Bill Burton of Sir Wilfred's coffee and tobacco shop in Lahaina has been around the block long enough to know what it takes to pair world-class jazz and blues with fabulous food.
So he's presenting the Front Street Jazz and Blues Walk in Lahaina. It will be kind of like a pub crawl, and you choose where you want to stop.
"Today through Sunday, we're bringing in top name jazz and blues artists at six participating Lahaina restaurants and it will be free to the public," says Burton, the founding president of Maui Jazz Society. "The idea will be for people to buy drinks and food. Have a pupu here, a drink there. Take a stroll down Front Street and enjoy musicians such as headliner David Paquette."
Article Photos
Hard Rock Cafe’s server Juliet Casso will tempt you with cocktails such as the mojito and a tropical version of a margarita.
The Maui News / CARLA TRACY photo
Restaurants include Hard Rock Caf, the Pioneer Inn's Courtyard, Longhi's, Lahaina Pizza Co., Kimo's and the new Captain Jack's, situated upstairs in the former Whales Tale location.
For starters, Hard Rock Cafe will present the R.E. Metyor Blues & Soul Revue with singer Bobby Ingram in two shows Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. (See Maui Beat on Page 3 for complete schedule).
"Hard Rock is about music and jazz is no exception," says Sales and Marketing Director Jill Holley. We're looking into running a happy hour Thursdays and Fridays, and recently we rolled out a new menu with killer appetizers, sandwiches and entrees. For me, Saturday Jazz with our new chicken lettuce wraps and a glass of wine is a perfect way to unwind and relax."
Other new Hard Rock menu items include the anti-cobb salad with tropical fruits, grilled chicken Marsala, pulled pork sandwiches, Greek salad, blackened fish of the day and Balsamic tomato bruschetta.
Longhi's will host Renta De Moraes & Brasil Connection on Friday and Shiro Mori & Friends on Saturday. Both acts will be on the main stage in the upstairs dining room from 6 to 9 each night.
"Live music has been a Longhi's tradition for over 30 years. We are extremely excited about having an all-star lineup in a world-class setting. Can't wait!" says General Manager Jude Augustine.
Signature appetizers include artichoke Longhi, Pacific Manila clams and fresh island carpaccio. Signature entrees range from lobster Longhi to seared ahi au poivre to 10-ounce filet Longhi.
On Friday at the new Captain Jack's, music lovers will be treated Keoki Ruiz from 2 to 5 p.m. and Bob Jones and the Drive kicking in from 6 to 9 p.m.
Then on Saturday, the Benoit JazzWorks will take over from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by a repeat performance by Bob Jones and The Drive from 6 to 9 p.m.
Captain Jack's has a pirate theme with treasure chests and all manner of ocean memorabilia. The menu items all have fun-themed names as well.
For instance, the top-selling appetizers include Kracken calamari; buzzard wings with choice of barbecue or Asian glaze and blue cheese or ranch for dipping; and the Hempin' Jig quesadilla with grilled mushrooms, onions and melted jack and cheddar cheese.
The three top entrees are the Jolly Roger fajitas, Black Beard's Philly cheese steak and the Captain Jack's fish and chips in lilikoi beer batter.
Pioneer Inn will open its courtyard and will bring back its former headliner David Paquette on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Fulton Tashombe and Kelly Covington from noon to 3 p.m. Friday; and Bob Harrison and Sal Godinez from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
"The Historic Pioneer Inn is proud to be a part of the 2011 Front Street Jazz and Blues Walk," says owner Ed Robinson. "We'll offer fresh picnic fare such as kalua pig and mahi sandwiches, Maui Cattle Company cheeseburgers, Cajun fish tacos and peel-and-eat shrimp. We'll also have Maui Brewing Company draft station and cash bar. Seating is limited to a first-come, first-served basis."
Last but not least, MauiGrown Coffee Store near the old smokestack on Lahainaluna Road will present Chris Galfis from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday. Sip a cuppa and peruse the coffees while listening to the music.
* Maui Scene / Dining. Ed Robinson is the food and beverage director for the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina. A story published on Page 23 of the Maui Scene contained an incorrect title.
The Maui News apologizes for the error.
* The Maui News wants to promptly correct errors in fact or make clarifications on information appearing in the newspaper. To report an error or clarification, please call 242-6343 or send email to citydesk@mauinews.com.
