8 Thursday, November 17, 2016 Island Beat Hawaii Tribune-Herald from Kona to Laupahoehoe to give free concerts in Hawaii Island schools. “Kahilu Theatre’s festival is unique in that its primary focus is on our educational outreach to island students, both in traveling to schools for performances and bringing students to the theater,” Goodwin says. “Last year, more than 3,800 students attended our school sessions, shows and workshops presented by our program artists and in total more than 5,000 audience members enjoyed the practitioners and traditions of Hawaiian ukulele and slack key guitar culture.” Slack key, classical and jazz guitar player Peterson, a two-time Grammy winner, adds, “This is the only festival in Hawaii that makes it possible for school visits by a large group of traditional Hawaiian musicians.” Peterson and his fellow musicians are leading three workshops Saturday for all ages. “There are very few opportunities for students to get to interact directly with artists at the festival like Ledward Kaapana and Benny Chong, who are incredible masters of the instruments and music they play,” he says. “There is not enough music education in the public school system in Hawaii, and these workshops are a great way for the community to learn directly from great artists.” Chong conducts the session “Ukulele for all Ages” from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., helping players expand their technique and repertoire. Lim, a member of North Kohala’s most revered musical family, will lead “Introduction to Slack Key Guitar” from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for beginners as well as nonplayers who are interested in the slack key guitar style. Then there’s “Contemporary Technique for Bass” with Aweau from 1-2:30 p.m. and “Slack Key for Intermediate Players & Up” from 1-2:30 p.m. with Peterson for players who have some knowledge of slack key and want practical tips for increasing their proficiency. “We are honored to be able to sponsor this music education for all ages, not just the kids,” Goodwin says. “The workshops on Saturday are talk-story sessions as well as musical technique from the masters, so it is again a rare combination of our cultural history and future.” Workshops are $25 for adults, $8 for ages 17 and younger. “These workshops are how we teach the different styles that we play, whether it be the traditional, contemporary, jazz or ‘chalanga lang’ ukulele,” Lim says. “The workshops are our platform to share what we do and some of the knowledge we have so it can be carried on.” You don’t need to play an instrument, however, to enjoy the weekend of concert events. Thursday’s kanikapila starts at 7 p.m. featuring all of the festival musicians. After intermission, attendees are invited up on stage to play along with their own instruments. In the past, there have been up to 40 people on stage playing everything from saxophones and trumpets to tubas and even a mandolin. Friday’s concert is a special evening of Hawaiian-style kihoalu and guitar music beginning at 7 p.m. and features Aweau, Bright, Chong, Kahaunaele, Kaapana, Kaawa, Lim and Peterson. “In these concerts, I will join friends like Benny Chong and Nathan Aweau on Hawaiian and jazz songs and will feature new music I have been writing, including part of my new concerto for slack key guitar and orchestra,” Peterson says. “I just premiered the concerto on Nov. 4 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will play a solo guitar version of the first movement. I will also perform lots of new music I have composed recently.” The festival finale concert at 4 p.m. Saturday features collaborations between these musicians and the appearance of a few special guests. “Thursday is most engaging because community musicians are welcome on stage after intermission to play with our festival musicians,” Goodwin explains of the concert lineup. “Friday is our main concert and will feature all the festival musicians playing individually and together with new works and old-time favorite compositions. Saturday afternoon is the finale of the festival where our musicians will put on a playful jam session and collaborate in real time on the Kahilu stage, in the key of ‘joy.’” This is the ninth year FESTIVAL From page 7 Photos: STEVEN ROBY Musicians Jeff Peterson and Nathan Aweau above, Led Kaapana, bottom left, and Benny Chong, bottom right, perform at the annual Waimea ‘Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Festival, See FESTIVAL Page 9
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