With a “Tiki” Waikīkī’ vibe, Slack Key ‘Ohana blends beautiful Hawaiian melodies with Beach Boys / Elvis Presley style harmonies, using old school recording techniques, to craft their signature sound. Comprised of Brian Witkin & Kamaka Mullen, Slack Key ʻOhana is a Kaleponi (California) based guitar duo with an expansive roster of guest musicians augmenting their sound, in both studio and live performances.
Integrating traditional Hawaiian Slack Key guitar with a contemporary sound? It’s a winning combination that has seen the duo quickly become favorites amongst club goers and festival attendees alike. Backed by acclaimed accompanying musicians, including Joe Witkin (keyboards), Carol Witkin (ukulele) and Rand Anderson (pedal steel), as well as hula dancers Alana and Alyssa Godoy, a Slack Key ‘Ohana show is a unique and fun experience. The pair’s mix of hook filled originals and select classics will instantly transport an audience to a warm sandy beach, wherever the actual performance may be taking place.
Meanwhile, Slack Key Ohana’s self-titled album recently debuted at #2 on the iTunes World Music Charts, scoring airplay and great reviews around the world in the process. Notably, the album was nominated for a 2022 San Diego Music Award, with Slack Key ‘Ohana performing at the televised awards show and winning the “Best World Music Album” category.
It’s an impressive start for Slack Key ‘Ohana, but they’re still just ramping things up. Plans are already underway for the follow up to their award-winning debut and festival dates, with the hope of growing their audience and the additional aim of expanding traditional Hawaiian music into the American mainstream.
So, button up your favorite Hawaiian shirt, pour yourself a Mai Tai, sit back and relax as Slack Key ‘Ohana’s island sounds take you away on a cool Pacific Ocean breeze.
Artist website: www.slackkeyohana.com
