Makana Returns to Kahilu Theatre for Two Performances

Kahilu Theatre will present the internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer and composer Makana on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Makana is considered to be one of the greatest living players of the rare and complex art of slack key guitar.

A protégé of the Hawaiian sack key guitar legends, including Bobby Moderow Jr. and the late master Uncle Sonny Chillingworth, Makana is perpetuating and evolving the art of slack key to new frontiers.

His “Slack Rock” style infuses the traditional slack key sound with elements of bluegrass, rock, blues and raga and his playing has garnered critical acclaim.

Guitar Player Magazine ranked him as one of the top three guitarists in America, and the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts recently gave him the Slack Key Guitar Legacy Award.

Makana photo by Jeff Martin.

He has been featured on three Grammy-nominated albums, including the soundtrack for the Academy-Award winning film The Descendants.

Makana has opened for numerous legends including Sting, Elvis Costello and Santana.

He has performed at the White House as well as opera houses from Europe to Asia.

In 2015, Makana played to two sold-out houses at Kahilu with his creation of tribute show, “A Tribute to Sonny Chillingworth.”

Makana delivers sizzling showmanship and deep comfort on stage and is sure to wow concertgoers on Feb. 11.

Doors open at 1  and 6 p.m. for the performances.

Beverages and snacks will be available for sale at the Kahilu Theatre bar.

The Voyager Exhibit will be on display in the Kahilu Theatre galleries.

Tickets are $68 , $58, $48 and $20 and available for purchase online or by calling (808) 885-6868.

Tickets are also available at the Kahilu Theatre Box Office at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Monday through Friday,from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

These performances are made possible by generous sponsorship from Charlie and Lisa Anderson, Cathi Keene, Owo’s Farm, Frank Snow, Kona Brewing Co., and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

The Kahilu 2016/17 Hawaiian Series is sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines and KAPA Radio.