Kanekoa is one of Hawaii’s premier live music experiences. Sailing in on a wave of multi-layered sound, Maui’s Nā Hōkū Hanohano (Hawai’i’s “Grammy”) Award-winning band Kanekoa has become a global phenomenon. Powered by electric ‘ukuleles and driving rhythms, these ‘ukulele masters draw inspiration from the Hawaiian roots of this instrument and erupt with jam-band energy to create a unique sound they call “Hawaiian jam-rock”. Most recently Kanekoa was featured on the cover of Ukulele Magazine as “Hawaiian Trailblazers.” 

For the past 25 years, live audiences have raved over their soulful originals and insightful covers interpreted with pure originality. Kanekoa is right at home playing any genre from traditional Hawaiian  to 80’s Pop to Jamband Blues. Led by 3 ‘ukuleles -- soulful singer/rhythm ‘ukulele player Kaulana  Kanekoa, ‘ukulele virtuoso Vince Esquire, and Uncle Don Lopez, a virtuoso on the U-Bass, Kanekoa recently expanded their live sound by welcoming master percussionist Augie B. Lopaka Colon Jr to the band. 

Kanekoa has taken the ‘ukulele sound into new territory. The band continues to surprise and delight  audiences, pushing the envelope of this 4-string instrument in a jam band with eclectic roots and a  sound that embraces flavors of reggae, blues, funk, jazz and island music. Esquire’s fluid, liquid runs on  the ‘ukulele sometimes recall Jerry Garcia’s tonal lyricism. 

With a “Tiki” Waikīkī’ vibe, Slack Key 'Ohana blends beautiful Hawaiian melodies with Beach Boys / Elvis Presley style harmonies, using old school recording techniques, to craft their signature sound. Comprised of Brian Witkin & Kamaka Mullen, Slack Key ʻOhana is a Kaleponi (California) based guitar duo with an expansive roster of guest musicians augmenting their sound, in both studio and live performances. 

Integrating traditional Hawaiian Slack Key guitar with a contemporary sound? It’s a winning combination that has seen the duo quickly become favorites amongst club goers and festival attendees alike.

Backed by acclaimed accompanying musicians, including Joe Witkin (Sha Na Na / Woodstock) on keyboards, Carol Witkin (The Corvettes / Legends) on ukulele and Rand Anderson (Tom Curren Band) on pedal steel, as well as hula dancers including Alyssa Godoy (Miss PIFA 2021-22), a Slack Key 'Ohana show is a unique and fun experience. The pair’s mix of hook-filled originals and select classics will instantly transport an audience to a warm sandy beach, wherever the actual performance may be taking place. 

Their recent album "Live at Tiki Oasis" released by Pacific Records debuted at #1 on the iTunes world music charts. Slack Key ‘Ohana’s self-titled album released by Pacific Records debuted at #2 on the iTunes World Music Charts, scoring airplay and great reviews around the world in the process. 

Notably, the band was recently nominated for the 2023 San Diego Music Award's Best World Music Album. In 2022, the band was nominated in two categories: “Best New Artist” and “Best World Music Album” with Slack Key 'Ohana performing at the televised awards show and winning the World Music Album category. 

The band recently performed and the 2022 Pacific Islander Festival, the largest islander festival on the mainland, in addition to 2022 performances at Alohana Festival and Tiki Oasis. 

It's an impressive start for Slack Key 'Ohana, but they’re still just ramping things up. Plans are already underway for the follow up to their award-winning debut and festival dates, with the hope of growing their audience and the additional aim of expanding traditional Hawaiian music into the American mainstream.

So, button up your favorite Hawaiian shirt, pour yourself a Mai Tai, sit back and relax as Slack Key 'Ohana’s island sounds take you away on a cool Pacific Ocean breeze.