During "The Hawaiian Craze" of the 1910s, 20s, and 30s, Hawaiian music was one of the most popular genres in the world! At that time, it thoroughly permeated the popular music of the day and introduced its signature sound, the steel guitar, into pop, country, jazz, and other styles. Ukulele and steel guitar schools popped up in towns across the United States. This new, exotic, exciting, upbeat acoustic music was played on home phonographs across the world and by live bands at parties and in concerts.
Join professional musician, avid record collector, and Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association (HSGA) president Christo Ruppenthal for a unique solo vintage Hawaiian music concert. Christo will recreate the sounds of vintage Hawaiian influenced records live on steel guitar and ukulele with tracks off his series of "Antique Aloha" CDs.
During concert performances Christo peppers in historical information about the vintage music presented and its huge impact on American popular music at the time to give it context. He explains how Hawaiian music had a direct influence on the evolution of the both the resonator and electric guitars. Christo also touches on how the rise in popularity of the home phonograph record player and the distribution of recorded music media enabled this music to become so popular.
Step back into this "Golden Age of Hawaiian Music" for some Antique Aloha Live!
“We thoroughly enjoyed your performance last Tuesday at our Sauk Co Retired Educators meeting. It was not only educational but very entertaining as well. Several people commented afterward on your skilled musical ability and knowledge of the Hawaiian steel guitar and its influence on 20th century popular music. It was truly one of our most enjoyable and enlightening programs. ”
Dinah Safford, Reedsburg Program Chair - Sauk Co Retired Educators Association