This Weekend · Apr 17–19

Fun &
Cheap Events

Free or under $40 · Friday, Saturday & Sunday picks

Friday
BLU’S HANGING AT KUMU KAHUA THEATRE
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BLU’S HANGING AT KUMU KAHUA THEATRE

Theater$20.00

ADAPTATION OF ACCLAIMED NOVEL *BLU’S HANGING* TO OPEN MARCH 26 AT KUMU KAHUA THEATRE **Book signings with Lois-Ann Yamanaka, ticket specials, and community events to align with world premiere production** Family loss and resilience takes center stage as Kumu Kahua Theatre presents the world premiere of *Blu’s Hanging*, adapted for the stage by R. Zamora Linmark from the acclaimed novel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka. Directed by Jason Kanda, the production runs March 26-April 26, 2026, complemented by a series of special events and ticket offers to help make the power and beauty of theatre accessible to everyone. A landmark work of contemporary Hawai’i literature, *Blu’s Hanging* centers on a Hansen’s Disease survivor who struggles to hold his family together after the death of his wife. As he mourns and begins to lose grip on reality, his three children navigate a world marked by financial hardships and lurking dangers. When eldest daughter Ivah is offered the chance to attend a private boarding school through the encouragement of a compassionate teacher, she must decide whether leaving or staying will best serve her family. Lois-Ann Yamanaka stands as one of Hawai’i’s most significant and discussed literary voices. Her works, frequently taught in classrooms and celebrated in theatres, are known for their unshakeable portrayals of local life and complex moral landscapes. Through this highly anticipated adaptation, Linmark and Kanda will bring *Blu’s Hanging* to live theatre audiences with emotional immediacy. Lifting unforgettable characters from page to stage, the incredible local cast will include Alvin Chan, Chelsea Cox, Michael “Donut” Donato, Elexis Draine, Kristen Labiano, Juvy Lucina, Ryan “Oki” Naka, Meghan Ormita, and Darryl Soriano. Theatre-goers can receive 20% off tickets throughout the run of *Blu’s Hanging* by referencing “MOLOKAI” at the box office or entering it online at checkout (discount code must be entered without the okina for automated processing). In a nod to Kumu Kahua’s female-forward season, audiences can further take advantage of a buy one, get one free ticket offer exclusively for the April 10 show by referencing “LADIES” to redeem the one-night BOGO offer. **Audiences are also invited to mark their calendars for:** ● March 26 (Opening Night) – Lois-Ann Yamanaka will sign copies of the Blu’s Hanging following the show. Books are available for sale onsite or guests may bring a copy. ● March 28 – Immediately following the 7 p.m. show, stay for a Talk Story with the talented cast and crew, joined by Lois-Ann. ● March 30 at 6 p.m. – Kumu Kahua Theatre’s Book Club will explore Blu’s Hanging with author Lois-Ann Yamanaka in attendance. Participants are invited to meet at the theatre to engage in dynamic discussions of the novel that inspired the production. Limited copies of the book may be purchased at Kumu Kahua’s box office and at local bookstores including da Shop, or borrowed from Hawai’i State Public Libraries. ● April 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Open to the public and all theatre lovers, a “Ladies Night” pre-show gathering will be held at neighboring Black Shamrock Tavern. Community members are invited to connect over drink specials and spirited conversation before taking in that evening’s performance (featuring the “LADIES” BOGO ticket offer). Located at 46 Merchant Street in Honolulu’s historic downtown, Kumu Kahua Theatre will offer evening and matinee performances of Blu’s Hanging—with showtimes held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, join the Book Club, or learn more about event nights, contact the theater at (808) 536-4441 or visit www.kumukahua.org.

