Slack Key Dreams Of The Ponomoe
Kapono Beamer
[Kapono Beamer Enterprises, Ltd]

Sweet & Lovely
Raiatea Helm
[Raiatea Helm Records]

Kiho’alu - Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar
Ledward Kaapana
[Rhythm & Roots Records]

Slack Key Guitar: The Artistry Of Sonny Lim
Sonny Lim
[Palm Records]

Masters Of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar - Vol. 1
Various Artists
Daniel Ho, Paul Konwiser & Wayne Wong, producers
[Daniel Ho Creations]

Exceptional instrumentalists and an extremely talented songbird comprise this years list. I can only speak for myself when I say this: I absolutely love the uniquely Hawaiian art of Slack Key Guitar. However, I would have to say that I am somewhat disappointed with this years list.

I need to make it absolutely clear that I have the utmost respect for every nominee which made the list.

If the past two years have taught us anything, it would have to be that the voting membership absolutely love their slack key!

Best wishes and good luck to this years nominees.

I am a voting member in NARAs, and will continue to be for a long time regardless of whether or not the music that I make qualifies for the award. Given this years list, I think I have an idea for whom I'll be casting my vote.

To the rest of the entries that qualified for this years awards, and for those who continue to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and language through music, keep on keepin' on!