I know it’s a cliché, but she really is beautiful inside and out. Kimie was actually the first artist to play for Maui Thing ever, being featured at our launch party around six years ago, then again at the Maui Thing stage at First Friday two years ago. She played at the Maui Thing store last night for her hardcore Maui fans launching her new album, “To the Sea.” Let me premise this review with my background in music and formal training. I played piano for 3 years, violin for 1 year and french horn for about 5 years. Yes I was a band geek, whatevers. But, I also had a collection of journey albums, stuff from the 80′s like “Men at Work” and “The Barkays.” I was also the only girl from my gang to make mixed tapes. So I’m not a hardcore aficionado like Brendan at Request Music, nor I am I like my husband Ken who had only one tape in his brown Civic in high school, “Legend.”

Kimie continues to write soulful melodies that make me want to lay out in the sun, contemplate life and dump my boyfriend. The more I listen to her songs, the more I feel I know her…with glimpses of lyrical emotion and rhythmic oohs. The tunes I’m most drawn to have an obvious angst and longing like “Is this love.” Her honesty continues to come through in her soulful voice and her island inspired sound. Kimie is addicting. I asked my kids (9 and 7 years) if they wanted to go to their school’s Art Night or listen to Kimie. Without a doubt it was Kimie. When taking them to school this morning while listening to Kimie’s new album I did my normal dutiful parenting thing… asking them questions and engaging them in thoughtful conversation. The question that I had for them this morning was “Do you think Kimie could compete in THE VOICE?” My children respond with a confident and very affirmative “Yes!” as if they were the ones pressing the big red button and spinning their chair around. Then my daughter continued to ask, “What team would she be on? Adam’s?”

All I know is that I am on Team Kimie and if you ever get a chance to listen to her live, don’t miss it. For all you Mauians that missed her at our store last night, she’ll be playing tonight at Stella Blue’s…for details on how to buy tickets, click here.

We are just going to come out and say that Ag Fest was awesome! From locally grown produce to keiki pony rides, there was something for everyone at the 5th annual Maui County Ag Fest. The Waikapu air was filled with the aroma of Maui’s finest foods. It is safe to say that no one left hungry or disappointed from this year’s event. As usual, we hosted this year’s Keiki Zone. Hundreds of kids joined us to make biodegradable pots out of newspaper then planted some veggies in them to take home to start a garden. Bunnies could be seen roaming everywhere as kids got to make their own bunny ears and Easter baskets. Young Picasso’s put on aprons and painted colorful murals that brightened the big, white tent. Kids and parents waited patiently for fun balloon animals and crazy, elaborate face paintings. The amount of fun that day could be seen and heard through the smiles and laughs that filled our dusty tent! Can’t wait till next year!

We also designed the tees for the event. Being that there are so many different people that makes the event happen, we decided to categorize the t-shirts. We did a shirt for farmers, chefs, educators, advocates, friends and just a basic Ag Fest design. If you missed the event, but want to get a fun tee, pick one up at our store! We have fun Friend of Ag tote bags too!

Not done shopping yet??? Well, you have 4 shopping days left! Come in to Maui Thing on Friday, and we’ll help you with all your last minute shopping…all at 20% off!

Start your Christmas shopping on Saturday and shop for a good cause! Plus, we’ll have some brand new goodies on the floor!

3 years! Huge mahalo to everyone that has supported us for the past 3 years. We are so blessed to be a part of such a special community :) Here’s our 3 year bash! Complete with our fashion show of the latest Summer line, and Willie K. live!