “Under the Blue” Honolulu Theatre for Youth free theatrical performance at Kealakekua Public Library (Hawaiʻi Island) October 17, 1:30 – 2:10 p.m.
  • Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra
    • streaming “Raiatea Helm with your HSO” on the Hawaiʻi News Now website: hawaiinewsnow.com/video/2023/09/24/hawaii-symphony-orchestra-with-raiatea-helm-4.
    • The HSO 2023-2024 HapaSymphony Series launches October 7 with “Beyond Hapa”, a night of love, inclusion, and drag, hosted by Cocoa Chandelier. Upcoming HapaSymphony events include Na Leo Pilimehana, December 2; Paula Fuga, March 9, 2024; and Robert Cazimero, April 20, 2024. For more information please visit the HSO website: myhso.org/concerts.
  • Honolulu Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) Artist Talks at Thomas Square Park with Kamran Samimi and Kat Kazlauskas in conversation with Jaimey Hamilton Faris. Thursday, October 12, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Square Park (925 South Beretania Street, Honolulu).
  • Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s new musical, “The Royal School”, is set in the short lived school for children of Hawaiian royalty. The play, which takes place in the 1840’s, combines contemporary music with one of the most important historical moments in the kingdom of Hawaiʻi. 10/01 and 10/07. Learn more on the HTY website: membership.htyweb.org/the-royal-school-2023.
  • Royal Hawaiian Band free lunchtime concerts at ʻIolani Palace every Friday at noon.  For more information call 808-522-0822 or visit www.IolaniPalace.org.
  • Statewide Cultural Extension Program (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College) Halloween Special – Storytellers Alton Chung, Jeff Gere, and Janine Oshiro. Sunday October 29, 2:00 p.m. Free with registration. In-person at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Krauss Hall 012 and livestreaming online. For more information, please go to the Outreach College website: Halloween Special – Storytellers Alton Chung, Jeff Gere, and Janine Oshiro | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College (hawaii.edu).
  • University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo (UHH) ʻImiloa Astronomy Center Family Night at the Museum, October 25 and 26, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thematic activities for the entire family. For more information, please visit the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center website: imiloahawaii.org/events.
  • University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa (UHM) Better Tomorrow Speaker Series: incisive conversations on the most important questions of our time.
    • “Islands, History, Future: solutions from Polynesia for a world in crisis” a conversation with Kamanamaikalani Beamer and Peter Vitousek, October 12 at the Outrigger Reel Waikīkī  Beach Resort. Learn more and register on the UHM website: manoa.hawaii.edu/speakers.
    • “Kumu Niu” and “The Roots of ʻUlu” film screenings, October 21 at the Doris Duke Theatre, Honolulu Museum of Art. Post-film panel discussion featuring Dr. Vilsone Hereniko, Papalii Dr. Tusi Avegalio, Indrajit Gusanakera, and Albie Mills. Learn more and register on the UHM website: manoa.hawaii.edu/speakers.
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Center for Biographical Research Brown Bag Biography Talks
    • “Reflections on Returning Home to Hawaiʻi”, Dr. Patrick Kirch, Professor of Anthropology. October 5, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m., Kuykendall 410.
    • “The Political Economy of Environmental Racism in Waiʻanae” Laurel Mei-Singh, Assistant Professor of Geography and Environment and Asian American Studies, University of Texas at Austin. October 12, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m., Kuykendall 410.
    • “Makawalu Perspectives on Silence: Reimagining the ‘Gaps’ as Stories” Kayla Watabu, PhD student and Assistant Director of the Writing Center, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. October 19, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m., Kuykendall 410.
    • “Beyond Anthropocentrism(?): Logos and the Aesthetic Relation” Sarah Allen, Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Composition and the Director of Writing Programs, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. October 26, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m., Kuykendall 410.
    • “Anarchives: How We Remember Our Political Movement is Part of the Movement” Kathy E. Ferguson, Professor, Departments of Political Science and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. November 2, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m., Kuykendall 410.
    • Some events are streamed online and/or recorded. For more information, please visit the Center for Biographical Research website: manoa.hawaii.edu/cbr.
    • For more information, please visit the Kennedy Theatre website: manoa.hawaii.edu/liveonstage/kennedy-theatre/upcoming-season.
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Kennedy Theatre
    • Are We There Yet, Baby? October 20-22, 27 and 29, 2023. a newly devised, innovative, and design-driven dance and theatrical performance that questions traditional binary assumptions in society and education and celebrates individual queerness in an imagined non-binary world.
    • “Haku Wale” showcases the original music of our talented songwriters at UH Mānoa. Crossing many genres and exploring various themes, this concert highlights and elevates the original music of our university’s skilled storytellers through song. “If music be the food of love, jam em!” Directed by Joshua “Baba” Kamoani‘ala Tavares, MFA Acting & Hawaiian Theatre Student. October 21-22 and 27, 29, 2023.
    • The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves April 19-20 and 26-28, 2024. A popular kabuki play, The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves, commonly known as Benten Kozō, features five distinctive thieves with a mastery of masquerade, and a command of language from the gutter to the poetically sublime. Together with a full array of colorful kabuki characters, their schemes and back stories lead to shocking revelations, surprising reunions, startling twists and ultimately result in the realization that one cannot escape karma—though in meeting it, one need not abandon spectacle or beauty.  
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) Fil-Am Film Festival 2023 celebrating Filipino American History Month every Tuesday, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Free admission, open to the public. All films have English subtitles. For more information, please visit the CSEAS website: cseashawaii.org.
    • October 3, “A Mother’s Story”, Webster Hall, Room 114
    • October 10, “The Fabulous Filipino Brothers”, Webster Hall, Room 114
    • October 17, “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo”, Webster Hall, Room 114
    • October 24, “My Partner”, Spalding 155
    • October 31, “Kun Maupay Man it Panahon” Webster Hall, Room 114
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College, World Performance Series

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