Due to overwhelming demand, The Hua Momona Foundation is bringing the Maui Music & Food Experience to the mainland with a newly announced show in Chicago on November 7 at the Copernicus Center’s Gateway Theater — a beautifully restored, historic venue in the heart of Jefferson Park.
The concert will bring together renowned musicians and top chefs to celebrate the aloha spirit and support the Hua Momona Foundation’s continued work across Maui. Founded by the team at Hua Momona Farms in Kapalua, the foundation has served over 80,000 meals to those affected by the Lahaina fires and raised $450,000 to support local recovery through food distribution, housing assistance, mental health care, and youth programs — including the new Hua Momona Youth Ukulele Ensemble.
Headlining the night is soul icon Bettye LaVette, whose raw, unmistakable voice has defined a decades-long career. She’ll be joined by Grammy winner Lisa Fischer, the powerhouse vocalist known for her work with The Rolling Stones, and Chicago rock-and-soul mainstay Nicholas Tremulis & the Prodigals, featuring Stones collaborator Bernard Fowler. Together, LaVette, Fischer, and Fowler bring three of the world’s top soul voices to one stage. Rounding out the lineup is Grammy-winning Hawaiian favorite John Cruz, whose deeply personal songs have become local anthems, and Naiwi Teruya, a rising star from Lahaina who amazes audiences with his ukulele skills. Additionally, Chicago house music icon and trailblazer in the city’s dance scene DJ Lady D brings her signature sound and hometown pride to the event, setting the vibe between sets.
Ticket prices will increase on September 15 and again on November 1. Early purchase is encouraged to secure the best available rates. Ticket options include:
● General Admission ($69)
● General Admission with food, drinks, and premium seating ($169)
● VIP includes front row seats, swag bag, a private reception with food and drink, and open bar throughout the event ($500)
"My love for the harmonies of music — across every genre — is matched by my love for the flavors of different cultures,” said Lisa Fischer. “The blending of spices is like the blending of notes, creating something beautiful and new. Food lets us travel without moving, tasting flavors and histories that connect us. I’m so honored to be part of MMFE in Chicago and to share in this harmony of music and cuisine.”
“The 2024 Afterglow Gala at the San Filippo Estate demonstrated the magic of combining great food and great music for a great cause. Based on feedback, we’ve added an entire benefit concert for 2025,” said Gary Grube, Founder, Hua Momona Foundation, Lahaina, who grew up in the Chicago area. “We hope that the generosity of Chicago will envelop this benefit concert as the theater is filled with Aloha from Hawaii.”
“We wanted to bring a veritable soul bowl to Chicago,” said Nick Tremulis, Chicago musician and Experience Music Director, Maui Music and Food Experience. “LaVette, Fischer, and Fowler are quite possibly the greatest living soul singers on the planet today. Add to that the great soul singer and writer, John Cruz, from Maui, and you’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime soul bowl in Chicago. We are coming together with these unbelievable artists to help rebuild the land and lives of the people of Lahaina.”
To bring an authentic taste of Maui to Chicago, Chef Zach Laidlaw, resident chef at Hua Momona Farm, a finalist on Next Level Chef, and a Chopped finalist, will join forces with a local catering partner to highlight the island’s signature flavors, using Hua Momona’s microgreens and sustainable ingredients. Joining him is Maui-born Chef Nate Domingo of Da Local Boy, the acclaimed Hawaiian restaurant in Highwood. Praised by The New York Times for its “Goldilocks-level” poke bowl, perfectly grilled beef short ribs, and crispy, chewy chicken fried in sweet rice flour, Chef Domingo, along with the Da Local Boy team, will collaborate with Chef Laidlaw to create an edible journey that brings the essence of Maui to the Midwest
This show follows the 2nd annual Maui Music and Food Experience at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on August 15 and 16, which welcomed over 1,000 guests and raised $200,000 for the Hua Momona Foundation. The event featured performances by Hawaiian acts such as Paula Fuga, Tavana, and Kanekoa; Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk was joined by special guests Mick Fleetwood, Ernie Isley, Bernard Fowler, and Wayne Baker Brooks for a lively tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
The inaugural Maui Music & Food Experience (2024) raised $250,000 for the survivors of the Lahaina fires and spurred the struggling Maui economy, and featured performances by Billy Cox, Mick Fleetwood, Ernie Isley, Daryl Jones, Charlie Sexton, and many others.
ABOUT HUA MOMONA FOUNDATION
The Hua Momona Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded by the team at Hua Momona Farms to support the Maui community. The Foundation's mission includes providing food, facilitating replacement housing, supporting mental healthcare programs, and hosting fundraising events to benefit local residents. Hua Momona Farms is located on 25 acres in Kapalua, West Maui, 1300 feet above sea level with a jaw-dropping view of the neighboring island of Molokai. The farm grows fresh, organic microgreens and more from its elevated oasis. The Hua Momona Foundation supports on-island charitable efforts through agricultural activities, providing hot meals, distributing fresh local produce, and facilitating housing replacement, while also supporting mental healthcare programs. The foundation is now launching the Hua Momona Youth Ukulele Ensemble and Music Program with teenagers from Lahaina. To date, the foundation has served over 80,000 hot, fresh meals to those impacted by the Lahaina fires.
