Makana Slack Key Workshop

On Juneteenth, 2026, Makana hosted a slack-key guitar workshop at the Waikiki Community Center. The workshop lasted over three hours, between 2-5 p.m. 

Makana started off by introducing the foundation of slack key guitar--the importanace of alternating bass notes--and then spoke of his two mentors: Raymond Kāne and Sonny Chillingworth. 

The workshop was well-paced and informative. Makana's enthusiasm and mastery of the guitar shone throughout. The workshop made me appreciate all the hidden complexities of slack-key guitar artistry. 

It was also great to see fellow guitarists Michael Tanenbaum and Miwa McNeill at the workshop.

Makana graciously signed my guitar. 

Thank you, Maestro Makana!