[MUSIC] The music of the Hawaiian slack key guitar (Ki Ho’alu) has helped tell the stories of people’s past and present lives throughout the islands for many years. Ki Ho’alu means “loosen the keys” in the Hawaiian language, referring to the unique name for the finger-picked style called “slacking.” Early on, slack key guitar was played by the paniolos, or Hawaiian cowboys, when they came home from work or at family gatherings. This tradition continues on the Big Island and Maui. The oceans, volcanoes, waterfalls and tropical forests of Hawaii inspire the sweet and soulful sound that is slack key guitar. Since the 1960s, Hawaiian slack key guitar has developed into a layered art form, both in solo and group format. Played solo, the unique and beautiful intricacies of the slack key guitar are most prominent. This weekend, spend a day relaxing on the lawn and treat your ears to an all-star line-up of some of Hawai’i’s best Ki Ho’alu musicians, like Ledward Ka’apana, George Kahumoku, Paul Togioka, John Cruz, Jeff Peterson, Daniel Ho, Kevin & Ikaika Brown, the band Pali and many others. Enjoy Hawaiian arts & crafts and ono local grinds as well. The best part? Free admission! [LINDA GAMPERT]
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