Spokane needs to chill out. Yeah, we're not quite to the artery-bursting stress level of cities like New York, L.A. or Seattle -- but we'd better watch it. We're in the national spotlight for Mayor West's antics, there's construction all over town and it seems like every other person is unemployed. But it could be worse -- and before it does, we should all sit back, enjoy each other's company, escape reality and let our ears smoke a little musical doobie.
And who better to help us kick back than the Hawaiian Musical Masters? A trio of experts of the island sound, the Masters are led by Cyril Pahinui, son of the late great Gabby Pahinui, on slack key guitar and vocals. Pahinui is considered an ambassador of the slack key sound, having performed on two occasions at Carnegie Hall.
Dennis Kamakahi, a star among the islands, will perform alongside Pahinui. Kamakahi first saw stardom in his early 20s when he joined the Sons of Hawaii as a replacement for Gabby Pahinui on slack key guitar. Kamakahi is known for writing the popular island ballads and hula standards "Koke'e," "Wahine 'Ilikea" and "Pua Hone."
Patrick Landeza, a native mainlander, rounds out the trio's talent with his slack key reputation and talents. Landeza has honed his talents over the course of three slack key albums, and has been called "one of the best and most dedicated of the new generation of slack key players" by world-famous pianist George Winston.
The expert trio promises an evening of calming island music that will wash your cares away -- if only temporarily.
The Hawaiian Music Masters perform on Friday, June 10, at 7:30 pm at the Met. Tickets: $20; $15, seniors and students. Call 325-SEAT.
