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| Kalyn Aolani and Sonny Lim |
A haunting chant set the scene at the Redondo Beach
Performing Center for a host of brilliant musicians, singers and dancers
brought in from Hawaii and parts of the mainland for your pleasure. Each of the
six slack-key guitarists on stage were exceptional in their own right, but
together they put on a brilliant, high energy performance.  |
| Reading Wai-nani at Meet and Greet |
I was honored to be a guest speaker at the meet and greet
kick off the night before. At this casual gathering the artist are up close and
personal. It was intimidating to be
sharing the microphone with greats that ranged from Cyril Pahuinui, son of the legendary Gabby Puhuinui
the father of modern slack-key guitar, to Jeff Peterson a young artist with
classical training who brings a fresh cool breeze to the traditional slack-key
riffs. Still, I stood tall and did a brief reading from Wai-nani-A Voice fromOld Hawai’i and prayed this audience of authentic Hawaiian performers would
fine my rendering of the “People of Old” pleasing. From all accounts it was!
The doors open at 11:00 AM on the day of the festival so
that visitors can enjoy the Aloha market place where artisans share their
wares. Prized hand painted gourds of artist Aunty Kanoe
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| Aunty Kanoe of Punahele Arts |
Jerry Santos sang old Hawaiian favorites while Kamuela
Kimokeo accompanied him with some amazing slack-key solos. Kimo West and Jeff
Peterson did a soulful duet in the classical style. Kayln Aolani, a bright
little bird whose voice is like liquid sunshine brought tears to my eyes. My
heart was full to the brimming by the end of this day of warm aloha. If you can
only make one Polynesian event this is the one you don’t want to miss!
Many thanks to Mitchell Chang, producer, musical
& creative director for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful event
presented by Kala Koa Entertainment.
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