Three slack key masters—George Kahumoku, Led Kaapana, Jeff Peterson—bring Hawai‘i’s unique folk styles, with origins in the early 19th century Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) culture, to 21st century stages. They themselves grew up in rural areas where immersion from childhood in Hawaiian music and culture was both entertainment and education.
Four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr., known as “Hawai‘i’s Renaissance Man”, is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) Award winner, a vocalist, storyteller, songwriter & author, teacher, sculptor, farmer, and chef. He is the producer and star of the weekly Slack Key Show© on Maui, now celebrating nearly 20 years.
Jeff Peterson is the top instrumental slack key guitarist today. Born and raised in upcountry Maui, he mastered the paniolo (cowboy) guitar tradition as well as becoming accomplished in multiple guitar styles including classical and jazz. His skill in multiple slack key tunings is on display and he explains the character of each as he changes tunings during the show. His stories about his original songs are fascinating and his execution of traditional melodies is flawless. Jeff is at the heart of the Hawaiian music scene today. His passion for the guitar has allowed him to shine as a solo artist and has given him the opportunity to collaborate with a wide variety of artists from Hawaii, across the US, and abroad. His focus on Slack Key guitar, classical, and jazz music has allowed him to develop a unique and transcendent voice on the guitar while being deeply rooted in the traditions of his Hawaiian heritage.
Led Kaapana is the top slack key guitarist in Hawaii today. He delights audiences with his playful stage personality and top-line technical expertise. His vocals and stories are a delight and he has developed a large fan base of "Led Heads". Our front rows of reserved priority seats often sell out, so book early. Led's mastery of stringed instruments, particularly slack key guitar, and his extraordinary baritone and leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voices, have made him a musical legend. He has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years. With easy-going style and kolohe (rascal) charm, he has built a loyal corps of Led Heads from Brussels to his birthplace on the Big Island of Hawaii. Recognition by his peers earned Led 4 Grammy nominations in his own right and 2 wins on slack key compilations.