Food, fun and fine Hawaiian music — all for a fantastic cause.
“You Kauai people — you just get out there,” said Hawaiian slack key guitarist Cyril Pahinui. “Come on down!”
Pahinui headlines the Kauai Historical Society’s annual Pa‘ina on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua. He said he is looking forward to returning to the island after several years away; an island he described as beautiful and laid back.
“I love to play Kauai,” he said.
The fundraiser banquet begins at 5 p.m. with no-host cocktails and music by Larry Rivera. There will be a buffet and silent auction with items including golf and hotel packages, two round-trip airline tickets, jewelry, a collection of vinyl records recorded in Hawaii, and collectibles such as a plate with the image of the King himself, Elvis Presley.
Pahinui, the son of musical legend Gabby Pahinui, is considered one of Hawaii’s most gifted guitarists and singers. He has twice played at Carnegie Hall, has contributed to three Grammy Award-winning albums, received several Hoku Hanohano Awards and recorded on more than 35 Hawaiian musical releases, according to his online biography.
“As a slack key guitarist, Cyril’s technical virtuosity, rhythmic adaptations, and instrumental harmonics impart the soul of Hawaiian music, and his beautiful, emotive, and well-recognized voice renders an intimate picture of his Pacific island home,” his bio states.
Accompanying Pahinui will be musicians Peter Moon Jr. and Jeff Au Hoy.
Pahinui said his career has been about carrying on his father’s legacy, and that those who enjoy Hawaiian music won’t be disappointed.
“We are just going to do our thing and just, you know, have fun, meet the people, and (I) hope the people can donate for this organization,” he said. “I hope people just turn out, support this. This kind of event is important.”
This year, KHS celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Tickets for the Nov. 1 event on sale and cost $75.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 245-3373 or email info@kauaihistoricalsociety.org. Tickets are also on sale at Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe, Pictures Plus in Kukui Grove Shopping Center, Hawaiian Music Store in Princeville and Hanalei Music Strings & Things.
