February 14, 2019 / The Union
The focus of Makana’s art has always been to celebrate the beauty of tradition while exploring new, relevant perceptions, sounds and themes. In his music he often honors his forebears, the vintage Hawaiian music legends as well as the rock poet idols of the 60s, paying homage to the kupuna (elders) who carry within their beings the cultural wisdom passed down through generations.
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2019 / Cynthia Lazaroff / Nuclear Wakeup Call Earth
Makana toured Russia for two weeks as a goodwill ambassador to share the Aloha spirit of Hawaii and the gift and healing power of his music. He gave concerts, taught Slack-Key guitar in music academies, played for school kids, jammed in popular clubs and more.
Read MoreOctober 11, 2017 / Sean Jordan / The Union
Coming from the islands of Hawaii, Makana is an internationally known slack key guitarist, singer, and one of Hawaii’s cultural ambassadors to the world. Recognized as one of the top guitarists in the U.S. by Guitar Player magazine, Makana’s songs range from his traditional Hawaiian roots to original tracks that cover many themes.
Read MoreJanuary 2015 / Jeff Dorgay / TONEAudio Magazine
I see everything as serendipity: everything is echoing- it’s up to us to recognize. Life is a grand feedback loop. It requires being in tune with one’s “na’au”, as Hawaiians call it- the gut, the intuition. It is so incredibly powerful, and I allow that force to guide my art and life.
Read MoreNovember 17, 2013 / Vanessa Wolf / Maui Now
Referred to as “one of the greatest living slack key guitar players” by Esquire magazine, Makana will celebrate the release of his new album this Saturday, Nov. 23 at Gannon’s Restaurant in Wailea. The concert celebrates the release of Makana’s 6th album, Ripe, which was entirely funded by fans.
Read MoreJune 12, 2013 / TedxTalks
Born and raised in Hawai'i, Makana is an acclaimed master of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, a singer, composer, and cultural ambassador. He has performed in venues from Tianjin Opera House in China, to the White House, and was featured on multiple Grammy®-nominated albums.
Read MoreNovember 14, 2011 / CNN / Amy Goodman
At the dinner, Makana opened his jacket to reveal a t-shirt which read, “Occupy with Aloha.” Then, instead of performing the background instrumental he was scheduled to play, he started to sing a protest song he had released earlier that day.
Read MoreFall/Winter 2010 / Rebecca Pike / Where Oahu
True story: at the valet after seeing Return to Waikiki, a fellow guest said, “Makana is the best guitar player I’ve ever seen live, including Eric Clapton.” —Rebecca Pike
Read MoreJune 23, 2007 / Craig Rosen / Billboard
He has toured with Santana and Sting, and Metallica’s Kirk Hammett has name-dropped him alongside Andres Segovia. Makana’s 1999 self-titled debut album was named best world music album at the Hawai’i Music Awards and best CD by the readers of the Honolulu Weekly.
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