Makana Live
The theater darkened. Cheers and yelps of delight pelted the wide tall stage, all in anticipation of what would be a fabulous evening.
When the lights came up, Makana stood stoically, wielding one of the many guitars he would play throughout the evening. He waited for the right moment to address the crowd and simply stated, “Hello Connecticut, I am Makana.”
I smiled broadly and joined in with the audience to welcome this young man who would forever change the image of “slack key” guitar in this world. Makana’s presence on this national tour will bring overwhelming recognition to a genre filled with Hawaiian culture and ethnicity, like no other entertainer from Hawaii ever has.
What a break through for all Hawaiian musicians and what a challenge for this passionate artist who wants to do it all.
After his brief introduction, he began to play.
Images of Oahu's lush tropical mountains and sunset skies were projected on a 50 foot screen behind the Hawaiian songwriter and guitarist. Fushia and electric blue and yellow lights created a rainbow of colors surrounding Makana, reflecting the mood of the moment. His melodic voice and the plucking of a "tuned for the song" guitar filled the theater with renditions of music pulled straight from Makana's heart and soul.
He patiently waited while the crowd roared their approval, before delving into his next song and then the next, continuing on for close to an hour. My favorite, “Ku`ulei `Awapuhi“, sung flawlessly, truly made my night wonderful.
Listening to Makana’s 3 CD’s over the last 4 years, has been a delight. Attending a live performance of his, in a huge theater with a phenomenal sound system was pure pleasure.
Thanks Mattie for living your dream and following your heart’s passion. I look forward to the great things you have yet to put down. Be well.
When the lights came up, Makana stood stoically, wielding one of the many guitars he would play throughout the evening. He waited for the right moment to address the crowd and simply stated, “Hello Connecticut, I am Makana.”
I smiled broadly and joined in with the audience to welcome this young man who would forever change the image of “slack key” guitar in this world. Makana’s presence on this national tour will bring overwhelming recognition to a genre filled with Hawaiian culture and ethnicity, like no other entertainer from Hawaii ever has.
What a break through for all Hawaiian musicians and what a challenge for this passionate artist who wants to do it all.
After his brief introduction, he began to play.
Images of Oahu's lush tropical mountains and sunset skies were projected on a 50 foot screen behind the Hawaiian songwriter and guitarist. Fushia and electric blue and yellow lights created a rainbow of colors surrounding Makana, reflecting the mood of the moment. His melodic voice and the plucking of a "tuned for the song" guitar filled the theater with renditions of music pulled straight from Makana's heart and soul.
He patiently waited while the crowd roared their approval, before delving into his next song and then the next, continuing on for close to an hour. My favorite, “Ku`ulei `Awapuhi“, sung flawlessly, truly made my night wonderful.
Listening to Makana’s 3 CD’s over the last 4 years, has been a delight. Attending a live performance of his, in a huge theater with a phenomenal sound system was pure pleasure.
Thanks Mattie for living your dream and following your heart’s passion. I look forward to the great things you have yet to put down. Be well.