Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 12, 1 December 2005 — Magic fingers [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Magic fingers

By Sterling Kini Wūng Publications Editor Every Wednesday night, the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series transforms a little theater in the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Resort into a backyard jam session, and in the process has turned the hotel into one of Maui's premiere venues to hear Hawaiian music.

The series, whieh is in the middle of its third year, showcases some of the biggest names in slack key eaeh week, with regular performances by such top artists as Ledward Ka'apana, Martin Pahinui, Cyril Pahinui and Dennis Kamakahi. One of the show's appeals is its informal, talk-story format. Held in a small theater, the intimate setting inspires some art-

ists to reveal the personal experiences behind the songs they've written. Audience members also gain insight into the music by listening to the guest artists interact with slack key legend George Kahumoku Jr., who serves as the show's emeee. Audio recordings of the series have already resulted in one award-winning compilation CD, The Masters of Hawaiian Slack

Key Guitar Vol. 1, and the second volume is currently in the works. Organizers of the series are also working on a pilot that could be turned into a regular show for National Public Radio. Upcoming performances in the series include: Dec. 7 - Martin Pahinui Dec. 14 - Keoki Kahumoku Dec. 21 - Cyril Pahinui Dec. 28 - Ledward Ka'apana (6 & 8:30 p.m.) Jan. 4 - Dennis Kamakahi Jan. 11 - John Keawe Jan. 18 - TBA Jan. 25 - Cyril Pahinui S

Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Resort Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. (Some shows feafure fwo performances, at6 anel 8:30 p.m.) $40 general; $30 for residents with state driver's license 808-669-3858, or toll-free: 888-669-3858 www.slackkey.com

Hula at Volcano Art Center Sat., Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. Leaturing Hālau Hula ka Makani Hali 'Ala o Puna and Hawaiian craft demonstrations. Volcano Art Center, Volcanoes National Park. Lree; park fees apply. 808-967-8222. Tui Tonga Canoe Festival Sat„ Dec. 10, 8 a.m. (race at 10:30) A race and eanoe elinie with some of the sport's best paddlers. Keauhou Bay, KailuaKona. Entry fee: $40. 808-969-6695. Mākaha Sons Christmas concert Sat„ Dec. 17, 8 p.m. Mākaha Sons spread their Christmas cheer in Hilo. UH Hilo Theatre. $30 in advance; $35 at door. 808-990-0474. Mali'o: The Women of Hawaiian Songs and lnstruments Sat„ Dec. 17, 1:30 p.m. A Maiki Aiu Loundation concert featuring some of today's top female Hawaiian musicians. Mission Memorial Auditorium, Honolulu. Lree. 428-3434 or 227-0600. Hulihe'e Palaee concert Sun„ Dec. 18, 4 p.m. A concert in honor of Princess Pauahi, featuring the Merrie Monarch Glee Club and Hālau Nā Pua U'i o Hawai'i. Hulihe'e Palaee, Kailua Kona. Lree. 808-329-1877. 'lolani Palaee evening tours Wed. & Thu„ Dec. 28 & 29, 6-8:30 p.m. Special evening tours of the palaee to commemorate Queen Kapi'olani's birthday. 'Iolani Palaee, Honolulu. $12 adults; $2 childrenl3-19; keiki under 12 free. 5220822.

Ledward Ka'apana (foreground) joins host George Kahumoku at a Masters of Slack Key concert. Photo : slackkey.com