Slack-rocker 'jaw dropping'
The Union staff
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12:01 a.m. PT May 8, 2008
"I'll be sharing a diverse range of music with Hawaiian (slack key and singing) as featured pieces throughout the show. Not only will the show be intense and very intimate, it will also inform and educate the audience as to the roots of this Hawaiian tradition and the directions in which I have branched out from such. My concerts are dramatic, dynamic, spontaneous, and 'virtuosic.'" -Makana
You usually expect a real "presence" when a performer has only one name.
Makana is just that. His instrumental virtuosity has been called "jaw dropping." By blending Hawaii's slack-key guitar style (a technique that sounds like three guitars in one) with rock, blues, folk, and such international music as Portuguese fado and flamenco, he's reinvented the form. Call him a slack-rocker, if you will, but he definitely is a master of Hawaiian slack key guitar, and blasting the centuries-old tradition into the 21st century is his trademark.
Hailing from the isle of O'ahu, Makana -whose name means "a gift given freely" - began learning the ancient art of slack key at age 11 under the tutelage of legendary master, Sonny Chillingworth. By 14, he was already performing professionally.
Makana and his band have opened shows for the likes of Sting, Santana and Jack Johnson.
His live performances are well known for their high energy and unpredictability, but he also has a poignant, thoughtful side that comes through his lyrics. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2006 for his contribution to the album "Hawaiian Slack Key Kings" and won the Best World Music Album award at the Hawaii Music Awards for his debut album. Makana was also honored with the Artist for Peace Award in 2005.
This is an all-ages concert with special guest, ZAC.
Check out Makana's CDs at http://www.myspace.com/makanaworld especially his fourth and newest, "Different Game."
KNOW & GO
WHAT: Makana
WHEN: Saturday, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Odd Fellows Hall, 212 Spring St., Nevada City
ADMISSION: Purchase tickets for $15 in advance at Gold Rush Records, BriarPatch, Record Connection and, in Auburn at Cherry Records. At the door, it's $20.
INFORMATION: E-mail: info.ncme@gmail.com or call (530) 470-9615; online at www.NevadaCityMusicEvents.com.
