WAIMEA — The Kahilu Theatre will present its 23rd Annual ‘Ukulele &Slack Key Guitar Festival this Friday and Saturday.

This year’s festival showcases celebrated Hawaiian music artists Ledward Kaapana, Keola Beamer, Moanalani Beamer, Sonny Lim, Nathan Aweau, Jeff Peterson, Brittni Paiva and Kainani Kahaunaele.

The festival honors Waimea’s deep ki ho‘alu (slack key) and paniolo heritage, offering audiences a chance to experience authentic Hawaiian music as these artists perform, share stories and discuss their journeys as award-winning musicians.

The two-day festival includes three full-length concerts, educational workshops and community outreach programs.

Festivities begin on Friday, when festival musicians participate in Kahilu’s Education Outreach Program, performing at local schools across Hawaii Island to inspire young musicians and give back to the community.

The festival continues that evening at 7 p.m. with the “Ho‘olaulea” concert. This concert opens the festival’s showcase series, featuring slack key guitar legend and innovator Keola Beamer, known for his graceful technique, soulful voice and deep connection to Hawaiian tradition.

Joining him on stage are Jeff Peterson, Sonny Lim, Kainani Kahaunaele, Brittni Paiva and Moanalani Beamer, performing hula.

On Saturday morning, the festival continues with a series of workshops led by Peterson, Paiva, Aweau and Kahaunaele. Workshop topics and registration details are available at kahilu.org.

That afternoon, the 2 p.m. “Kanikapila” concert invites festival-goers to enjoy one of the most spirited performances of the season as artists take turns sharing songs and stories, leading to improvisational moments between them.

During the second half of the concert, attendees with guitars or ‘ukuleles are invited to join the artists on stage for a lively jam session.

Limited on-stage seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The festival concludes Saturday at 7 p.m. with the “Hana Hou” concert, the festival’s second showcase and closing celebration, led by one of Hawaii’s most beloved and charismatic slack key guitarists, Ledward Kaapana.

Joining Kaapana on stage for this performance are Lim, Paiva, Aweau and Peterson.

Tickets for live performances

— Friday, 7 p.m., “Ho‘olaulea”; $70, $40 or $30

— Saturday, 2 p.m., “Kanikapila”; $35 (with instrument), $25 (without)

— Saturday, 7 p.m., “Hana Hou”; $70, $40 or $30

Workshop reservations are $25 and include a complimentary ticket to the “Kanikapila” concert. Additional service fees may apply.

Purchase tickets online at kahilu.org, by calling the Kahilu Box Office at (808) 885-6868, or in person at 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Waimea.