Three slack key masters bring Hawai‘i’s unique folk styles, with origins in the early 19th century Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) culture, to 21st century stages. They themselves grew up in rural areas where immersion from childhood in Hawaiian music and culture was both entertainment and education.
Four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr., known as “Hawai‘i’s Renaissance Man”, is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano (Hawaiian Grammy) Award winner, a vocalist, storyteller, songwriter & author, teacher, sculptor, farmer, and chef.
A master of the slack key guitar and National Heritage Fellow, Led Kaapana has been one of Hawaii's most influential musicians for four decades. His mastery of stringed instruments, his exceptional picking style on slack key guitar and ‘ukulele, and his extraordinary baritone to leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) vocal range, have made him a musical legend and earned him multiple Na Hoku Awards.
Guitar virtuoso Jeff Peterson is a star of the next generation, winning the 2014 Na Hoku for Best Slack Key Guitar (his 2nd time). His virtuosity shines through in traditional slack key, as well as jazz and classical. Five of Jeff’s songs are featured in the award-winning George Clooney film The Descendants.