Friday, January 4: 
An Evening with Judy Collins.  Blues Bear Hawai`i presents Singer-Songwriter and Folk Music Icon Judy Collins. Judy is on tour in support of her latest release “Strangers Again” a collection of duets with some of her favorite male artists, including Don Mclean, Michael McDonald, Jeff Bridges, Willie Nelson & Jackson Browne. Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable song writing and personal life triumphs.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, One Cameron Way, Kahului. 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.

Every Wednesday: 
Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert.  Enjoy renowned slack key masters who are true ambassadors of their music, their culture and their land for an evening of traditional Hawaiian songs and authentic “talk-story”.  January 2 – George Kahumoku; January 9 – Mark Yamanaka; January 16 – Sonny Lim; January 23 – Kawika Kahiapo; January 30 – Nathan Aweau. Dinner/Show packages are available. Located at the Sea House Restaurant at the Napili Kai Beach Resort (except for November 28^th show with Raiatea Helm), 5900 Lower Honoapi`ilani Hwy., Napili. Doors open 6:45 p.m., show begins 7:30 p.m., event ends at 9:30. For tickets and information call (888) 669-3858 or visit www.slackkeyshow.com

Every Wednesday and Thursday: 
Maui Humane Society’s Beach Buddies Visitor Program. Do you miss having a dog to spend your day with? Visitors and residents can sign up to take a homeless dog out for the day from the Maui Humane Society animal shelter. The shelter is easy to find as it is conveniently located in Pu`unene (central Maui) on Mokulele Hwy., between Kihei/Wailea and Kahului. Program participants will pick “their dog” up at 10 a.m. and bring them back no later than 3 p.m. MHS provides all of the supplies, you just provide the fun! Advance registration is mandatory as space is often filled weeks in advance. Register online at www.mauihumanesociety.org. 

Nightly: 
O Nā Lani Sunset Stories.  From Queen Emma to Don Ho, experience the stories of an icon. Gather at the International Market Place on Kalakaua Avenue just after sundown for the ceremonial lighting of the Lamaku Torch Tower. Then be immersed in an unforgettable storytelling performance told through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. Honoring the beloved Queen Emma, the nightly show highlights the stories, traditions and culture of this special gathering place. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu.  Sunset. Free admission. For information visit www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com.

Thursday, January 3: 
Straight No Chaser.  If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivy-league campuses, think again. These men are neither straight-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch.  Enjoy the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense, and with a sense of humor. An unforgettable live act.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theatre, 1 Cameron Way, Kahului.  7:30 p.m.  For tickets and information call (808) 242-7469 or visit www.mauiarts.org.