Drew Martin at the Tractor Tavern – Wed- August 16th

Maui artist and Seattle singer-songwriter, Drew Martin, is just one of the many musicians who have been affected by the devastating wildfires that burned the historic town of Lahaina and nearby Puamana this week. The always upbeat, conch shell-playing, toe-tapping performer had an understandably sadder tone to his music when talking about the loss of his Hawaiian home.

“Growing up surfing at Puamana, getting Hawaiian lunch at Nagasako deli, dancing to Uncle Willie K at Kimos, climbing on the banyan tree as a kid, busking on front street.. the list goes on. My friends have lost homes, jobs, and businesses. Waves of sadness come over me everyday since this disaster. I can’t comprehend it. Rest in aloha to all the beautiful lives lost to this fire.”

-Drew Martin, Instagram

Drew took to his his acoustic guitar and Instagram and performed a beautiful tribute “For Lahaina” which you can watch here.

In an effort to heal from the hurting and help his community, Drew will be headlining a fundraiser on Wednesday, August 16th with his friends in Cumulus and The Maya Experience at Seattle’s Tractor Tavern. Tickets are only $11 and All funds raised from the event will benefit the Maui Strong Fund through the Hawaiian Community Foundation. You can buy tickets through the venue’s website or at the door.

For those not able to attend in person you can also donate online.

I’ve seen Drew perform several times, his inspirational lyrics of hope, love for his community and culture are what makes listeners gravitate towards him and his music.

My heart goes out to Drew and the entire island. There’s not enough words to express my sorrow for the lives lost, those who are still missing and the ongoing fires that are still burning in parts of Maui.

For additional resources on how you can help please check out the American Red Cross Hawaii.