Aloha kakou,

Howzit? I hope you all survived the flash floods and hail covered grounds last week. The rain and such has interrupted our jam swapping schedule so far this month so we will be back at my shack once again this week. I look forward to our Kanikapila all week long.

What does kanikapila mean? Well I can help you with that.

Kanikapila is a style of Hawaiian music produced in an impromptu jam session, most commonly taking place at a beach, or family gathering. The term comes from kani which means sound.[1] and pila which means any string instrument in the Hawaiian language.[2]

Over the last few decades it formed into a conceptual style reflecting more emphasis on acoustic instruments including the ukulele and free following speed to reflect the emotion of the players. The term has started making its way in the dialog of mainland US musicians as well.

One way that the kanikapila style music has made its mark in popular culture is songs like "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole where he takes two songs ( "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" ) mashes them together to form an entirely new song. This is common element of the kanikapila style.

It is a popular custom to end kanikapila sessions the same way with the song "Hawaii Aloha" written by 19th century Christian minister, Lorenzo Lyons. Kanikapila groups include the Experience Paradise Project.

Another definition is: To play music together in Hawaiian. Singing usually accompanied by ukulele and/or guitar. Very common anywhere in Hawaii.

Braddah 1: Eh, we go kanikapila at your house tonight.
Braddah 2: Shootz, shootz.

What: Pirate Jim's Ukulele Jam

Where: 87 Tuscany Springs Way NW

When: July 28 (tonight) - 7:30-9:00pm

$5.00 for non-members

If you have any questions or need directions please call 403-923-5704.

See you tonight!

A hui hou

- Pirate Jim