Since the roaring ‘20s, the Kilauea Theater has entertained the people of Kauai with movies, plays and concerts. Next up at the historic venue will the slack key guitar band, Na Pali, who will perform Saturday. “We like slack key
Since the roaring ‘20s, the Kilauea Theater has entertained the people of Kauai with movies, plays and concerts.
Next up at the historic venue will the slack key guitar band, Na Pali, who will perform Saturday.
“We like slack key guitar,” said musician and band member Pancho Graham. “We want people to see how different slack key guitar can be and what a personal music style is.”
“Na Pali,” also plays ukuleles and base guitars. Its members include Carlos Andrade and Pat Crockett.
According to Graham, Andrade and Crocket have been writing their own songs since they met, and co-wrote the song “Moonlit Lady,” which was recorded in the 1970s on the “Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band, vol 1.”
“Pat and Carlos grew up on Kauai and started playing together when they were both going to Kamehameha school on Oahu,” said Graham, adding he met them when he came from his home on Kailua, Oahu to visit Kauai in the in the 1970s.
As the three became friends, they formed Na Pali in the 1980s with Fred Lunt and recorded two albums: “Pacific Tunings” in 1987 and “Na Pali” in 2005. Lunt passed away in 2012. Despite his death, Na Pali continues to play their music.
“The concert will feature all original songs by the band members.” Graham said. “Our interest in slack key guitar, Hawaiian music and songwriting reflects our love for our island home and its people.”
When they were younger, Crocket and Andrade were inspired by the Hawaiian choral style they learned as they attended Kamehameha School. Although Graham came into the band as a bass player, all three of the artists switch off on guitar, bass and ukulele, and all members sing.
“Music is a lifestyle and it’s how I spend a lot of my time” Pancho said. “People who have an interest in Hawaiian music and slack key guitar should definitely come.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Hawaiian Music Store, kiosks at Princevile Center, Coconut Market Place and at the door.
