The title of his award-winning 1993 release, Ho'onanea ("To pass the time in peace and pleasure"), pretty well sums up John Keawe's old-style slack key guitar performances. Songwriter and master of the fingerpicking style developed in the 19th century by Hawai'ian cowboys who loosened, or "slacked" their guitar strings to produce a characteristic resonance, John takes this soft, sweet sound and lends it his own playful personal touch.

Born and raised on the big island of Hawai'i, in the town of North Kohala, John taught himself to play by watching the local masters. He has developed a distinctive style that has won him widespread recognition for his artistry over the course of many recordings, including his recent Hawai'i Island is my Home, winner of the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner for Slack Key Album of the Year.

Hope Keawe was born and raised in North Kohala on the Big Island. An elegant hula dancer, Hope enriches John's performances by providing beautiful interpretations of his original compositions as well as traditional Hawaiian songs.

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Listen to a track from John Keawe: