The Kahilu Theatre in Waimea presents the 11th Annual Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Institute, Thursday, Nov. 14 through Sunday Nov. 17. The institute features public concerts, both free and ticketed, schools shows, workshops, master classes, movies and more. The Institute is a meeting place for artists and our passionate audience of Hawaiian music.
The Kahilu Theatre in Waimea presents the 11th Annual Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Institute, Thursday, Nov. 14 through Sunday Nov. 17. The institute features public concerts, both free and ticketed, schools shows, workshops, master classes, movies and more. The Institute is a meeting place for artists and our passionate audience of Hawaiian music.
On Thursday at 6 p.m,, the Kanikapila offers a fun night filled with music, and a chance for advance and beginner players to come up on stage and jam with the artists. It’s free and open to all ages and levels of musicians, and for those who just want to listen.
On Friday at 7 p.m., slack key master Ledward Kaapana will headline and 12-string guitarist and singer Mike Kaawa will join him for some of their stunning duets. In addition, the legendary Rev. Dennis Kamakahi will perform a rare solo set highlighting many of the most beloved songs he has composed over the past four decades and Waimea’s own Sonny Lim will open with a multi-generational group of talented family and friends.
On Saturday at 7 p.m. Cyril Pahinui and his trio will headline a star-studded event, and multiple Hoku winners Nathan Aweau and Jeff Peterson will combine forces for some powerful duets. Also on the bill are ‘ukulele virtuoso Benny Chong plus the duo of Peter Moon Jr. and Jeff Au Hoy will join in the finale.
Friday and Saturday night concerts tickets are $20 to $64, available in advance online at www.kahilutheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the theatre or call the box office at 885-6868 from 9 a.m. to noon.
There will also be ‘ukulele and slack key guitar workshops, at 10 a.m. and noon Saturday for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Each two-hour workshop costs $30, which includes a T-shirt. For full-time students, the workshops are just $5. At 2 p.m. there will be a free screening of the movie “Let’s Play Music!” — a celebration of Gabby Pahinui.
Then on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. there’s a final, free onstage jam, Na Mele o Hawaii, a rare chance to see all the artists playing together in an intimate setting.