Blog Details
Kahilu Theatre Kanikapila - Waimea, HI
Tonight the Kahilu Theatre is hosting an open jam session...locally known as Kanikapila. Since there are so many talented Hawaiian musicians in town it makes sense to have them all play music together. Jake was really excited to be up on stage with all of these artists and play some Hawaiian jams. About twenty musicians gathered on stage. Some with instruments, some to sit in and sing along, and some just to enjoy it.
The first song selection is chosen by the first artist in the line, and then the choice is passed along until the last artist is reached. There were about 10 lead artists that would choose songs. As the song is played by the whole group each artist is given a lead and they pass the lead down the line. So the songs can go pretty long and it's always changing with varying styles and instruments. There was slack key guitar and ukulele, bass and electric guitar, steel guitar and....a harp-guitar! Check this out...
After the show many of the musicians stuck around to talk story and enjoy each others company. Jake sat with the legendary Benny Chong and Jeff Peterson while they discussed various playing techniques and styles. It was interesting to hear how each musician interpreted another musicians style and music in general. I know it meant a lot to Jake to share this experience and passion with fellow musicians. It really was a magical night filled with the true aloha of Hawaii...and the people that play it.
