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 .