Kapolei Math: 5+7+4 = Festival Fun!

January 17, 2020 • Addison Ching • Festivals and Conventions

Five featured steel guitarists, seven NextGen steel guitarists and musicians, and four backup musicians and group members will grace the stage at the 2020 Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘i. This will be the fourth annual festival serving West O‘ahu communities at the center. Performances begin at 11 A.M. at the center's outdoor stage.

Featured steel guitarists Alan Akaka and The Islanders, Jeff Au Hoy, Bobby Ingano and the Bobby Ingano Trio, Kapono Lopes, and Greg Sardinha and Po‘okela will present their own programs, characterizing their individual styles and song selections.

Joey Misailidis on the steel guitar

Ikaika Orlando's finger picking style

NextGen steel guitarists Enosa Lyman (11), Tai Misailidis (11), Hō‘ailona Mahuka (12), Joey Misailidis (14), Pono Fernandez (14), and Mālie Lyman (15), will be joined by 11-year old NextGen ‘ukulele player Ikaika Orlando. Ikaika will provide backup to the steel guitarists and may also sneak in a selection featuring his finger picking style.

Kaipo Asing and Adam Asing will provide backup for some featured steel guitarists including Alan Akaka (The Islanders), Bobby Ingano (Bobby Ingano Trio), Jeff Au Hoy and Kapono Lopes. Zach Castro and Kata Maduli will join Greg Sardinha as members of his group Po‘okela.

A hands-on demonstration table will be available for festival guests to learn more about and try out the Hawaiian lap steel guitar under the guidance of a steel guitar expert. Many festival guests enjoyed last year's hands-on experience and left the festival with a better understanding and appreciation of the instrument.

Daniel Tremblay guides Pomaika'i Lyman at the hands-on demonstration

The Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘i is one of three community-oriented festivals presented throughout the year by HIMELE. The festival at Windward Mall serves Windward O‘ahu communities, and the Kahala Mall festival, featuring only NextGen keiki musicians, serves East O‘ahu.