Ki ho'alu...loosen the key

Kona Essence is back! After a long hiatus from blogging, I am giving it another go. Nothing like surrounding myself with a day of aloha to get into the mood.Yesterday we had the honor of listening to Hawaiian legends express their love of Hawaii, it's land, it's people and that special "energy" I call Aloha. 3rd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival at Redondo Beach Performing Arts. Mark in on your calendar for next January!

Ki ho'alu...loosen the key. The art of "slacking" the strings (or "keys") to allow many different tunings creating a variety of sounds. This tradition was actually started by Mexican cowboys in the late 19th century. Upon arriving to the islands, they shared these guitars with the Hawaiians...from there the Hawaiians adapted it to fit their own style. More on this great story in a future blog.

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar has to be one of the most mesmerizing experiences....watching 10 fingers leap around "slack" keys faster than ones eyes can follow. Your ears and heart are engulfed by this collection of sound yet in awe it is from only one instrument. If you are like me, it only takes a moment until I have found myself back in Hawaii, sitting at my favorite beach front spot, hearing the waves crash and listening to a local artist strum away. Yes, probably my friend's famous Mai Tai may be there as well :)

Back to the stage....it is filled with peaceful aloha shirts, palms trees that appear to be swaying, music playing and tears come to my eyes as the graceful hula halau floats across the stage!
Halau (hula school.) These ladies were breathtaking! Ahhh...what a perfect afternoon. I really miss Hawaii but I know what will help :) Time to roast a fresh batch of 100% Kona Coffee!

Until I figure out how to post music...google Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar and treat yourself to a Hawaiian vacation this morning.