Slack Key DVD Documentary by Eddie Kamae

A few days ago I received my copy of Ki Ho'alu: Slack Key The Hawaiian Way, a DVD documentary of Hawaiian slack key guitar, Hawaii's gorgeous, indigenous fingerpicking guitar style. I've really been enjoying it! You'll recognize some of the names and faces that have appeared at the Southern California Slack Key Festival like George Kahumoku Jr, Ledward Kaapana and Dennis Kamakahi. Gary Haleamau, who was a part of the 2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival, is also in there and you'll get to see him again at the 2011 Slack Key Festival in Redondo Beach January 23. Lots of great interviews and music from Gabby Pahinui (Cyril's father), Raymond Kane, George Kuo, and even my UH college professor Lisa Smith!

I never would have thought - back when I was attending the Slack Key Festival in Hawaii (when it used to be held at the McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana park) - that I'd be hiring these people for my shows and becoming friends with them.

This film premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., during a special day of screenings at the American Film Institute honoring Eddie Kamae's Legacy Series. Jim "Kimo" West says he was there on Maui back when they had just wrapped up the filming and remembers them partying it up at the local restaurant/bar. Lots of great playing techniques that you just don't see anymore like the sewing needle hanging from the mouth and banging up against the string and right hand tapping. I'm sure you'll enjoy this documentary as much as I am.

Jeff Peterson Reflects on 2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival

With the 2nd Annual Aloha Falsetto Festival coming up in Redondo Beach this July, I wanted to share some of my experiences from the first concert.

I had a wonderful time performing in the "house band" with featured artists including Steven Espaniola, Gary Haleamau and Raiatea Helm. Each artist had their own unique style and dynamic on stage and the music felt very fresh and exciting because each group was essentially playing together for the first time. We were already familiar with the songs and had rehearsed on our own, but putting it all together backstage then sharing the music with such a receptive audience was amazing. I had already toured with Steven and Raiatea but it was my first show with Gary. What an incredible musician - a fantastic singer and a great guitarist whose talent really inspired the band to open up at let loose - what a rush!

I also enjoyed many of the spontaneous moments like the groove we broke into with Steven Espaniola on his original song "Hokulani" that got everyone dancing in their seats and Raiatea's idea to do "At Last" extra slow and bluesy. The energy of the crowd can really influence a performance and the reception we got pushed us to play our best.

I have to say that after being a part of both the Southern California Slack Key and Aloha Falsetto Festivals, the audiences have always been outstanding, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is the perfect venue for these festivals with its phenomenal sound in the theater. The performers get the chance to meet the audience at each show in the huge lobby during intermissions and it seems the Hawaiian community in the area really supports each other and the artists who come up from Hawaii to perform. We also have had wonderful receptions before each festival at Duke's in Malibu or at the theater where the musicians can kani ka pila and talk story with the guests. That has been one of the highlights for me: just being together with so many of my friends and peers up there has been great.

I look forward to many more festivals at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center - it's like a home away from home for musicians here in Hawaii.

Mahalo nui loa to all those who have supported the concerts and have given their kokua.

A hui ho,

Jeff Peterson

To view a photo slideshow of the 2008 Aloha Falsetto Festival, please click here.