One of Hawaii's premier singers, composers, and slack key guitarists, Keola Beamer's deep well of talent springs from an illustrious line of Hawaiian musicians and dancers that reaches back to 15th century ancestors, King Kamehameha and Queen Ahiakumai. Following in his elders' footsteps, Keola revitalized many of his family's songs and reintroduced Hawaiian chants and ancient instruments, as well as mastering the beautiful slack key guitar technique developed in the 19th century by Hawaiian cowboys. Since 1972, when he released his landmark Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar in the Real Old Style, he has recorded numerous award-winning albums and firmly established himself as a leader of the wave of contemporary Hawaiian music. He recently released two more CDs, an album of 1970s "Hawaiian Renaissance" songs titled Mohala Hou and a duo CD with Native American flute master, R. Carlos Nakai, Our Beloved Land.

Joining Keola for this evening of mele (song), oli (chant), and hula (dance) is his wife, Moanalani Beamer, who also accompanies Keola on various ancient percussion instruments.

Keola describes his native islands as the inspiration for his music: "There's a radiant feeling at least once a day when the curtain of everyday activity lifts, when you stop whatever you're doing, and see this place for its amazing beauty. There's a haunting sense of gratitude that you feel to be a part of this. It seems to me that this is what Hawaiian music is all about." Come hear it for yourself tonight!