Paul Simon, photo by Stevo Rood

On Saturday, January 10, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, Hawaii, hosted Lōkahi: A Celebration of Maui, a star-studded music event honoring Hawaii’s cultural heritage and musical community. In the concert program hosted by longtime Maui resident Lukas Nelson, Paul Simon made an appearance for a rare performance outside of his ongoing A Quiet Celebration solo tour. The legendary singer-songwriter made the most of the moment and the talent around him with a tight five-song set featuring some special guests.

After sets from several other artists with deep connections to Maui and its music scene, including Mick Fleetwood, The Doobie Brothers’ Patrick Simmons, Stephen Wilson, Jr., Lily Meola, Patrick Simmons, Jr. and Gretchen Rhodes, Simon took the stage under the stars with “Kodachrome,” the There Goes Rhymin’ Simon staple that hasn’t been a part of his touring repertoire, though he recently revived it for the first time since 2019 for a $20 bribe.

The legendary singer-songwriter continued with “Slip Slidin’ Away,” then welcomed Nelson for a duet of “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.” Nelson remained in the mix and added guitar and backing vocals to a subsequent treatment of “The Boxer,” which prominently featured guest vocals from Simmons. To close out the program on a tender note, Simon led the full ensemble through “The Sound of Silence.”

Proceeds from Lōkahi, the Hawaiian word for coming together to take care of one another, went to benefit Housing for Healthcare, a local nonprofit aspiring to retain essential healthcare providers on Maui. The island is currently enduring a major shortage of physicians across key specialties, which was further exacerbated by displacement from the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. 

“Lukas Nelson’s vision for Lōkahi was to create an evening of special performances and celebration with his Hawaiʻi music community,” organizers shared. “In the spirit of Lōkahi, uniting together to support your community, all net proceeds will benefit Housing for Healthcare.”

Watch a fan-recorded video of Simon performing “Kodachrome below. Find tickets and more information on the icon’s upcoming European tour here.