Hawaii’s favorite musical instrument will be showcased during the Big Island Ukulele Guild’s annual exhibit, which opens in October at Wailoa Center in Hilo.
The annual show, which featured more than 50 handmade instruments last year, gets underway with a formal opening from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2 featuring live music, pupu and a drawing for a free ukulele. The show is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Oct. 29 at the center located at on Piopio Street. During the exhibition, visitors can vote for their favorite ukulele to receive the “People’s Choice Award.”
The monthlong exhibit will also feature other invitational pieces from woodworkers across the Big Island, including furniture, sculpture, and turned bowls.
Several other events are planned during the guild’s annual show. Ukulele kanikapila (jam sessions) are planned from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 with Alan Hale and Oct. 17 with Keoki Kahomoku. On Oct. 10, guild members will lead demonstrations for the public.
The Big Island Ukulele Guild started in 2001 and is comprised of about 50 members. It works to promote ukulele making by sharing information between builders. Many of the members build as a hobby, while about 10 percent build professionally. Members meet four times per year at varying locations across the island to share food, kanikapila and a presentation on some aspect of ukulele building.
For more information about the guild or the upcoming exhibit, contact coordinator Dave Stokes 989-8890 or visit www.bigislandukuleleguild.org.
For more information about the Wailoa Center, call 933-0416.