Traditional music — Hawaiian style

Cyril Pahinui, Hawaiian master slack key artist, comes to the island Oct. 2, to teach a workshop at Isle Be Jammin at 4 p.m. and he will perform at the San Juan County Fairgrounds at 7:30 p.m.

Slack key, is a guitar style, which requires a range of tunings and finger-picking and improvisation.

Pahinui is son of the renowned Gabby Pahinui and began performing professionally at the age of seven. He learned music in the traditional way by listening and watching.

“We didn’t get music lessons and most of the musicians in those days didn’t read music,” said Pahinui.

The guitarist has played at Carnegie Hall several times, contributed to Grammy Award winning albums and has received numerous Hoku Hanohano Awards.

Pahinui said he’s a musician who plays for the audience.

“My father always said, ‘Give them 110 percent. Give the best you can give. Don’t force yourself. Play from your heart,’” said Pahinui.

He performs, teaches classes and workshops throughout the world.

Workshop is $35 and concert tickets are $10. For more info, call 378-5151.

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