The NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) broadcast featuring Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i's NextGEN ensemble focuses on preserving and appreciating traditional Hawaiian music, particularly the Hawaiian steel guitar.

The broadcast emphasizes the cultural significance of the kīkā kila, the only instrument created in Hawai‘i that has influenced global genres like country and blues. It also addresses the instrument's decline as master players age.

The 2026 AISGC Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival took place from July 23 to July 25, 2026, at the Towne Square Community Centre in Winchester, Indiana. Organized by the Aloha International Steel Guitar Club (AISGC), this annual convention marked 52 years of uniting Hawaiian musical culture with the heart of the American Midwest.

This gathering has long celebrated legendary Hawaiian steel guitarists and artists like Genoa Keawe, Gary Aiko, Sol K. Bright, and Jerry Byrd. This year, we were honored to welcome special guest Mālie Lyman, the great-granddaughter of Auntie Genoa Keawe, who delivered breathtaking performances. Alan Akaka brought the main stage to life with his shows and specialized seminars.

Mālie's artistry on the steel guitar, her powerful vocals, and her hula enchanted the audience, who in turn inspired her to cherish the Winchester festival, leading her to book her hotel for 2027.

Over the past five years, I have witnessed the loss of some cherished long-time members and the arrival of a new generation of musicians, inspired by a growing enthusiasm for lap steel guitar among younger audiences.

The NextGEN Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival at Ka Makana Ali‘i showcased incredible young talent while preserving the rich traditions of the Hawaiian steel guitar. The festival highlighted the dedication and passion of a rising generation of musicians, supported by an exceptional group of seasoned artists.

Ever Ta‘ala kicked off the program in style, setting a high standard for the day with a beautiful set that included "Mauna Loa," "Blue Lei," "Ka Ua Loku," and "Susiana E." Thắng delivered a stellar selection featuring "Beyond the Reef," "Namolokama," and ""‘Akahi Ho‘i." The Nguyễn brothers then joined forces for a vibrant rendition of "Henehene Kou Aka," featuring Thuần on steel guitar.

Hi‘ipoi took the stage with a rich, expressive set list, performing "Nani Waimea," "Nani Wai‘ale‘ale," "Mapuana," "How'd Ya Do," "Love Letters In the Sand," and the classic "Honolulu March."

Isaac closed out the keiki showcases with an impressive, wide-ranging program that included "Hilo March," "On A Little Street In Singapore," "Ho‘omalimali," "Ku‘u Milimili," "Sand," "Haleakala Hula," and the energetic "12^th Street Rag."

The house band provided solid rhythm, dynamic support, and lush harmonic backing throughout the event. The talented members included: David Woodward - Guitar, Kaipo Lindsey - ‘Ukulele, Schuyler Woodward - UBass (who also delighted the crowd with vocal solos on "My Yellow Ginger Lei" and "Ka Na‘i Aupuni"), and Alan Akaka - ‘Ukulele.

Offstage, Mark Gaponoff hosted the popular "Hands On" table, giving audience members and aspiring musicians an opportunity to interact directly with steel guitars and learn more about the instrument.

While the summer heat challenged musicians under the open sky, Ka Makana Ali‘i's stage and atmosphere provided a welcoming setting for families and music lovers to gather.

On Saturday, September 26, Pono Hawaiian Grill in Santa Cruz was alive with Aloha spirit. The vibe was amazing, filled with great island music, and we had a fantastic lineup: Mikiya Matsuda on upright bass, Vic Wong on guitar, Justin Firmeza and Kyle Henderson on ‘ukulele, and I was sharing the stage with them.

The best part of the night was our steel guitar showcase. We took turns playing and traded solos by age, which nicely blended our different styles and experiences. The music was so infectious that local hula dancers jumped in to join us throughout the night, adding their authentic moves and grace to the performance

All in all, it was an awesome gig and a perfect sneak peek for my next trip back to Santa Cruz for the HSGA festival!

As you entered the Austin Marriott South, you were greeted by instruments and steel guitarists from around the globe. The festival featured a dual-stage setup, a Main Stage and a dedicated Non-Pedal Stage, ensuring a continuous flow of music. Instrument and gear manufacturers mingled with steel guitarists, both veterans and newcomers. The festival's true spirit emerged in the moments shared between scheduled performances.

On the second day, music in the Pedal Steel and Non-Pedal rooms ran from 10 AM to midnight. Partway through the day, the coordinators invited everyone to the "Alan Akaka Ice Cream Social." Somehow the coordinators knew I LOVE ice cream. For my main-stage set, I invited Bobby Ingano to join me, and as always, we had an incredible time performing together.

Saturday evening featured the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame ceremony, which provided an emotional, full-circle moment for the festival. The ceremony honored the pioneers who have shaped the instrument's legacy, inducting three noteworthy musicians: Lucky Oceans, a founding member of Asleep at the Wheel; Junior Brown, the energetic entertainer who invented the iconic Guit-Steel; and David "Feet" Rogers from the renowned Sons of Hawai‘i. Reggie-Ann Ostermiller and Kona Lau delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches on behalf of Uncle Feet, while Bobby Ingano performed a stunning musical tribute. At one point, Bobby was so moved, with tears in his eyes, after playing one of Feet's well-known songs that he received a standing ovation.

One of the weekend's most memorable moments occurred when Junior Brown joined Bobby, Kona, and me for a kanikapila that lasted until 1 AM. Junior did not want to quit. He would kick off a new song as soon as one was done. To my surprise, he knew all the songs we played and sang along with many of them. Bobby and I had met Junior Brown years ago, so this gathering felt like a grand reunion.

In a major announcement, Michael Scott, president of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, revealed the Hall of Fame's new home: Hawai‘i. The announcement surprised everyone and drew thunderous applause. Following the announcement, a video featuring Adam Jansan from the Hawai.i State Archives showcased what everyone can look forward to.

The 2026 Austin Steel Guitar Fest set a high standard for its inaugural event, celebrating craftsmanship, connection, and friendship. A special mahalo to Ted Smouse and Susan Slattery for organizing the entire festival.