Makana - if you haven't heard his music yet, you don't know what you're missing

I've known Makana for a while now, probably since around 1999, right around the time his debut CD came out but feels like it's been a little longer than that. Actually, at the very moment a friend was introducing us, "Only You" was playing on the radio right next to us, that was a trip. Here are some things people had to say about that first recording Makana:

"Makana's debut CD is simply fantastic. Having seen him play live for three years now, I can honestly say that the CD is a realistic showcase of his talents. "Jacked Up Slack" is a fabulous fusion of traditional slack key guitar and funky jazz tones--it's like sitting in on a hot jam session on a cool Hawaiian night."

"His music is heartfelt and growing. If you want to hear something different and reflective check this out."

"I bought Makana's CD recently and wuz blown away"

Now, 8 years and four CDs later, he's still going strong - booking most of his own gigs himself throughout Hawaii, the mainland and all over the world, as well as keeping up with his fans and supporters - and he's only getting bigger! What a monumental talent but with such a giving and humble spirit. Not afraid to branch out and experiment musically, he deserves all the good things that come his way. Even all the big dogs of traditional slack key like Dennis Kamakahi and Cyril Pahinui give him props and they show support for what he does, too.

On a personal note, I've always appreciated his support of the Southern California Slack Key Festival that I started in Los Angeles - which he'll always be welcome to be a part of - and of my endeavors in general. This coming Monday and Tuesday I'll be playing cajon (for the first time in a non-flamenco situation) behind him at Typhoon restaurant in Santa Monica. Had a fun time last night going over stuff with him and another friend Jim "Kimo" West, another slack key artist who lives here in L.A. who also happens to be the guitarist with Weird Al Yankovic so he is VERY versatile and will actually be playing a fair amount of bass for the Typhoon gig (my idea, pat myself on the back lol). Unlike most other people who, when they play cajon, just basically try to beat the shit out of it, I try to get as many sounds out of as I can which is why I also really like to use brushes for different textures. If you had to choose just one, I think the cajon is the perfect percussion instrument to accompany Makana's music, given its versatility. Anyway, for those who attended last week's Slack Key Festival, you will see some very different stuff at Typhoon's as well as some of the stuff you loved at the concert. For those not already familiar with Makana's music you should definitely try to make the show - you will see what you've been missing all these years!

Please leave some comments relating your experience hearing Makana's music and if, after reading this, you decide to attend the Typhoon gig, please come back here and tell me what you think!

Slack Key Open Mic

Going to pick up a friend coming in to L.A. today from Honolulu and going down to Dana Point in Orange County. Thinking of maybe stopping in at Kaisen's Sushi in Oceanside where the Southern California Slack Key Society hosts a ki ho'alu open mic session at 6pm every Tuesday. My nail on my right hand middle finger was ripped off last week so I cut off all the other nails - first time in probably years - so not sure if I can play good right now but might give it a try. Kaisen's is at 1906 Oceanside Blvd in Oceanside and it's one of those wannabe Japanese restaurants not actually owned by Japanese so don't expect authenticity, the service sucks in my opinion and they're too tight-fisted to even give some sort of discount to the people who come and play (which in turn brings more people to the restaurant) but the people in the Society like Mike and Bill and Dusty and Terry (who make up pretty much the entire Society membership) are all wonderful people who play good slack key and they are supportive so fun can still be had here. So maybe I'll see you there tonight!

1st ever blog entry!

After hearing about all the benefits of blogging from various friends and fellow businesspeople (like Chris Buffaloe, the virtual assistant for Somerville & Associates), I have finally decided to go for it! I attempted to start one for my website www.socalslackkeyfest.com which is dedicated to the annual event I put on in Redondo Beach, CA and started to post news about artists' new CDs or appearances but it got a little cumbersome plus I was doing it on iWeb and thus it wouldn't have its own link for the blog page and it seems the format here would just be so much easier. 

I plan to blog about the festivals I produce during the year like the Southern California Slack Key Festival and Aloha Falsetto Festival and post info about the artists, their music, related events or probably just let off some steam. Perhaps I could answer musical questions too - so many possibilities! I hope I have the wherewithal to stick with this and I look forward to interacting with folks in a whole new way!