Third Annual Henry Kaleialoha Allen Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival

Strings. Photo by Kristin Hashimoto.

By Kristin Hashimoto

“It’s going to be a phenomenal event,” said event organizer, Bryant Neal, for the non-profit, Arts Education for Children Group. On Friday April 29, thru May 1, the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel in Lahaina will be the backdrop for Hawaiian music, arts, crafts, food, and workshops in honor of musician Henry Kaleialoha Allen. The festival is also dedicated to the creator of the Hawaiian steel guitar, Joseph Kekuku.

Allen was one of the original steel guitarists for a Hawaii radio show, “Hawaii Calls,” and has been playing music for over 60 years. In 2004, Governor Linda Lingle proclaimed April 4, Henry Kaleialoha Allen Day, and received honors and recognition for his contributions to Hawaiian music.

There will be a special VIP reception party, and meet and greet with Allen, on April 28, in a private suite at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. Maui’s Mayor Alan Arakawa and his wife, Ann Arakawa, will be hosting this event. Tickets are on sale for $150. For reservations and more information, call 669-6189.

Thursday, April 28

6-9 pm – Meet the Artist VIP Reception Party – Private Suite

The Festival begins with an exclusive opportunity to meet and talk story with Henry Kaleialoha Allen. The only ticked event offered during the weekend, the $150 per person price includes food, wines, champagnes, beers, individual photo sessions, and gift bags. Hosted by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and First Lady Ann Arakawa.

For reservations and more information, call (808) 669-6189

All events on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 are offered for free.

(Schedule below is posted on AECG.org)

Friday, April 29

Beginning at 2pm – Greetings and Crafts – Lobby

Hawaiian cultural enrichment specialists Danny Akaka, Jr. and his wife Leolani, Alii Noa, Wailani, Aloha Kekoolani, and niece of Joseph Kekuku Kaiwa Meyers offer greetings. Hawaiian quilters showcase their craft.

Hawaiian crafts and activities including:

• Lei making
• Ti leaf skirt weaving
• Hawaiian tattoo
• Hula dancing
• Hula implement display

Workshops – Kanahele Room and Courtyard

2-5pm – Hands-on Hawaiian steel guitar making classes with University

of Hawaii’s Dr. Neil Scott, his assistant Bill Weichert, and accomplished musician from the Big Island-Colin John (building kits are provided)

Opening Ceremony – Main Stage

5:30pm – Pule and chants – Danny Akaka, Jr. and Aloha Kekoolani

Welcoming address by guest speaker Maui Mayor Hon. Alan Arakawa

Performances – Main Stage

6-6:45pm – Kani Ka Pila Steel Guitar Trio from Yokohama, Japan

featuring a cameo appearance by Henry Kaleialoha Allen and Archie Grant

7-8:30pm -Alan Akaka & Islanders with hula dancers including hula

class students.

Open Jam Session – Kanahele Room

8:45-11:30pm – All are welcome to bring their instruments and join in

Saturday, April 30

Beginning at 9am – Lobby

Hawaiian cultural enrichment specialists Danny Akaka, Jr. and his

wife Leolani, Alii Noa, Wailani, Aloha Kekoolani, and niece of

Joseph Kekuku Kaiwa Meyers offer greetings. Hawaiian quilters

showcase their craft.

Beginning at 9am – Courtyard

Hawaiian crafts and activities including:

Lei making

Ti leaf skirt weaving

Hawaiian tattoo

Hula dancing (learn in the morning, dance in the afternoon)

Hula implement display

Display of instruments and accesssories, books and music

Beginning at 9am – Plein Air painting – Courtyard

Jack Hamilton and fellow artists painting on location

Presentations – Kanahele Room

10am-11 – Powerpoint presentation: Joseph Kekuku, Hawaii Calls and

Don McDiarmid, Jr. followed by conversation with Henry Kaleialoha

Allen and Kaiwa Meyers and Q&A session

Workshops – Kanahele Room

11am – 1pm – Playing techniques with Alan Akaka (left and right

hand techniques), Greg Sardinha (recording tips), and talking story

with Duke Ching, Henry Allen, and Lion Kobayashi

Workshop – Courtyard

11am – Hands-on Hawaiian steel guitar making classes with University

of Hawaiis Dr. Neil Scott , his assistant Bill Weichert, and

accomplished musician from the Big Island Colin John (building kits are provided)

Performance – Main Stage

1-4pm – Kani Ka Pila – Hawaiian-style musical get together with

festival players and guest dancers from hula class

Ceremony – Main Stage

5:30pm – Pule and chants by Danny Akaka, Jr. and Aloha Kekoolani

Hosted by Senator Brickwood Galuteria with guest speakers Hawaii

Tourism Authority President & CEO Mike McCartney and Maui Visitors

Bureau Executive Director Teryl Vencyl

Performances – Main Stage

6-6:45pm – Music by Greg Sardinha and Duke Ching with hula dancers

7-8:30pm – Concert Under the Stars

Senator and singer Brickwood Galuteria emcees a fabulous evening of music starring Henry Kaleialoha Allen and Tropical Swing with A Touch Of Cool Jazz and Japanese singing sensation Masami Sato

Open Jam Session – Kanahele Room

8:45-11:30pm – All are welcome to bring their instruments and join in

Sunday, May 1 – May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

Beginning at 9am – Courtyard

Hawaiian crafts and activities including:

• Lei making
• Ti leaf skirt weaving
• Hawaiian tattoo
• Hula dancing
• Hula implement display
• Display of instruments and accessories, books and music

9am-1pm – Brunch – Tiki Terrace

Kaanapali Beach Hotels famous Sunday Champagne Brunch with emcee Kimo Mansfield and featuring entertainment by festival artists and a cameo appearance by Henry Kaleialoha Allen. Other activities include a presentation by Dr. Neil Scott and his workshop students and a lei contest. For reservations, call (808) 661-0011

Free Performances – Main Stage

9-10am – Kani Ka Pila, Hawaiian steel guitar trio from Japan

10:15-11:30am – Island musicians Greg Sardinha and Duke Ching

11:45am -1:00pm – Popular trio Alan Akaka & The Islanders with Japan’s renowned Hawaiian steel guitarist Lion Kobayashi and hula by guest artists.

For more information about these free events, visit www.aecg.org, or call 283-3576.