POIPU — When Makana hits the stage Saturday, he will be paying homage to Kauai’s plantation history. “We’ll be playing with theme of plantation, so we’ll have fun with that,” he said. “This is a great event for families and
POIPU — When Makana hits the stage Saturday, he will be paying homage to Kauai’s plantation history.
“We’ll be playing with theme of plantation, so we’ll have fun with that,” he said. “This is a great event for families and a beautiful venue.”
Makana, who has opened for Sting, Carlos Santana and Elvis Costello, will be headlining the 32nd Annual Sunset Ho’olaule’a at Poipu Beach Athletic Club concert on Saturday.
The free concert is part of the Koloa Plantation Days celebration. The 10-day event recognizes the many immigrants who came to Kauai from all over the world to work on the sugar plantation. People came from the Philippines, Europe, the Azores, Japan, Korea, China to work on the first sugar plantation, which was founded on Kauai in 1835.
Hundreds of years later, their stories are celebrated through music, dance, costumes and food.
“I love to play for the people to Kauai and l love playing for families, and turning kids onto the music,” he said. “It’s good vibes for everyone. I like creating an atmosphere that includes everyone.”
The concert starts at 5 p.m., and features a wide array of food trucks, like Porkys, The Fresh Shave and Kickshaws. Also, Imu Bar & Restaurant will be offering family and fine dining, as well as a bar option.
The theme is “Many Cultures, One Community.”
Makana, a Grammy award nominee, is master of Hawaiian slack key guitar. He is a world famous singer, performer and composer.
During his career, Makana has toured with Jason Mraz, Santana and Joe Welsh, of the Eagles. He’s also opened for Sting, Chris Isaak and John Legend.
On Saturday, he will be joined by Estrella, a local singer.
“I’m excited about debuting a singer who works with us and is local to Kauai. This is her first on-island performance with us,” Makana said. “She’s an incredible singer, and I’m excited to work with her.”
He said he and his band, which is flying in from Honolulu, has been working with Estrella for a couple months. Their music is a combination of Hawaiian, pop, jazz, folk, Latin and African rhythms.
“We’re working on some new stuff, and we’ll do some new duets,” Makana said.
The concert will also feature local band, Cruz Control and an appearance by Kauai’s own Dickie Chang.
More info: 742-2111.
