Program | Kona Steel Guitar Festival

2023 Festival Program - March 23-25, 2023

Click here to see the Festival's Event Schedule

Festival events and locations are subject to change. Any changes will be posted here as they become available.

The 2023 Festival will feature steel guitar masters Alan Akaka, Pōmai Brown, Al Greene, Jr., Bobby Ingano, Kapono Lopes, Patti Maxine, Greg Sardinha, Dwight Tokumoto, and Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz. NextGen steel guitarists Enosa Lyman, Makamae Lyu-Napoleon, Isabella Bertelmann, and Pono Fernandez will also perform.

The program will be presented in two segments. The morning segment is from 11:00 AM to 3:05 PM HST and the second segment is from 5:00 PM to 8:05 PM HST. The program will be livestreamed on the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Thursday Kanikapila

The resort presents a Thursday evening luau for its resort guests, and a Thuraday kanikapila may not be held depending on scheduling and facility availability. Watch for on-site announcements about this.

Friday and Saturday Kanikapila

Friday and Saturday kanikapila will be open to the public. Bring your favorite instrument and play along with festival musicians or just come and enjoy the music. If your instrument requires amplification bring along a battery-powered amplifier.

Open Stage Entertainment

Friday Open stage sessions are scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM and will feature guest artists and performers. These 30-minute playing sessions will showcase steel guitarists and Hawaiian music groups from all over the world.

Workshop

A "Learn to Play" workshop and an open talk story will be conducted Friday evening. Meet and greet Alan Akaka and Bobby Ingano and join the talk story experience.

Saturday Ho‘olaule‘a

Saturday's ho‘olaule‘a will be held in two segments. The first segment will begin at 11:00 AM and will feature four steel guitar masters and two NextGen steel guitarists in separate programs for your enjoyment. The second segment will begin at 5:00 PM and will also feature four steel guitar masters and two NextGen steel guitarists in their own programs.

The emcee for both segments will be Kimo Kahoano. The ho‘olaule‘a will be livestreamed.

Featured Steel Guitarists

NextGen Steel Guitarists

These "NextGen" Steel Guitar students of Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i School of Hawaiian Music will perform for festival attendees' enjoyment.

Enosa Lyman

Steel Guitar Exhibit

An exhibit featuring vintage and contemporary lap steel guitars will be presented. The instruments are from the instrument collections of Hawai‘i-based steel guitarists appearing at the festival. Come and see this wide assortment of steel guitars. Steel guitarist Geri Valdriz will be available to answer your questions.

Steel Guitar Hands-On Opportunities

Festival guests will be offered hands-on opportunities to experience the steel guitar under the guidance of steel guitar expert Daniel Tremblay.

Festival Information and Sales

Sales and information tables wil feature festival merchandise for purchase including Kona Steel Guitar Festival t-shirts, publications, Hawaiian music CDs, and steel guitar accessories. A limited supply of Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival t-shirts will also be available for purchase. Stop by and say "Hello" to Sandy and Linda.

The Festival Poster

The Kona Steel Guitar Festival poster was designed by Addison Ching and features pictures of the master performers superimposed on a Weissenborn-type lap steel guitar. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.