Next Generation (or NextGen) musicians is a name given to a group of youth musicians (currently ages 9-14) who are studying Hawaiian music under the direction of Kumu Alan Akaka at his Ke Kula Mele School of Hawaiian music. While NextGen originally identified young musicians who were studying the Hawaiian steel guitar at Ke Kula Mele, the term has now been expanded to include a wider range of young musicians playing other instruments such as the bass, guitar, and 'ukulele.
The NextGen concept was developed by Kumu Alan Akaka about eight years ago. The NextGen team comprises musicians who excel in their craft and are willing to share their talents publicly at music festivals and other Hawaiian music events. All NextGen musicians play multiple instruments, and some are vocalists as well. These students represent the Next Generation of Hawaiian music entertainment and are being trained in traditional Hawaiian music styles. A part of their instruction involves the history of the music they are playing; its composer, origin, and purpose.
A youth student of Ke Kula Mele becomes a member of the NextGen team by demonstrating his or her musical skill and performance readiness, no matter what age. A youth student will know they have reached NextGen status when they are called upon to participate in a public performance venue representing Ke Kula Mele. Upon graduation from high school, a NextGen musician becomes a NextGen alumnus.
NextGen musicians perform regularly at HIMELE-produced Hawaiian steel guitar festivals statewide, at Ke Kula Mele concerts, and at special events. All are skilled musicians who have developed stage and performance presence and are excited about sharing their talents with others. Each performance featuring the NextGen may feature a different group of NextGen musicians as determined by their availability, readiness, and performance requirements. But no matter who participates, audiences are sure to delight in the skill and persona of these Next Generation musicians.
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2022
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
Livestream Steel Guitar Saturday
May 28, 2022 – LIVE STREAMED on Facebook and YouTube 3PM - 5PM HST
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Windward Mall incorporating the
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
June 11, 2022 – Windward Mall, Kane‘ohe, Hawai‘i
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
July 11-14, 2022 – Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Nightly Evening Performances 5:30PM - 6:30PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival incorporating the
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
July 15, 2022 – Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Friday Performances 4PM - 6:30PM HST
Royal Hawaiian Center Presents Waikīkī Steel Guitar Festival incorporating the
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
July 16, 2022 – Royal Grove Stage, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī
Saturday Performances 11AM - 2PM and 4:30PM - 6:30PM HST
AISGC Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
July 21-23, 2022 – Winchester, IN
Tickets available online or at the door
2022 HSGA Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
August 11-13, 2022 – Foster City, CA
Tickets available online or at the door
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival Keiki Kine at Kahala Mall incorporating the
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
August 27, 2022 – Kahala Mall, Honolulu, Hawai‘i
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM HST
Maui Steel Guitar Festival incorporating the
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase (contingent on availability of Internet connection)
October 15, 2022 – The Shops at Wailea, Wailea, Maui, Hawai‘i
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
October 16, 2022 – Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Kahului, Maui, Hawai‘i
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM HST
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna Lani
December 8-11, 2022 – Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Kamuela, Hawai‘i Island.
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Experience at Mauna Lani incorporating the
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase
December 10-11, 2022 – Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Kamuela, Hawai‘i Island.
Friday Ho‘olaule‘a 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM HST
Saturday Twilight at Kalāhuipua‘a concert 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM HST
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About HIMELE
HIMELE is a Hawai‘i non-profit corporation that supports music enrichment and education for people of all ages. Our purpose is to educate, promote, and perpetuate Hawaiian music, Hawaiian culture and Hawaiian musical instruments.
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Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Symposium
Statewide Festivals
Kaua‘i Steel Guitar Festival
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival
Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
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Ka Makana Ali‘i - Kapolei
Windward Mall - Kane‘ohe
Kahala Mall - Waialae-Kahala
Livestream Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase