Ed Blanchet

Ed first picked up the steel guitar while living on the mainland, receiving instruction from Carl Villaverde, a student of Jerry Byrd. He performed with several different Hawaiian bands in California, and helped provide music at ho'ike for local halau.

On Kauai, Ed has availed himself of the wealth of experience and instruction available from such outstanding musicians as Alan Akaka, Ed Punua, and Ken Emerson. He is associated with halau Pua Ali'i 'Ilima, Papa Laua'e O Makana, and also performs with the Kilauea Social Club. Ed is also a member of the Pono Kane Trio, holding down the Friday happy hour gig at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei.