Maui-based guitarist Jeff Peterson, a multi-Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, is set to perform in a special concert alongside fellow Maui musician Steve Grimes. The event, scheduled for March 9 at the ProArts Playhouse, will also feature a screening of Peterson’s film, Concerto for Slack Key Guitar and Orchestra – Malama ‘Aina. The fundraiser supports the World Ukulele Program, an initiative by the Mohala Hou Foundation that provides free ukuleles to children worldwide.
Peterson, originally from Olinda, premiered the groundbreaking concerto in 2016 with the Raleigh Civic Symphony Orchestra. It was the first concerto ever written for slack key guitar and orchestra. The piece is divided into three movements, each inspired by Hawaii’s iconic volcanoes: Haleakalā, Kīlauea, and Mauna Loa. Maui filmmaker Tom Vendetti enhanced the performance footage with stunning visuals of these volcanic landscapes.
“Tom Vendetti is an incredibly talented filmmaker,” Peterson said. “He integrated breathtaking footage of the volcanoes into the film, creating a beautiful connection between the music and the land.”
The World Ukulele Program, founded by Keola and Moanalani Beamer under the Mohala Hou Foundation, aims to spread aloha globally by donating ukuleles to children in need. The program has already delivered instruments to children in Cambodia, Sikkim, and, most recently, Bhutan.
“Music has the power to bring people together and celebrate diversity,” Peterson explained. “We provide students with instruments so they can play the music they love. It’s about giving them a way to express themselves.”
During a trip to Bhutan, Peterson and Vendetti visited the famous Paro Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliffside. Peterson even carried an ukulele up the steep hike. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he recalled. “The mist cleared, and we saw the monastery towering above us. I played the ukulele and filmed with Tom at the top. It was unforgettable.”
Peterson also worked with Bhutanese students during the trip. “They were so excited to learn and picked up the instruments quickly. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their joy and passion for music,” he said. “This concert is a fundraiser to help us continue this work and reach more children.”
Future plans for the program include trips to Tibet, Bali, and expanded efforts within Hawaii. Peterson is also involved in Music Rising Lahaina, a project supporting musicians affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires. He has collaborated with renowned music producer Bob Ezrin and U2’s The Edge to provide instruments and aid to local artists.
Peterson’s career is marked by versatility and acclaim. He won a Grammy in 2005 for Slack Key Guitar Volume 2, which debuted the Hawaiian music Grammy category. His album Slack Key Jazz features interpretations of classics by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin, while Ka Nani O Ki Ho’alu pays tribute to slack key legends like Keola Beamer and Ledward Kaapana. Most recently, his album Paniolo Son won the 2024 Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year award.
The Slack Key Guitar and Orchestra: Malama ‘Aina Film and Concert event will take place on March 9 at 2 p.m. at the ProArts Playhouse. Tickets are priced between 35 and 50. Proceeds will support the World Ukulele Program and its mission to bring music and aloha to children around the world.
This rewritten article simplifies the language, uses shorter sentences, and maintains the original meaning while making it more accessible to readers. The titles are designed to be engaging and informative, drawing attention to the event and its charitable cause.
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