Kahilu Theatre presents the 12th Annual Waimea Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute, Nov. 20-23. ADVERTISING Kahilu Theatre presents the 12th Annual Waimea Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute, Nov. 20-23. The Waimea Ukulele Festival, as it is widely known,
Kahilu Theatre presents the 12th Annual Waimea Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute, Nov. 20-23.
The Waimea Ukulele Festival, as it is widely known, will include four main concerts, master classes, and a family fun day, with free entertainment and fun activities for the whole family.
The festival kicks off 7 p.m. Thursday with the free kanikapila concert, featuring an open call to audience members to bring their instruments and join the masters onstage.
Mike Ka‘awa, Jeff Peterson, Richard and Kalai Ho‘opi‘i and Benny Chong will lead the community jam. Guest artist Vincenzo Martinelli will add some Latin styling to the Hawaiian classics.
On Friday, Nov. 21, the 7 p.m. concert will begin with The Rev. Danny Akaka presenting an ‘oli for the late masters Dennis Kamakahi and Chino Montero, whom the festival is dedicated to this year. Jazz ukulele maestro Benny Chong will then open the concert, and introduce 13-year-old prodigy Aidan James. Slack key legend Ledward Kaapana and 12-string master Mike Ka‘awa will bring their mind-boggling virtuosity to the stage for the second half, also including Alan Akaka on steel guitar.
The family fun day starts at 9:30 Saturday, Nov. 22, and there are numerous classes, workshops and hands-on activities.
On Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Hoku winner Nathan Aweau and Grammy winner Jeff Peterson open, bringing in Spanish and classical guitarist Vincenzo Martinelli for a guest set. One of Hawaii’s cultural treasures, Richard Ho‘opi‘i and son Kalai lead the second half, with an all-star house band.
On Sunday, Nov. 23 at noon the festival finale features Martinelli, who studied at the Centro Romao della Gitarra in Italy and with acclaimed flamenco guitarist Robbie Varga. The festival closes with an open jam session with featuring all the institute musicians.
More information on classes and tickets for all concerts can be found at www.kahilutheatre.org and by calling 885-6868.
