Priscilla's Shipwreck Party rocked Makena on August 10th.  Produced by Both Sides Now, the Tea Dance  was held on World Aids Day as a benefit for the Maui Aids Foundation.  The gala was held at the fabulous ocean-front Sugarman Estate, which is the primo setting for an outdoor party.  Food, drinks, & dancing were included in the reasonably priced $25 ticket.
     Being the costume freak that I am, I was excited to attend the Shipwreck Party from the first moment I heard about it.  I immediately began to round up a posse of friends to raid the party with.  Wearing full pirate regalia was a must.  Letting loose my pirate side was what it was all about!
     To add to the festivities, we enthusiastically passed out colorful beads to everyone we came in contact with.  The picnic style buffet included Subway sandwiches, potato salad, green salad, & chips.  The Maui sunset that evening was gorgeous.  By nightfall the dance floor was overflowing with people.  Well over 100 people attended the gala.  Dancing went late into the night.
     I had a great time at the Shipwreck Party, and I definitely look forward to enjoying the next one.  However, I have to admit I was a little disappointed that I didn't see more people in costumes.  Theme parties are way more fun when people get into the spirit of it and put on costumes!  I humbly encourage the event producers to work that "shipwreck theme" more, and get people there in costumes.  It woud take this party up a notch, & turn it into an unique, memorable event that is a "must-do" party.  Maui needs more "must-do" parties.  Put on your costumes next year boys & strut your stuff!  AAAHHhhrrrr !!!

 
 

     The B In R Show debuted their ocean-themed show, “Off the Deep End”, at the Keiki Day Celebration at the Queen Kaahumanu Center, June 7th, 2008.  Co-created by Brenton Keith & Rachel Deboer,  the show is designed to teach kids about the importance of keeping the ocean clean.  Kids of all ages will enjoy this original show combining magic, comedy, theater, & puppetry.  The show is action-packed & fast-paced.  Never a dull moment.  Audience participation is highly encouraged.  “Off the Deep End” was custom created for the Holokai Club, a sponsor of educational themed events at the Queen Kaahumanu Center, Maui.
     Moondoggie the Surfing Magician mystified the audience with his magic tricks.  Keikis were delighted to be invited onstage to assist him.  Mariah Carey About the Sea Mermaid was festively costumed, and entertained the audience with comedy, theater, & puppetry.  They were joined by puppets Houdini the Honu, & Oscar the Octopus.  Together they skillfully combined entertainment with education, and imparted a timely message about keeping the ocean litter-free.
     Brenton Keith is a professional magician.  Rachel Deboer is a professional improvisational comedic theater performer.   B stands for Brenton.  R stands for Rachel.  The B In R Show represents a creative merging of their different, yet related art forms.  They specialize in creating custom shows for any type of event (children & adults).   For more information, please click on The B In R Show. 
     To enjoy a short video of the performance, please check out my Videos page.


 
 

     Over 3,000 Mauians had the rare opportunity to experience The Heart Shrine Relic Tour, February 22nd-24th, 2008.  Co-hosted by The Maui Dharma Center & VITEC - Maui Community College, this international exhibit is  an extraordinary collection of sacred Buddhist Relics.  Sponsored by the Maitreya Project, the exhibit is touring the world upon the the recommendation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.  The tour is dedicated to inspiring peace and loving-kindness across all faiths and beliefs.
     This ancient collection includes sacred Relics of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha, his Holy Disciples, and other important Buddhist Masters.  When the bodies of spiritual masters are cremated, beautiful pearl-like crystals are found amongst their ashes.  In Tibetan Buddhism, these Relics are called Ringsel.  The Ringsel are special because they hold the essence of the qualities of the spiritual master. These enlightened Masters deliberately chose to leave the Ringsel behind to provide future generations the opportunity to make a personal connection  with them.
     The Ringsel are destined to be permanently enshrined within the heart of a 500 ft. statue of the Maitreya Buddha being built in India.  It is due for completion in 2010.
      The Opening Ceremony on Friday night was attended by hundreds of people, and was standing room only.  The Shrine Room & Altar were gorgeously decorated.  Prayers and blessings for world peace were offered by an interfaith group of Lamas, Reverends (Buddhist & Christian), and  a Hawaiian Kumu.   Tara Dhatu performed a beautiful dance of "The Eight Precious Offerings".
     On Sunday, the Maui community showed up in full force!  Visitors patiently waited up to 2 hours for their chance to  view the precious Relics.  Due to a rainy day power failure, guests were treated to the ambience of the Shrine Room lit only by candlelight for a couple of hours. 
     The Heart Shrine Relic Tour was far more than an exhibit.  It was a deep and profound experience that I will always remember.  It was an honor to serve this event as Publicist, and as Hospitality Room Coordinator.  This special Maui event benefited many in our community.  Check out the Maitreya Project for more information, and the international touring schedule.
     Take a peek at my Videos page to see a short video on the Heart Shrine Relic Tour.