MASTERS OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC: George Kahumoku Jr, Herb Ohta Jr, & Sonny Lim

Fri. Feb. 19: MASTERS OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC: George Kahumoku Jr, Herb Ohta Jr, & Sonny Lim -7:30pm- Tix: $39.50 ($53.65 through Ticketmaster, $46.50 at the Birchmere Box Office) Sonny Lim and Herb Ohta Jr are regular guest artists on George Kahumoku’s renowned Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar® series on Maui, and his Grammy award-winning CDs. Together, these Masters share the delightful experience of kī-hō‘alu (slack key guitar) – the distinctly Hawaiian style of open tunings, ‘ukulele, and Hawaiian vocals. https://www.slackkeyshow.com/ GEORGE KAHUMOKU JR., called Hawai’I’s Renaissance Man, is a master slack key guitarist, songwriter, artist and sculptor, storyteller, and farmer. With over 25 solo, collaboration, and compilation CDs to his name, George celebrates over 20 years of his famed weekly Slack Key Show on Maui, which produced 4 Grammy-winning CDs. In 2022, he was honored with a Nā Hōkū Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2024, was recognized in the inaugural class of the Maui Nui Hall of Fame. He founded the Hawaiian Music Institute at University of Hawai‘i-Maui College to preserve the legacy of Hawaiian music and to prepare the next generation for careers in music. A renowned storyteller, George collaborated on the books A Hawaiian Life (Vols. 1 & 2) with long-time friend Paul Konwiser to capture his hilarious, entertaining on-stage stories. This project led to his film biography Seeds of Aloha. For over 20 years, George Kahumoku Jr.’s Annual Maui Slack Key Guitar and ‘Ukulele Workshop has led one of the great musical learning experiences in the Islands today, and embodies George’s belief in sharing, celebrating, and perpetuating the unique music and culture that is Hawai‘i. SONNY LIM Slack Key Guitarist, Lap Steel Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. A member of Hawaii’s musical Lim Family, esteemed Hawaiian cultural practitioners and descendants of Hawai‘i Island royalty, Sonny was born and raised in the heart of paniolo (cowboy) country on Hawai‘i Island. He was originally inspired to play Slack Key by the legendary Gabby Pahinui. At age 12 his Uncle Fred Punahoa, also teacher to renowned Led Kaapana, recognized Sonny’s talent and began instructing him. His professional career was launched as steel guitarist for the renowned Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau with the famous Iz as a leading member. Sonny has since become a respected solo artist, studio musician, and collaborator with leading Hawaiian performers. A multiple Nā Hōkū Award winner, he performed on several Grammy Award winning Hawaiian CDs including Slack Key Guitar Vol. 2 (Palm Records) – he was the first person to deliver a Grammy acceptance speech in his Native Hawaiian language — and Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, Vol 2 (DHC). https://www.sonnylim.com/ HERB OHTA JR. Praised by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser for “his own instrumental style and an impressive resume as a musician, songwriter, recording artist, and record producer”, master ‘ukulele performer Herb Ohta Jr. has established himself in the company of leading musicians who promote Hawaiian ‘ukulele in the international music landscape today. It is Herb’s goal to share the beauty of Hawai’i’s music, its culture, and the ‘ukulele to people all over the world. Son of legendary ‘ukulele artist Ohta-san, his first formal teacher, Herb learned his first ‘ukulele song at age three from his grandmother, who recognized his natural talent. Now a multiple award-winner, with 7 Nā Hōkū Awards (including Best ‘Ukulele in 2021) and 4 Hawai‘i Music Awards, he creates original compositions and unique arrangements of familiar tunes and makes each song breathtakingly fresh and distinctively his own. Herb’s favorite songs are ballads and all types of Hawaiian melodies because they enhance the natural sound of the instrument. Herb’s style stands out for his “delicate yet precise musicianship” (Honolulu Star-Advertiser) and his graceful “nahenahe” quality (gentle, melodious, emotionally serene), reflecting the inspirations of ‘ukulele greats that came before him. https://www.herbohtajr.com