Mele Mei Presents The First Annual ‘Ukulele Slack & Steel Jam

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Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
Event Calendar Item
Mele Mei Presents The First Annual ‘Ukulele Slack & Steel Jam
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Type: Special Event
Date: Sunday - 5/19/2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Location:
Queen Kapiolani Park
Regional Park Bandstand
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Cost:

MELE MEI PRESENTS THE

FIRST ANNUAL ‘UKULELE SLACK & STEEL JAM

The Mele Mei (Hawaiian translation: "May, Hawaiian Music Month") festival is living up to its name with the presentation of the First Annual ‘Ukulele Slack & Steel Jam. This event boasts an all-star line-up of ukulele and slack key artists and will be held at the bandstand in Kapiolani Park on Sunday, May 19^th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is FREE.

The 'ukulele instrument is becoming more and more popular not only in Hawai`i and on the mainland, but in countries including Asia and Europe, and is so accessible making it easy for anyone to play. Partnering ukulele music with the long-standing art form of steel guitar and slack key guitar, offers something so unique- a perfect Hawaiian day under the sun where everyone can enjoy and appreciate island music.

Hawaii Duck Tours (see photo attached) will be giving free Duck rides throughout Waikiki while ono grinds will be provided by Corner Kitchen.

Says Pali Ka'aihue, co-founder of Mele Mei and president of HARA (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts), "The ‘ukulele, slack key guitar, and the steel guitar are signature sounds representative of Hawai`i, with all three stringed instruments garnering millions of fans worldwide." He continued, "Each instrument has it's own annual celebration in Hawai`i, nationally and internationally- but we wanted to create a 'jam session' where all three are highlighted and showcased together."

‘Ukulele slack and steel artists scheduled to perform feature (in alphabetical order):

• Alan Akaka and The Islanders
• Ben Kaili
• Brittni Paiva
• Cyril Pahinui Band
• Dennis & David Kamakahi
• Kalei Gamiao
• Kris Fuchigami
• Ku`uipo Kumukahi & The Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Serenaders
• John Keawe
• Makana
• Maunalua
• Nathan Aweau & Jeff Peterson

Adds Pali, "Of course, this is only one of the many shows we have on the long list of events as part of the month-long Mele Mei Festival during the month of May. It all leads up to the 36^th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards event on May 25^th where we honor Hawai`i's music and the many artists that create it."

The `Ukulele Slack Key & Steel Jam is sponsored by the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), the Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA), Kintetsu International, Kinki Nippon Tourist, Hawaii Duck Tours, and the Corner Kitchen.

Mele Mei is sponsored by the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), the Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA), Kintetsu International, Kinki Nippon Tourist, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

ABOUT MELE MEI 2013

In 2011, officers of HARA developed the Mele Mei concept to promote and perpetuate Hawai`i‘s music, composers, and culture on global level. The idea was to create a month-long celebration highlighting the signature sounds, diverse talent and genre of Hawai`i‘s music and to share it with a worldwide audience. Hawai`i has no shortage of talent as apparent with an impressive list of singers receiving national acclaim over the years in popular television shows such as American Idol and The Voice. While traditional music is an important part of Hawaiian culture, Mele Mei's goal is simply to expose talented artists in the diverse landscape of music as it continues to evolve. With concerts presented statewide, Mele Mei shares Hawaiian music's overall appeal, making the State of Hawai`i the destination for local, national, and international participants and visitors. To purchase tickets to attend the 36th Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards on Saturday, May 25, 2013, please go to www.melemei.com or contact the HARA Office at 808.593.9424.

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Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii Event Calendar Item

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
Event Calendar Item