Joel Katz, Ukulele, Guitar, Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Ukulele Player from Wailuku, HI

I am on Maui and play guitar, ukulele, and Hawaiian lap Steel Guitar. I teach these instruments at the University of Hawaii. Ukulele or guitar are the most requested for beach ceremonies. For receptions, the beautiful sound of Hawaiian steel guitar will immediately transport listeners to the days of old Hawaii with gentle breezes and a relaxed feeling of Aloha. This is the perfect solo instrumental background music for your reception, wedding, cocktails, and dining. Acoustic guitar for a wedding ceremony followed by Hawaiian Steel Guitar for a reception is a popular combination. Hawaiian Steel Guitar is the technique of playing the guitar with a metal bar. This evolved in Hawaii around 1885 and became the sound of Hawaiian music the world knows for many decades to come. Both the instrument used and playing technique are different from the Slack Key guitar, which is a regular guitar tuned down to an open chord and played with fingers. I have been performing professionally on Maui for 27 years. I am also the instructor in the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, guitar, ukulele, and audio technology programs at the University of Hawaii Maui College and head the award-winning Seaside Recording Studio. I am passionate about carrying on the tradition of this rare instrument and style. All of my CDs are Finalists for Hawaii's Na Hoku Hanohano awards. The song selection is Hawaiian Style Steel Guitar Classics. I have also added jazz and pop tunes. You can click on a play arrow to hear my samples and even download them. You will find a selection of demos of some of the songs here. For these Demos I created a subtle backing track playing upright bass and ukulele in the classic style. I use these to give a consistent outstanding sound in live performances. You can be assured of always getting professionalism and the appropriate tasteful performance for your function and venue.