Kona Steel Guitar Festival
Daniel Toft

Daniel Toft

Daniel Toft began his music training on the accordion at age 10, then moved to the guitar and piano. He earned a music theory and modern piano scholarship in the late 70s but dropped his training to become a machinist. He then took up the steel guitar, dobro, mandolin, and continued with lead guitars. His interests also expanded to transcribing tablature and notation to enhance his self-education.

He has always had a passion for Hawaiian steel guitar instrumentals, island style, Hapa-Haole swing, Western swing, vintage jazz-swing instrumentals, and jazz rock instrumentals. He plays both lap steel and pedal steel guitars. He has always admired and followed Jerry Byrd, John Hughey, Paul Franklin, Doug Jernigan, Buddy Emmons, and others.

When not driving a bus and spending time with his family he plays at local gigs, special events, and also records and teaches.

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