Start tuning up those guitar strings. The Seattle Slack Key Festival is back for its 17th twangy year, taking place at the Town Hall theater Saturday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 12.
In case you’re new to the style, Slack Key is a form of guitar music that originated in Hawaii in the 19th century. It’s known for distinctive finger-picking and open tuning that produces a gentle island sound somewhere between folk and classical.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn how to play at one of the festival’s workshops. Or you can just watch one of these pro Slack Key performers:
- Elias Kauhane — combines soothing vocals + ukulele
- Jerry Santos — O’ahu-born artist who’s been in the scene for five decades
- Ku’uipo Kumukahi — winner of the Na Hoku Hanohano Award (the Hawaiian Grammy)
If you go, say aloha to emcee Braddah Gomes, who also hosts the local radio program Hawaii Radio Connection.
