25th Annual Kī Hō‘alu Guitar Festival, June 26

The 25th Annual Kī Hō‘alu Guitar Festival will be held in the A&B Amphitheater on Sunday, June 26, 2016. The free festival begins at 1 p.m.; gates open at 12:30 p.m.

Some of Hawai‘i’s best slack key guitar players will perform a full afternoon of melodious Hawaiian music.

The confirmed lineup for 2016 includes: Slack Key Marty & Norliko, George Kahumoku Jr., Brother Noland, Glen Smith, Paul Togioka, Stephen Inglis, Kawika Kahiapo, Ian O’Sullivan, Aja Gample, Bobby Moderow Jr., Donald Kaulia, Dwight Kanae, Keale and special guests, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom and Streetlight Cadence.

Kī Hō`alu, translates from the Hawaiian as “loosen the key,” indicating the tuning in slack key guitar technique. Slack key is a musical tradition dating back to 19th century paniolo, who played around the campfire after completing a day of ranch work.

Slack key has become 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.

Relaxed lawn seating gives the event an informal, local-style atmosphere, making it easy to lounge all afternoon.

Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets or lauhala mats, and relax on the grassy lawn to fully enjoy the laid-back music by famed guitar players.

This is a family-friendly event all generations can enjoy.

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