Tag Archives: Hawaiian music

Mele Ukulele!

Posted on by Chris Murray

Mele Ukulele, at 1750 Kaahumanu Ave, Wailuku, is a joy. The walls are lined with ukuleles from affordable to professional show-stopping hand-crafted beauties. The shop is well marked but small and easy to miss. Just remember that as you drive uphill toward Wailuku on Kaahumanu, it’s on your right (almost next door to Stillwell’s) just before you go under the only overpass in Maui.

If you’re lucky, there will be some old timers (or young prodogies) testing some of their favorite instruments. Even if you never expect to buy a ukulele, if you’re in the area, stop by and savor the beauty of fine craftsmanship. As you can see from our photo, there are friendly welcoming people there. You won’t regret it.

To learn more about Mele Ukulele, check out their website at www.meleukulele.com

Free slack key guitar festival on Maui

Posted on by Chris Murray

Every June, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahalui hosts a free concert of slack key guitar. This year (2012) it’s on June 24. The event starts at 1:00 and goes until 7:00 in the evening. As the day goes on the performers get better and better. At the beginning you might hear school groups. Later there are talented young people perhaps performing with their teacher/mentor. By late afternoon/evening there are terrific professionals playing the finest classics of Hawaiian slack key.

Bring your lawn chair (there are 4 in our condo) and hang out. Limited beverages and snacks are available for sale but you can also bring a picnic basket (use our cooler!) and enjoy your own at no cost.

If you’re on the island at the right time, this is a MUST SEE.

There are lots more events and activities at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Check out their website for additional information at http://www.mauiarts.org/