KAPAA — Celebrate family music at a special event this week.
The 2018 Spring Slack Key Day festival will bring local musicians and families together Wednesday to share their love of Hawaiian-
style music.
Much of the music that will be played is inspired by Kauai life — birds, whales, sunrises, sunsets, rain, mountains and ocean.
Hosted by the slack key pair Doug and Sandy McMaster, the Slack Key Music Center event will present local musicians performing in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church sanctuary and on its floating lanai.
“We have been honored to be asked to be keepers of this music, its history and family stories,” Sandy McMaster said. “Experiencing music opens hearts at the level where we are all connected as humans on this beautiful planet, and giving us all memories never to be forgotten.”
The music is intended to be a spiritual experience that can bring peace. The lineup will feature several talented musicians, including ukulele duo Barbara Bones and Susan Bransfield of Hoonani.
“Music is so uplifting and universal, and its main purpose is to connect us all,” Bones said. “We were honored to be included in the slack key family music event. This gave us the opportunity to share some tunes that ordinarily don’t go far beyond the lanai.”
Award-winning singer and songwriter Kellie Lin Knott will introduce her newest CD at the festival.
“The Slack Key Music Center gives space for audiences to celebrate not only the healing power of music but also the joys and shared experiences inherent in storytelling and songwriting,” Knott said. “Especially when the world is divided, these art forms bring us back into learning to understand and love those who may be different from us, as well as highlighting what connects us all.”
Kawika and Kauilani Jamieson will perform traditional slack key and leo kiekie.
The couple is always “promoting Hawaiian traditional music and consistently keeping up with the progression and the changing styles that our Hawaiian artist and songwriters bring to light.”
Performing certified music therapist and professional percussionist Lindsay Maclean spoke of the healing powers of music.
“In the hospice setting, music therapists use the patient’s favorite repertoire to offer peace and stability at a time of immense chaos and fear for not only the patient but for their family too,” he said. “We are a hybrid of trained counselors and trained musicians. The beauty of our work is to figure out when to be each.”
And of course, the popular McMasters will also perform their extensive list of traditional slack key guitar and ukulele tunes.
“The elders that taught us in their old Hawaiian slack key way instilled in us a deep reverence and understanding of family music — its power to bring family together, to make things right at the end of the day, and to bring soothing, healing presence through all life’s experiences,” Sandy McMaster said. “They always said that ‘It’s only slack key when it’s played from the heart and with great aloha.’”
Attendees can enjoy the beautiful grounds, explore a labyrinth, meditate under a tree, or bring a picnic to enjoy outside, weather permitting. No drugs, alcohol or tobacco are allowed at this family-friendly event.
The 2018 Spring Slack Key Day happens at All Saints’ Church in Kapaa on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Keiki under 5 years are free, and youngsters between 6 and 12 years are $10.
Proceeds support two nonprofits: Slack Key Music Center and All Saints’ Episcopal Church.
