In the Loop
Free Hawaiian music events at MACC this month
Enjoy an afternoon of free slack key guitar music at the 28th annual Ki Ho‘alu Festival at the MACC. Amity Mason photo / courtesy of MACC
Keao Costa (from left), Kapulanakehau Tamure and Kuana Torres Kahele are Na Palapalai who will give a free concert at the MACC June 21. Photo courtesy the MACC
Enjoy an afternoon of free slack key guitar music at the 28th annual Ki Ho‘alu Festival at the MACC. Amity Mason photo / courtesy of MACC
Keao Costa (from left), Kapulanakehau Tamure and Kuana Torres Kahele are Na Palapalai who will give a free concert at the MACC June 21. Photo courtesy the MACC
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One of Maui's favorite music events returns to Maui Arts & Cultural Center from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, with the 28th annual Ki Ho'alu Festival in the A&B Amphitheater.
This all-afternoon affair features some of Hawaii's best slack key guitar from artists Halemanu, Lance Takamiya, Brother Noland, Danny Carvalho, Michael Ka'awa, Wilson Kanakaole, Tavana, Dwight Kanae, John Keanaaina, Ka'eo, Kamuela Kahoano, Pa'ani, Wesley Furumoto, Will Tafolo, Aja Gample, Jonah Domingo and George Kuo (artists subject to change).
Known as one of the world's great acoustic guitar methods, especially since the Grammy Awards recognized Hawaiian music as a category all its own, the Ki Ho'alu Festival is a family-friendly event where all generations can appreciate the slack key guitar tradition with both new and classic favorites.
Audience members can laze about all afternoon. Be sure to bring your own low-back beach chairs, blankets or lauhala mats and kick back on the grassy lawn to enjoy the music.
Besides the music, the festival features island-based crafters with made-in-Hawaii products. Maui eateries and food trucks will have tasty items available for purchase.
Ki Ho'alu Festival is sponsored by The Maui News.
Celebrating their reunion and Hawaiian music, Na Palapalai, composed of Kuana Torres Kahele, Kapulanakehau Tamure and Keao Costa, returns to the MACC for a free music and hula celebration at 7 p.m., Friday, June 21 in A&B Amphitheater. Gates open at 6 p.m.
In addition to the trio, seven of Maui's halau will dance with the group and perform together under the stars. Participating halau include
Kumu Hula Keali'i Reichel and Halau Kealaokamaile, Kumu Hula Napua Greig and Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Ka Uka, Kumu Hula Kahulu Maluo and Halau Kamaluokaleihulu, Na Kumu Hula Iliahi and Haunani Paredes and Halau Kekuaokala'au-'ala'iliahi, Kumu Hula
Kamaka Kukona and Halau O Ka Hanu Lehua, Kumu Hula Kapono'ai Moliatu and Halau Na Hanona Kulike O Pi'ilani and Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt and Pa'u O Hi'iaka Halau Hula.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lauhala mats or low-back beach chairs to relax on the lawn in a family-friendly atmosphere. Chair seating will be available for kupuna so all generations can enjoy the evening of music and hula.
Na Palapalai band merchandise will be available at the event for purchase including T-shirts, CDs, Ni'ihau earrings and jewelry. Local Maui eateries will provide a variety of tasty food for purchase, and a full range of hot and cold beverages will also be available for purchase.
As usual with all A&B Amphitheater events, no over-large bags, duffels or umbrellas, nor any outside food and beverages are allowed, in compliance with local law and safety considerations.
For more information about each event, visit the box office, call 242-7469 or go online to www.mauiarts.org.