27th Annual Ki Ho`alu Guitar Festival

Sunday, June 24:
27^th Annual Ki Ho`alu Guitar Festival.  Some of Hawai`i’s best slack key guitar players will perform a full afternoon of melodious Hawaiian music.  Kī Hō`alu, translating literally from the Hawaiian as “loosen the key,” indicating the tuning in slack key guitar technique, 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.  An abundance of 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. Island crafters and merchants will be on site with displays of local arts & crafts for purchase, and food trucks will serve a variety of tasty lunch and dessert options. Maui Arts & Cultural Center, A& B Amphitheater, One Cameron Way,  Kahului.  1 to 7 p.m.  Free admission.  For information call (808) 242-7469 or visit http://mauiarts.org/.