“Virtuosic keepers of a cultural flame.” – New York Times
Three Masters, who regularly perform at Maui’s renowned Slack Key Show, share the uniquely Hawaiian styles of slack key guitar and ‘ukulele. These styles originated in the early 19th century when Portuguese immigrants introduced the ‘ukulele to Hawai‘i and Mexican cowboys brought guitars along with their ranching knowledge. Ever since, Hawaiians have made these instruments their own.
Four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr., is known as “Hawai‘i’s Renaissance Man”. Further, he has received multiple Na Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) Awards. Additionally, he works as a vocalist, storyteller, songwriter & author, teacher, sculptor, farmer, and chef. He received a Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, he earned a place in the Maui Nui Hall of Fame in 2024.
Led Kaapana has influenced Hawaii’s music scene for four decades. Here, he is a master of the slack key guitar and holds the title of National Heritage Fellow. His mastery of stringed instruments and his extraordinary baritone to leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) vocal range, have made him a legend. Additionally, he has earned multiple Na Hōkū Awards.
Sonny Lim is a renowned Slack Key guitarist, Hawaiian Steel guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. He developed his guitar & vocal styles performing with his famous Lim Family of the Big Island. Lim also became one of the early members of the renowned Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, playing lap steel guitar at age fifteen. He performed on the first Grammy-winning CD in Hawaiian music and has won multiple Na Hoku Awards on his solo CDs.
Recommended for fans of Herb Ohta, Jr., Jake Shimabukuro, Don Ho and HAPA.