Fri, Apr 17 · 7:00 PM · Kumu Kahua Theatre

Panji and the Lost Princess
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Panji and the Lost Princess

Theater$9.00

Balinese Wayang Listrik (giant shadow puppets in combination with live action and gamelan orchestra)April 17-26, 2026*Pre-Show Chats at 6:45pm before Saturday performancesCo-Directed by Kristin Pauka and I Madé MojaAdapted from a traditional Balinese folktale by Ketut Wirtawan and Madé MojaPanji and the Lost Princess is a large-scale Balinese shadow puppetry performance in the tradition of wayang listrik. The story is based on the Balinese interpretation of a traditional Javanese story, and adapted to the genre of wayang listrik by Balinese master artists I Ketut Wirtawan and I Madé Moja. The show is dynamically staged with giant shadow puppetry, actors, dancers, special lighting effects, and is accompanied by a live gamelan ensemble, led by master musician I Madé Widana. The style of the production, wayang listrik (Indonesian for “electric shadows”), is a recent development in Balinese shadow puppetry that emerged in the late 1990s. What distinguishes this art form from others is the inclusion of giant screens, paintings, complex lighting, 3-dimensional effects, and dancers, as well as actors behind the screen, wearing shadow masks carved in a similar manner as traditional kulit (“leather”) puppets. Moja has staged two previous wayang listrik productions at Kennedy Theatre: Subali-Sugriwa – Battle of the Monkey Kings and The Last King of Bali. We are thrilled that he will return this season to serve as the master designer and co-director of this production.Friday, Apr. 17 at 7:30pmSaturday, Apr. 18 at 7:30pm*Friday, Apr. 24 at 7:30pmSaturday, Apr. 25 at 7:30pm*Sunday, Apr. 26 at 2:00pm*pre-show chat 4/18 & 4/25 at 6:45pm

Fri, Apr 17 · 7:30 PM · John F. Kennedy Theatre

Saturday
Boots ‘N Beers Country Music & Craft Beer Festival 2026
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Boots ‘N Beers Country Music & Craft Beer Festival 2026

Festival$40.00

With a voice that beams like a ray of California sunshine, Stone Country Records/Brown Sellers Brown singer-songwriter Annie Bosko pairs a sound anchored deep in the organic twang of ‘90s country with simple songs told from the heart, preaching equal parts healing and honky-tonk hope. A student of legendary crooners like Patsy Cline with added inspiration from Shania Twain, George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, The Beatles and more, the Californian farmer’s daughter broke out in 2014 with the SiriusXM/CMT hit “Crooked Halo,” bucking the bro-country trend for a traditionally flavored anthem that has now amassed more than 3 million streams. She went on to write songs recorded by Willie Nelson and Jessica Simpson, tour alongside Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley and Blake Shelton sell out the famed Troubadour and perform on the Grand Ole Opry and at Ryman Auditorium – the fabled Mother Church of Country Music – while also becoming an in-demand studio musician and earning the title Artist to Watch from Rolling Stone Country. After a series of standout collaborations with country icons Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam and Raul Malo, she is now embracing her true nature for a creative rejuvenation. Working with producers Derek George and Mickey Jack Cones, a new batch of music pairs unapologetic twang, clever wordplay, and deep compassion with her longstanding downhome-diva vocal, capturing the full range of a timeless American art in its purest form. In 2023, Bosko released the powerful-yet-tender ballad “Dandelions” in memory of the victims of Nashville’s Covenant School shooting – a track written alongside Danny Myrick which has now become a beacon of community remembrance and faith. Lost in grief and capturing the reverberating shock of that day’s unfathomable loss, the track has been embraced by the Covenant School families themselves, with all proceeds from being donated for their benefit through ACM Lifting Lives. Looking ahead, Bosko will continue to release sharp-yet-simple, pure-country songs co-written with hit makers like Jeffrey Steele, Bridgette Tatum and more, all aimed at uplifting, inspiring or just singing along with women and country-music lovers everywhere.

Sat, Apr 18 · 4:30 PM · Bishop Museum

Skeleton Crewe
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Skeleton Crewe

