Rev. Dennis David Kahekilimamaoikalanikeha Kamakahi is one of Hawai'i's most prolific and popular songwriters. He is also a warm, evocative singer and a gifted guitarist firmly committed to the ki ho'alu (slack key) tradition. A multiple Grammy winner and a long-time member of the legendary music group, Sons of Hawai'i, Dennis has seen many of his vivid, romantic compositions, like "Pua Hone" and "Wahine ‘Ilikea," become Hawaiian classics.

Dennis was born in Honolulu in 1953, before cable TV and video games. He considers this a blessing and cites it as an important factor in his musical development. "After dinner," Dennis recalls, "our family and neighbors would come outside on our porches, play music and talk story. You didn't have TV, you had each other. The last thing you'd hear at night was music lulling you to sleep." In 1973, Dennis joined the Sons of Hawai'i, and played with them for nearly two decades before going solo in the early 1990s. Over the years, Dennis' artistry has been recognized with a host of awards including three Grammies, multiple Na Hoku Hanohanos, and induction in the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Some of Dennis' amazingly prolific songwriting can be heard on his latest CD, Waimaka Helelei.

Versatile guitarist Stephen Inglis, who with Dennis released the 2011 duo CD, Waimaka Helelei, lends his talents to this evening’s show.

Visit Dennis Kamakahi's website

Listen to a track from Dennis Kamakahi & Stephen Inglis: