Willie K headlines ukulele festival entertainment

Called “Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti,” Uncle Willie K has wowed world audiences since he started playing music with his dad’s band at age 6.

For the first time, he will make a special appearance at the 17th annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival this Saturday at Queens’ MarketPlace.

Just part of the day-long line up of ukulele superstars on three stages, Willie K is a Grammy Award nominee, and winner of 18 Na Hoku Hanohano awards. His talented fingers and powerful voice stretch the limits from sweet falsetto, to lowdown blues, blow-your-hair-back rock, and operatic aria.

Willie K is slated to perform at 5 p.m. at the Queens’ MarketPlace Coronation Pavilion. He will also join Roy Sakuma and ukulele workshop students for a jam session after the workshops wraps up around 11:30 a.m.

Live entertainment gets underway at 11:15 a.m. and continues throughout the day on three stages at Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace in South Kohala. ■

At Queens’ MarketPlace Coronation Pavilion:

Noon:The Humble Project

1 p.m.Kunia Galdeira

2 p.m.Kris Fuchigami

3 p.m.Lito Arkangel

4 p.m.Roy Sakuma with Nelly Toyama-Baduria, Daniel Baduria and Nick Acosta

5 p.m.Willie K

6 p.m.Mark Yamanaka

At Island Gourmet Markets stage:

1 p.m.Alii Keanaaina

2 p.m.K.U.P.A. Hale

3 p.m.Maluhia

4 p.m.Arden Fujiwara

At Kings’ Shops:

11:15 a.m.Widdy Loo

NoonKris Fuchigami

1 p.m.Roy Sakuma with Nelly Toyama-Baduria, Daniel Baduria and Nick Acosta

2 p.m.Maluhia

3 p.m.Arden Fujiwara

4 p.m.Brittni Paiva