The rhythmic strumming of the 'ukulele, a fundamental aspect of Hawaiian musical tradition, is now being spotlighted in a unique way by the Hawaiʻi State Archives. In a new musical event series called "Builder’s Spotlight," audiences will get an up-close look at how these beloved instruments are created, and hear them played by skilled artisans. According to details from the State of Hawaii, the series kicked off last Saturday, offering both a physical demonstration and a performance.
The series was inaugurated with local luthier Manny Halican of Pahu Kani, who showcased six of his handcrafted ʻukuleles. Not just an instrument maker but also a musician, Halican, paired with local music stalwart Kimo Hussey as the host, went beyond mere talking points by combining performance with their discussion about ʻukulele design philosophy, State of Hawaii reported. The DAGS Director and Comptroller Keith Regan praised the series, highlighting its role in preserving the educational value of Hawaiian music and its makers for future generations.
Those who couldn't attend in person had the opportunity to tune in online via a livestream on the Archives' Facebook page, with the event slated to hit YouTube post-completion, as per the State of Hawaii. It wasn't just a passive experience, as viewers could actively engage with the creators by submitting questions in real time, ensuring an interactive session all through the two-hour duration.
The "Builder’s Spotlight" is part of the broader Hawaiian Music Archives Initiative, with State Archivist Adam Jansen, Ph.D., detailing the initiative's vast collection, "The Hawaiian Music Archives Initiative includes 28,000 phonographic recordings, 15 cubic feet of Hawaiian sheet music and instruction guides, and over 1,000 vintage ʻukulele dating back to the 1890s," he told State of Hawaii. This effort aligns with the 2015 Legislature designation of the 'ukulele as Hawaiʻi's official modern musical instrument, aiming to enrich understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian music and culture globally.
Eighty-year-old Kimo Hussey, with a lifetime of 'ukulele experience having played since age five, embodied this sentiment, mentioning his affection for the instrument. “I love the ʻukulele. The rewards I get from playing it are wonderful and infinite,” Hussey shared in a statement obtained by State of Hawaii.
