An elegant and impactful, new, coffee-table book titled MĀLAMA MAUI: Music Photography from Lahaina, featuring unique, vivid photographs of rock music icons and musicians from Maui, Hawai’i, including Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac), Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Ross Valory (Journey), John Densmore (The Doors), and Hawaiian bluesman Uncle Willie K, shot between 2016-2017 at Fleetwood’s On Front Street in Lahaina, photographed, written, and curated by photographer Sarah Sharaf-Eldien, has just been released by Genius Book Publishing of Milwaukee, WI.
Author/Photographer Sarah Sharaf-Eldien, and Steven and Leya Booth, Co-Founders of Genius Book Publishing, jointly announced that 100% of the profits from sales of the book will be donated to the Maui United Way Fire Disaster Relief Fund.
Rock legend Mick Fleetwood said, "Sarah has a wonderful creative eye, and her photos that chronicled the musicians and guests that performed at Fleetwood's on Front Street captured the passion, joy and exuberance that we all felt while playing there. Having this memorialized in her book is a treasure and a forever keepsake. Thank you, Sarah!”
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Adds Sharaf-Eldien, “The word ‘Mālama’ in the Hawaiian language means ‘to serve, honor, protect, and care for.' The wildfires’ heartbreaking devastation left hundreds of families displaced, countless businesses destroyed, and a tragic toll of lives lost. It is my hope that the photographs I’ve presented in Mālama Maui will preserve treasured memories, celebrate moments of magic, and cherish a sense of community that perseveres even in the face of adversity.”
“To the Ohana of Maui who have lost this historical part of their homeland, I wish Ka Lā Hiki Ola – the dawning of a new day. I sincerely hope that the funds raised from the sales of my book will contribute to the families and individuals who need our support, and will assist in the preservation and rebuilding efforts of Maui and Lahaina.”
Nicholas Winfrey, President/Chief Professional Officer, Maui United Way, said, "Mālama Maui will be a treasure to all who enjoyed music at the iconic Fleetwood's on Front Street. Sarah’s book is a fabulous example of the greater community using their talent and creativity to support the people of Maui during this challenging time. We are honored to be the beneficiary of the profits from this book, and will continue our work to support children, mental health resources, and economic stability for all who struggle in the aftermath of the devastating fires."
Steven and Leya Booth, publishers at Genius Book Publishing, add, “Mālama Maui is a very special book both to Genius Books and to Sarah. The photographs from her time as the house photographer at Fleetwood’s on Front St. working with Mick Fleetwood, depict magical experiences for the audience and musicians alike. We are saddened by the loss of Lahaina to the August 8 fires, and we are honored to support the relief and rebuilding efforts through the profits from Sarah's book to the Maui United Way.”
Brief History Behind The Creation Of MĀLAMA MAUI
Sharaf-Eldien wrote and curated her new book as a heartfelt tribute to the island of Maui, Lahaina Town, and Front Street, where she discovered the rich, spiritual Hawaiian traditions that she says both inspired her work and shaped her values. She lived there from 2015-2017, and began working with Fleetwood’s On Front St as a photographer after reading Joseph Campbell’s book, The Hero’s Journey, and embracing its message to “follow your bliss.”
Having discovered Fleetwood’s in 2015, Sharaf-Eldien frequently enjoyed the live music and atmosphere that she describes as “a vibrant musical oasis that captivated visitors and locals alike – a celebration of music, art, culinary excellence, and the Aloha Spirit that is Maui.” For seven months (2016-17) she worked alongside Mick Fleetwood, documenting the day-to-day life at his restaurant and the intimate concerts held there, photographing live performances by musicians including Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar, Uncle Willie K, Ross Valory, John Densmore, Donovan Frankenreiter, Mark Johnstone, Rick Vito, and Rock Hendricks, among others.
During her time in Lahaina, Sharaf-Eldien also met and photographed perhaps the most iconic rock music photographer in history, Henry Diltz. Mr. Diltz has photographed over 250 famous album covers, including those from such iconic musicians as The Doors, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and The Eagles, to name a few. Diltz’s Morrison Hotel Gallery Maui was located inside Fleetwood’s restaurant, where Sharaf-Eldien worked often, documenting events and exhibitions being held there.
Regarding Mālama Maui, Mr. Diltz said, "Sarah's photos capture the joyful and colorful moments at a wonderful club we all love and miss. Although we can't go there in person now, the good times we shared remain alive in her exciting photographs. To see these images of Mick Fleetwood and his friends having great fun making the music we loved puts us right back into those wonderful days before the great fire and makes us want to bring it back! Thank you, Sarah, for keeping it alive – this is a great book!"
About The Author
Sarah Sharaf-Eldien (pronounced ‘Sheriff el-Deen’) is an Egyptian-American portrait photographer who has worked closely with some of the most sought after musicians of our time. She began working in a fashion photography studio in Sydney, Australia, and transitioned into the world of music photography while shooting for legendary Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood on the island of Maui, Hawai’i.
While working in Maui, she also photographed iconic music photographer Henry Diltz at The Morrison Hotel Gallery, influencing her perception of portrait photography as an art of storytelling. Her timeless images of musicians and celebrities to entrepreneurs and everyday people, capture intimate soulful moments that reveal the subtle genuine beauty within. Sarah is currently based in Alexandria, Virginia, and travels with her two mini-pin chihuahua rescues, Ava and Julian.
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About GENIUS BOOK PUBLISHING
Genius Book Publishing, based in Milwaukee, WI, was founded by Steven and Leya Booth, both avid readers. The company was launched in 2011 and, to date, has published over 60 titles in genres ranging from horror to mystery-thrillers to true crime stories. The Genius catalogue also includes traditional print coffee table books about music, photography, and history.
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