Star-Studded Benefit Concert at MACC Aims to Bolster Maui's Healthcare Workforce

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Grammy-winning artists Lukas Nelson and Paul Simon will headline "Lōkahi: A Celebration of Maui" at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) on January 10th. The concert aims to raise funds and awareness for initiatives addressing Maui's critical shortage of healthcare professionals, a problem exacerbated by recent events.

Medical professionals in surgical attire performing an operation in a sterile environment.
Photo by Anna Shvets

Maui's business community and residents are preparing for a significant event aimed at addressing a pressing local issue: the shortage of healthcare professionals. On January 10th, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) will host "Lōkahi: A Celebration of Maui," a benefit concert headlined by Lukas Nelson and Paul Simon. The concert also features Stephen Wilson Jr., Lily Meola, and the Maui Country Band, alongside other performers, all coming together to support the cause.

The event directly addresses the healthcare worker shortage, a critical issue impacting businesses and families across the island. A recent report indicates the doctor shortage on Maui is likely worse than the latest state estimate. Some of the clinic's part-time doctors juggle two or three jobs to get by Civil Beat. The implications are significant, potentially affecting the quality of life, economic productivity, and the operational capacity of businesses dependent on a healthy workforce. The concert's organizers hope to generate crucial support for programs designed to attract and retain healthcare professionals.

This isn't the first time the MACC has served as a venue for community-focused events. The MACC's "Artists in the Community" program aims to redefine the relationship between artists and the audience to build community Maui Arts & Cultural Center. This event builds upon a tradition of using the arts to foster community support and address critical needs. This event is a great opportunity for the business community to show their support.

The presence of prominent artists like Lukas Nelson and Paul Simon signifies the importance of the cause. Nelson’s vision included an evening of special performances and celebration with his Hawai’i music community Maui Now. With their combined star power, the concert is well-positioned to attract a large audience and generate substantial funds for healthcare initiatives.

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