May Day is “Lei Day for Japan” this Sunday - ‘Top Tier’ Entertainers and Chefs Donate Their Time to Benefit Japan

HONOLULU – April 27, 2011 - “‘Lei Day for Japan’ is Honolulu’s premier event to celebrate May Day this year,” said Blaine Miyasato, one of the organizers for the benefit fundraiser taking place this Sunday, May 1, starting at 6:00 p.m., at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

 

Presented by Hawaiian Airlines, “Lei Day for Japan” will be a festive, traditional May Day celebration of Hawaiian culture, highlighted by some of Hawaii’s most revered names in entertainment and cuisine (see lists below), all of whom are donating their time, talents and products to raise funds that will be given to the Japan-America Society of Hawaii for donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

 

Guests will enjoy continuous live performances and cuisine specialties by 29 Hawaii chefs, paired with fine wines and the outdoor ambiance of The Waterfront at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

 

“This Sunday we are bringing together a rare collection of visionaries in Hawaiian music and cuisine that will create an unforgettable evening not to be missed by anyone who appreciates the tradition of May Day in Hawaii,” said Miyasato, vice president of product development for Hawaiian Airlines. “Most importantly, all the funds raised will support recovery efforts in Japan.”

 

Tickets to “Lei Day for Japan” are $100 per person for general admission. In addition, tables with reserved seating for 10 can be purchased for $1,500. Tickets and tables can be purchased at Chai’s Island Bistro at Aloha Tower Marketplace or by calling the restaurant at (808) 585-0011.

 

For more information, visit online at www.

LeiDayForJapan.org.

 

Headline Entertainers Celebrate Hawaii’s Music and Culture

 

Guests will enjoy the beautiful music of Hawaii, as presented by four headline artists in celebration of the time-honored tradition of ‘May Day is Lei Day’ in the Hawaiian Islands.

 

Keali‘i Reichel

Patrick Makuakane featuring N

ā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu

Jake Shimabukuro

Natalie Ai Kamauu

 

Top Hawaii Chefs Share Cuisine Specialties

 

It’s the ultimate Hawaii buffet! Twenty-nine top local chefs are sharing their specialties and volunteering their time to help make “Lei Day for Japan” an eater’s delight.

 

12

th Ave Grill – Kevin Hanney

Alan Wong’s – Alan Wong

Azure – John Matsubara

The Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider – Rodney Uyehara

Café Laufer – Cyrus Goo

Chai’s Island Bistro – Chai Chaowasaree

Chef Mavro’s – George Mavrothalassitis

DK’s Steak and Sansei Seafood – DK Kodama

Don Ho’s Island Grill – Matt Nelson

Eggs ‘n Things – Lawtene Angelias

Gate Gourmet – Aldo Romero

Indigo – Glenn Chu

JJ Bistro and French Pastry – JJ Luangkhot

Kauai Grill Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges – Colin Hazama

Le Bistro – Alan Takasaki

Mariposa at Neiman Marcus – Marc Anthony Freiberg

Michel’s at the Colony Surf – Eberhard Kintscher

Morimoto Waikiki – Masaharu Morimoto

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Andy Degamo

Nori’s – BethAn Nishijima

Ola at the Turtle Bay Resort – Fred DeAngelo

The Pacific Club – Eric Leterc

Poke Stop – Elmer Guzman

Roy’s – Roy Yamaguchi

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Leighton Miyakawa

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa – Bryan Ashlock

Side Street Inn – Colin Nishida

Singha Thai Cuisine – Joy Chaowasaree

Tango Contemporary Café – Göran Streng

 

Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya will provide wine selections for the dining enjoyment of guests. The evening’s beverages are being provided by Southern Wine & Spirits, Primo Beer, World Sake Imports, Pavaraga Coffee, and Hawaiian Springs Water.