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Kihoalu.org - Slack Key News
Nov. / Dec. '07
Cyril Pahinui Teaching a class at Kahilu Theatre in Waimea, Big Island of Hawai'i - Nov. '07 News:
Fall '07 & Winter '08 Slack Key WorkshopsEvery Fall and Winter there are several slack key workshops that take place throughout the Islands. These events range from weekend long festivals to full blown week long camps, and cost anywhere from $60 to $1,200 to attend. Most camps are headed by a legendary slack key musician with other prominent Kihoalu masters and Hawaiian musicians joining in. Recognizing that many students treat the events as a vacation and bring along (non-musician) spouses and family, many of the camps have expanded to offer instruction in other areas of Hawaiian culture, such as Hula Dancing, preparing Hawaiian Cuisine, and Hawaiian language and chant. Of course, understanding these additional facets of the culture also helps students understand Ki ho'alu and Hawaiian music, in addition to keeping their significant others busy.
Kahilu Theatre's Ukulele and Slack Key Institute (Nov. 7-10, 2007) This annual event is held at the birthplace of slack key, the ranch town of Waimea on the Big Island of Hawai'i. This year, the camp featured slack key masters Cyril Pahinui, Dennis Kamakahi, Sonny Lim, and Jeff Peterson, in addition to steel player Bobby Ingano and Uke player David Kamakahi. The weekend-long event features several concerts, an open jam, and a "talk-story" stage, with both group and private lessons available to students during the day. The concerts and lessons can be ordered a la carte, and there are plenty of fine restaurants nearby to dine at while you're in town. Accommodations can be had at either the Parker Ranch Inn or Kameula Inn (Waimea is also a short 20-30 minute drive from the Kohala Resort area.) Of special note this year, prominent singer Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom was part of the series, teaching classes on Hawaiian vocal technique and playing the Saturday evening concert. See http://www.kahilutheatre.org/ukulele/index.asp for more info.
Cyril Pahinui's Camp (Nov. 26-30, 2007) This is a new event in 2007, and seeks to be something unique. The ambitious program seeks to teach students the music based around specific locales on the Big Island: Waipio Valley (Home of Hi 'ilawe Waterfall), Waimea, Hamakua / Honoka'a, and Kawaihae, and features instructors such as Led Ka'apana, Dennis & David Kamakahi, Sonny Lim, and Britney Paiva. According to a recent e-mail from Cyril, students will stay the first night in Waipio Valley, then travel by van (or their own cars) to the other locales from Kalopa State Park (they can also stay elsewhere if they like or live nearby). Special rates are available for students who just want to attend one or two days ($40 day / $100 overnight). There will be kanikapilas at night, and a concert on Dec. 1st at Honoka'a theatre. More information is available on Cyril's wife's website, humumoolelo.com.
Keoki Kahumoku's Camp (Nov. 30- Dec. 8, 2007) Keoki's camp, which takes place in the old sugar town of Pahala on the South part of the Big Island, is one of the fastest growing in the islands. Students stay at the nearby Pahala Plantation House (2-3 bedroom homes and 'dorm' rooms also available) and attend daily classes on Hawaiian Chant, Food Preparation, and Hawaiian language. Instructors at the camp include Keoki's father George Kahumoku, Jr., Dennis & David Kamakahi, Sonny Lim, Jeff Peterson, Jon Keawe, Herb Ohta, Jr. on uke, Britney Paiva, Diana Aki on Hawaiian vocals, and "Kona" Bob Stoffer on lap steel and his Kona Walking Bass. It is also rumored that Keoki's uncle Moses Kahumoku will show up this year. There are special kama'aina and family rates available. I've heard the food is excellent (Keoki makes his own sausage!), and the kanikapilas are better. For more info, see http://www.konaweb.com/keoki/ or call (808) 935-0643 or 960-8385.
Keola Beamer's Aloha Music Camp (February 3-9, 2008) - Perhaps the most famous of them all, this camp takes place twice a year now on Maui, at the Kaupoa Beach Village. Several members of the talented Beamer family will teach classes in Hula, Ukulele, and Hawaiian storytelling and culture. Keola will teach slack key guitar, and Sonny Lim and Owana Salazar are already confirmed. Unique to the camp, there is also a course on lutherie - ukulele construction, offered by Dennis Lake. Starting at $1,700 per person, this camp is also the most expensive of the lot. For More info, see Keola's Home Page or http://www.alohamusiccamp.com/.
Sept. '07
Welcome! Our Mission...
The new site is taking off here. Our mission at Kihoalu.org is to be a premier resource for finding out about your favorite Slack Key artists, including bios and gig info, album reviews, and artist interviews.
Kihoalu.org will also be a place where you can learn about Slack Key guitar techniques and songwriting in Hawaiian music, and find out about related gear- with a special focus on island luthiers.
Finally, we hope to give limited coverage to other aspects and instruments of Hawaiian music, such as Ukulele & Steel guitar. We hope you will enjoy the site and welcome your feedback. - Sept. '07
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