Chillingworth Tribute Concert Featuring Makana

Makana will be performing at the Kahilu Theatre over the weekend with Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31 evening shows, both beginning at 7 p.m.

The shows will pay tribute to Makana’s kumu, Slack Key Guitar Master Uncle Sonny Chillingworth.

Chillingworth passed away in 1994 and is known as one of the most influential slack key guitarists in history. In 1960, he released “Waimea Cowboy,” which went gold.

During the show, a video tribute will play of the legendary artist, created by his own cousin, Andrew Lampard.

Makana will be joined on stage by a variety of Hawaiian music legends in their own right, including Leabert Lindsey, Sonny Lim, Nina Kealiiwahamana, George Kuo, and Danny Carvalho.

Slack-rock with energy, wit, and virtuosity is how some may describe Makana’s style, from young beginnings as the “slack-key kid.” He has gone on to write movie soundtracks, perform for presidents, and has six albums under his belt. Chillingworth mentored Makana after he received a grant from the State Foundation on Culture and Arts to study under the legend.

Limited edition Makana posters created in honor of Sonny Chillingworth will be sold during the show by Kahilu Theatre. Threatre officials say the posters are a collaboration between the Chillingworth family and local artists. Only 300 posters are available between the two shows and will be sold for $10 each. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the Kahilu Galleries, host to various art exhibits throughout the year that are free and open to the public.

Tickets to the Saturday evening show have already sold out, causing the theatre and Makana to create another show on Friday evening. Those tickets are also selling quickly.

Interested attendees can purchase tickets by visiting the Kahilu Theatre website. Tickets costs $20/$36/$46/$66.