Howzit Rabbett,

My wife and I went to Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill,
CA to see Led and Cyril play at the "Music in the
Vineyard" festival on Sunday, September 9. "Music in
the Vineyard" is a showcase for folk and acoustic
music. The event lasted all day, with Led and Cyril
coming on last.

With the sun dipping low in a clear sky, the 200-plus
people seated on the lawn greeted Cyril with a hearty
"ALOHA!". Cyril started by playing "Ka Makani Kaili
Aloha". We were all instantly transported back to
Hawai'i.

Next, he played "Hula O Makee", followed by "Harvest
of Rainbows". He ended his short solo set with "Nani
Ka'ala".

Cyril introduced Led and moved off stage while Led
started up with "Ku'u Ipo Onaona". In a raspy voice,
he explained after the song that they've been on tour
so long, he cannot sing his high falsetto. "But maybe
later I can sing low falsetto."

By the time he finished "Radio Hula", Led owned the
crowd. He next played "'Opihi Moemoe", then he broke
out his ukulele. His intro had everybody in suspense
until he played the opening melody of "Killing Me
Softly". He filled the crowd with awe at his uke
ability, playing "Spanish Eyes".

Finally, Led picked up his guitar again and played
(YES!!!) "Mauna Loa Slack Key". People were getting
into it, when he pulled his signature slides up the
guitar neck. The first time he did it, they were
struck with wonder. He noticed their appreciations,
and played it again to cheers and clapping.

Cyril came back on and told Led, "jus' press", and
they took off on a fast song. Then they slowed it
back down with "Kaulana Kawaihae" that was just
nahenahe. He told the crowd that they've been on the
road a long time. Led was losing his voice, he was
glad he still had his. "But see this guitar?"
(pointing to Led) "This is Ledward's voice. He can
make it talk."

They finished by playing "Blue Hawaiian Moonlight", a
song that had all the couples there feeling romantic.

The duo were joined on stage by special guest Owana
Salazar, a wahine kiho 'alu player. She demonstrated
her falsetto and slack key talents, singing
"Kalama'ula". They finished off with "Pua Tuberose".

The sun had gone down and the temperature dropping,
but everyone was warm with aloha as we all stood and
sang "Hawai'i Aloha". Loud cries of "hana hou!!!"
brought one more song.

Afterward, the promoter told the crowd about the
unfortunate break-in at Cyril's house and the theft of
his guitars. The promoter tried to encourage the
crowd to help Cyril out, but Cyril simply said,
"Guitars can be replaced. I'm just glad my wife is
okay. If you want to help me, buy my CD's."

My wife and I had a lot of fun, though we wished their
voices were better. Tough being the last stop before
home. We wished we could fly back with them. Still,
Led's fingers were magic and Cyril's voice was honey.
Hope to see more Hawaiian music in the South Bay!

Aloha,

Nate