Cyril Pahinui To Perform At Imiloa After Dark

Master slack key musician Cyril Pahinui will perform “under the stars” in the planetarium of the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center on Friday, Nov. 22.

The 7 p.m. “Imiloa After Dark” event promises a night of “talk-story” and slack key by “Uncle Cyril,” one of Hawai‘i’s most gifted guitarists and singers and son of the musical legend Gabby Pahinui.

Cyril has twice played at Carnegie Hall, has contributed to three Grammy Award-winning albums, received several Hoku Hanohano Awards, and recorded more than 35 Hawaiian musical releases.

Cyril grew up in Waimanalo at the foot of the Ko‘olau Mountains on the windward side of Oahu. He started playing music from the time he could hold an ukulele, began learning slack key at age seven, and performed on stage for the first time at the age of 12. He grew up with four sisters and five brothers, who all learned music by listening and watching their father and other musicians.

“Music was my dad’s life, and in many ways he was ahead of his time. He loved classical music, and liked jazz and Mexican music. As his children grew to share his love of music, he always told us, ‘Play whatever you feel, whatever makes you happy, but always respect Hawaiian music and keep it in your heart,’” said Cyril in a release for the event.

Tickets are $15 for non-members; $12 for members. Call 969-9703, or go to www.imiloahawaii.org.