Grammy Award-winning artists George Kahumoku Jr., Dennis Kamakahi and Richard Ho'opi'i are taking their collective musical talents on a cross-continental tour. – Courtesy photo

Hawaiian Grammy winners on tour

By Francine Murray / Ka Wai Ola Loa

Listening to kī hō'alu master George Kahumoku Jr. is truly inspiring. This down-to-earth Maui farmer whose day job is teaching at Lahainaluna High School, lives Hawaiian, constantly providing for, educating and sharing with the community in many ways.

This month, he takes his three-time Grammy Award-winning Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar concert series on the road in the Hawaiian Treasure Celebration Tour 2009. Kahumoku will be joined by one of the most prolific Hawaiian music composers and fellow kī hō'alu master Dennis Kamakahi, and the award-winning leo ki'eki'e talent Richard Ho'opi'i.

In a 16-city tour that started Sunday in Virginia, the trio will entertain American audiences from the East Coast to the west and up to Canada in between, before returning to the isles for three performances on Hawai'i Island. A great idea for a spring break getaway, tell your family and friends, and then meet them on the continent to take pleasure in what promises to be an amazing tour. Along with performances, Masters Slack Key Guitar and 'Ukulele Workshops will also be offered in San Antonio and Ventura, California.

Luckily, the tour won't interfere with the weekly Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar concert series Wednesday nights at the Nāpili Kai Beach Resort on Maui. Kahumoku's son Keoki Kahumoku, who also plays Hawaiian slack key guitar, will host an impressive lineup of artists at the Maui concert series, including Ledward Kaapana and Mike Kaaawa on March 18, 'Ukulele Boyz on March 25, and Jeff Peterson on April Fools' Day (and that's no joke).