Masters of Hawaiian music at the Blue Note
Blue Note presents masters of Hawaiian music with George Kahumoku Jr., Sonny Lim and Herb Ohta Jr. on Friday, March 10, at 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr. is known as “Hawai’i’s Renaissance Man.” He is a multiple Na Hōkū Hanohano (Hawaiian “Grammy”) award winner, a vocalist, storyteller, songwriter and author, teacher, sculptor, farmer and chef. Sonny Lim, a member of Hawai’i’s musical Lim family, was born and raised in Hawaiian cowboy country on Hawai’i Island. Lim’s biggest inspiration and influence came at age 12 from well-known slack key guitarist and family friend, Uncle Fred Punahoa.
Herb Ohta, Jr. is a master ukulele performer, composer, recording artist and teacher who promotes Hawaiian ukulele in the international music landscape today. Son of the legendary ukulele artist Ohta-san, his first formal teacher, Ohta learned his first ukulele song at 3 from his grandmother, who recognized his natural talent. While he enjoys all types of music, Ohta’s favorite songs to perform are ballads and all types of Hawaiian songs because they enhance the natural sound of the instrument.
Tickets are $29 to $49. Blue Note, 1030 Main St., Napa, www.bluenotenapa.com