ABOUT MAKANA
Hawaiian slack key guitarist, singer, composer and activist. His songs have been featured on the Grammy-nominated albums Hawaiian Slack Key Kings, Vol. 1 and 2. His music was featured in the soundtrack for the 2011 film The Descendants . He has performed in venues ranging from Asian and European opera houses to The White House.
He was a student of Hawaiian slack key guitar master Sonny Chillingworth.
He has been called "the greatest living player" by Esquire magazine. The New York Times said he was "a dynamic force." The Seattle Times called him "master of the Hawaiian slack-key guitar." In 2012, he was given the Slack Key Legacy Award at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
He was born and raised on O'ahu, Hawaii. He was born Matthew Swalinkavich.
He has opened for music legends including Sting , Carlos Santana , Elvis Costello , Common , Leon Russell and No Doubt .