Music$20.00

Introducing “HI-CAL Dead”, an all-star lineup of Hawaii and California Grateful Dead tribute artists, flying in for a three-island run this April. Individually the band has played with legends from the Grateful Dead Family, but also play with some of the best tribute bands. Weʻre excited to be presenting this lineup for a Hawaii tour celebrating the music of the Grateful Dead. Stephen Inglis, Guitar: A staple in the Hawaii music scene, Stephen has played with Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and currently tours in Skeleton Crewe along with Dead & Co. drummer Jay Lane, and Dark Star Orchestra’s Rob Barracco to name a few. Stephen is also a Grammy nominee who’s duo album with Dennis Kamakahi is in Smithsonian Museum of American history. Nate LaPointe, Guitar: Bandleader and long time member of Cubensis, Southern California’s Grateful Dead Tribute Experience, Nate LaPointe is equally adept in the “Jerry” and “Bobby” roles. Nate also spent several years touring with Bobby Womack before his passing in 2014 and appeared several times at Terrapin Crossroads, even jamming with Phil Lesh. Nate is also a frequent collaborator with the Grateful Guitars Foundation and has shared the stage with members of Dark Star Orchestra, Furthur, JGB, and many more. Danny Eisenberg, Keyboards: It would be easier to list who Danny hasn’t played with, but he’s been with bands like The Mother Hips, The Counting Crows, Ryan Adams, and Phil Lesh & Friends, with appearances on The Tonight Show, The Late Show, and Saturday Night Live. Danny is a staple in the Bay Area music scene, playing hundreds of times at Terrapin Crossroads before it closed in 2021. Alex Jordan, Bass: A San Francisco Bay Area native, Alex spent six years in Midnight North with Grahame Lesh and Elliott Peck, spending a good chunk of time at Phil Lesh’s Terrapin Crossroads. He’s played with Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Peter Rowan, Jay Lane, Jeff Chimenti, Stu Allen, and many others. Alex works closely with the Grateful Guitars foundation when he isn’t touring as the keyboardist in Bertha: Grateful Drag. Historically specializing in the “Bobby” roll, Alex is excited to get back to his roots playing bass. Brad Rhodus: Brad bounced around the midwest and the south before eventually landing in Southern California. After a long stint with the JGB tribute the Rum Runners, Brad was asked to join Cubensis in 2014 \(fun fact, Alex and Brad met on stage on New Years Eve during the countoff for the first song\) and is now in his 12th year as the new guy in the band. Brad has also appeared regularly in the Bay Area at events with the Grateful Guitars foundation playing with members of Dark Star Orchestra, Furthur, and JGB.

Sat, Apr 18 · 7:30 PM · Slack Key Lounge

YMCA of Honolulu's Healthy Kids Day
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YMCA of Honolulu's Healthy Kids Day

FamilyFree

Run, play and hop on over to the YMCA of Honolulu’s annual FREE Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18, at all YMCA of Honolulu branches island-wide. Open to all ages, families enjoy hands-on, fun—while having a chance to explore and plan their child’s summer with the Y, including day camps, overnight camps, swim lessons, preschool, and more. Attendees are encouraged to get their free tickets online in advance. To learn more and register, please visit bit.ly/ymca-healthy-kids-day-2026. This year’s event features unique, location-specific experiences, including: Kaimukī-Waiʻalae Y: “Amazing Race Healthy Kids Day Edition” challenge Kalihi Y: Breakout Room Challenge and an inflatable water slide Leeward Y: Pony rides and an enchanting magic show Mililani Y: A family-friendly 5K fun run starting at 7:15 a.m. \[nominal fee\] Nuʻuanu Y: Petting zoo and a Youth Basketball Clinic Windward Y: Keiki fitness classes Waiʻanae Y: Basketball challenges Additional activities across locations include obstacle courses, arts and crafts, science activities, youth sports clinics, and more—along with opportunities for families to secure spots in summer programs before they fill. The YMCA of Honolulu is dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving Oahu since 1869, the Y ensures that people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at www.ymcahonolulu.org.

Sat, Apr 18 · 9:00 AM · All YMCA Hawaii locations

Sunday
FAUNA: Animal Imagery in the EWC Collection
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FAUNA: Animal Imagery in the EWC Collection

ArtFree

Animals, both real and imagined, are integral to Asia Pacific origin stories, religious stories, myths, epics, folktales, and village scenes, often bearing symbolic significance such as good luck, prosperity, protection, and abundance. *FAUNA* features artwork from the East-West Center Collection that highlights animals of the land, sky, and waterways. These works represent cultures of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada (First Nations), China, Guam, Hawaiʻi, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Torres Strait Islands, the United States, and Vietnam. Art mediums featured include calligraphy, ceramics, paintings, puppets, sculpture, textiles, and woodcarving. This imagery reminds us of the interdependence and interconnectedness among animals, people, and the environment.

Sun, Apr 19 · 12:00 PM · East West Center Gallery