Tickets are selling fast as Honokaa prepares for the second annual Mauka Makai Drag Show fundraiser on Saturday.
The Honokaa Business Association is putting on a large drag show at the Honokaa People’s Theatre as a fundraiser for HBA, with a percentage of funds going toward disaster recovery and relief on Maui.
The drag show sold out last year, and this year’s event will feature five drag queens from Hawaii Island and Oahu.
“Last year was amazing. It was a theater full of 500 people, and the joy and love could be felt everywhere,” said HBA treasurer Marysue Joyce. “We’re already selling quite fast, and I can almost positively say we will sell out this year.”
According to Joyce, the Mauka Makai Drag Show is the perfect show for drag lovers and newcomers alike. The show will be family-friendly, with radio-edited versions of songs, tame costumes and choreography, and a no-contact tipping policy.
The featured performers will be Aaries the Extra from Hilo, Tora Hamstring from Kailua-Kona, Eden Simon from Oahu and Melody Lucas, who is new to the islands. Candi Shell from Oahu will serve as the show’s emcee.
Aaries will bring the club kid vibes and fashion, Tora will showcase her insane dance skills and costume changes, Eden has a knack for storytelling through the art form of drag, and Lucas is a southern queen who will bring in the feeling of old school drag, according to the HBA.
Shell recently was a featured performer with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and hosts monthly events at Hula’s Bar &Lei Stand and the Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu.
Honokaa kumu hula Lanakila Mangauil will lead an oli before the performance.
He wowed the crowd last year with a powerful chant.
“We’re so excited to welcome people from around the state to our theater, especially in support of Maui’s recovery,” Joyce said. “It’s going to be another beautiful, fun show.”
The show will begin at 7:30 Saturday at the Honokaa People’s Theatre. Folks arriving early can grab dinner from food trucks near the theatre from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets are still available online for $20 at 2023maukamakaidragshow.eventbrite.com. If they don’t sell out, they will be $25 at the door. Costumes are encouraged.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.