Event

The Admiral Theater Presents John Keawe

John Keawe is a songwriter and slack-key guitarist who was born on the Big Island of Hawaii, in the little town of Hawi in North Kohala.

After a four year tour in the Navy, John returned to his home and was drawn to the sound of Hawaiian slack-key. He listened and watched and taught himself to play this style of music. Through the years, he has developed his own distinct style.

John began to perform publicly and also composing his own songs. Two of his early compositions Ka`auhuhu Homestead and Big Island Magic were chosen for album cuts on projects that involved various artists.Through the years, John has released eight recordings under the record label of Homestead

Of all his recordings, six were nominated for Hoku awards (which is the local music awards). The CD Ho`onanea won that award in 1994 for best instrumental performance. At the 1998 Hawaii Music awards, John won best slack-key artist for his Mana`olana CD. In 2003 , John received a Hawaii Music Award for Aloha Kaikua`ana. He also won a Hoku Award for Ki-ho`alu which is a special award given to an artist for perpetuating the art of slack-key guitar.

The Hawaii Island Journal
this award-winning slack key artist, is a testament to the simple grace that exists in the windswept district of Kohala.

The Honolulu Advertiser
reassuring evidence the ki ho'alu is alive and kicking and in good hands.

Pacific Hawaiian Music Distribution
a contributing artist on Hawaii's 1st Grammy Award in 2005and a recipient of two Hawaii Music Awards

This is a must see performer!