MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER - KAHULUI MAUI HI
The 17th Annual Slack Key Guitar Festival - June 22, 2008
One Cameron Way (off Kahului Beach Road)
This past Sunday was the annual Ki Ho'Alu (Slack Key Guitar) Festival on Maui. Every year a number of well known and lesser known artists come together for a wonderful musical event on our sunny isle of Maui. I can't believe this has been going on for so many years and they can still offer it to us for nothing. THANK YOU to the sponsors.
The venue is the outdoor A&B Amphitheather which is a grassy enclosed area facing the stage. Some bleachers and folding chairs are set up at the back, and you can bring a blanket or beach chair if you want to sit closer to the performers. I went with a friend and we brought some chairs and got a good spot close to the front, on one side. The weather was great - a little overcast, so we didn't get sunburnt. The Hawaiian music was wonderful - it's so relaxing and tropical sounding.
There was plenty of other things to do while enjoying the fine Hawaiian music. There were some yummy food vendors, and a beer and wine tent. Along the shaded sides of the building were tables set up for artists and crafters to sell their wares, and information booths too. We had a wonderful meal of cajun grilled fish with mango salsa, served with salad and brown rice, made by Alexanders of Kihei.
That's the beer and wine tent, nice and shady and still a good view of the stage. I guess they want to contain the patrons in case they get rowdy!
The stage has traditionally been covered with a tent, in the event of rain. Upcoming plans will have this tent replaced with a permanent structure of glass, in the next 18 months. This will finalize the original vision of the entire facility which was opened in 1994. Here on Maui we really love the MACC, which is a world class focal point for the arts and entertainment.
Next year the festival takes place on June 28th - a Sunday - so mark your calendars now!
Call the MACC for more info 808 242-2787, or check out their website.
The show played from 2 - 7 pm. Each artist had a turn on the stage to play and sing a few tunes. This is Gary Haleamau and some friends perfoming his 20 minute set. He now lives in Las Vegas with his family.
Some of the other performers:
- Ledward Kaapana
- George Kahumoku & Friends
- Kevin & Ikaika Brown
- Paul Togioka
- Makana
- Michael Kaawa
- HAPA
Thanks for visiting - come back soon. Aloha from Maui.
GH,
I wish I could jet on over and see this!
Looks like a blast....
I love the Big Island..
Georgina, The tradewinds blowing under a Maui sky, friends, family, kau kau, and beer - what more could you ask for in life. Looks like it was a success. A Hilo Wahine
Hunter, looks like we were on opposite sides of the venue. I was over close to the guitar display. Another good slack key fest. They were all great, but Makana was my favorite. He is incredible on guitar.
Scott - maybe you can make it out for next year
Leolinda - you know the recipe for a great Sunday..... love Hilo btw Thanks for dropping in
Pete - you're right, he can really rock out.... bought his CD.
Wow...must have been fun, love listening to slack key guitar, the outdoor festivals in Hawaii are the best...cool breezes, wonderful music and great food!
Elaine - yup, and here at the MACC the crowds are small so you don't feel overwhelmed.
Georgina - this looks like so much fun! Wish I could be there!!!!!
BJ - click your heels 3 times....