When doors to E Kanikapila Kakou open on Feb. 27, the popular heritage program that is celebrating its 40th year will be themed around the steel guitar and its history, at the Jasmine Ballroom of the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
“E Kanikapila Kakou” means “let’s play a stringed instrument together,” and guests to the Feb. 27 event are invited to join in an optional ‘ukulele/guitar jam circle to learn the song “Pupu Hinu Hinu” from Kaipo Patrick Asing Sr., a member of the Bobby Ingano Trio, which will be featured on stage following the jam circle. Students from the jam circle will be invited to the stage to show their stuff.
The jam circle starts a little after 5 p.m., and when the jam ends at 5:55 p.m., the Bobby Ingano Trio with Asing will take to the stage to play music that will be accompanied by Kilin Reece, considered a luthier, historian and the curator, founder and president of The Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings, in Kailua, O‘ahu. He will talk about the steel guitar in Hawai‘i.
Ingano, considered a highly sought after studio musician, makes his EKK debut following his tour in India with Taj Mahal. Ingano is said to have an unmatched mastery of the steel guitar, and is a protege of the renown steel guitarist David “Feet” Rogers of the Sons of Hawai‘i. He learned from Rogers his gentle style of guitar and humble philosophy of life.
Asing, coming from Papakolea, O‘ahu, is highly regarded for his creative vocal style and keen harmony.
“Whether he plays an instrument or sings in full chest voice or high falsetto, he does it in style,” said a representative from the Garden Island Arts Council, presenter of E Kanikapila Kakou.
During the intermission, E Kanikapila Kakou will have two giveaways — a mango wood Kamoa ‘ukulele, and a steel guitar from the “Forest to Fret” project for houseless kids that both Reece and Ingano will enjoy delivering to the winners of the giveaway.
EKK is open to the public, drawing an audience from around the island and world on its Monday night sessions. Entry is available for $10 a person for kama‘aina, $20 for visitors, and may be purchased online or at the door. Children up to and including the age of 12 years old enter free on all Monday night presentations.
E Kanikapila Kakou will have a special concert on Feb. 28, to honor and enjoy the “pride and joy” of Kaua‘i, Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala, as they embark on their 2023 participation in the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawai‘i Island in April.
Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning trio Na Hoa with Ikaika Blackburn, Halehaku Seabury and Keoni Souza, who are their musicians for the Merrie Monarch, will perform, along with Bronson Aiwohi and his band.
Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin brings her halau to the special concert as well.
Kaua‘i native and Honolulu radio sensation Mele Apana will be joined by Kimo Kahoano and others for the show.
The Kaua‘i Beach Resort is at 4331 Kaua‘i Beach Drive, Lihu‘e. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. show.
Tickets are available at the door, or online for a $60 per person, plus a small handling fee for all guests who can pay at the door, or reserve tickets online at Eventbrite — SendingAloha.eventbrite.com, or ekk2023.eventbrite.com.
