Kirk Smart was born in Japan and grew up in Europe. He speaks (and sings in) English, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese and German. He has been playing guitar professionally since his teens. After studying at the prestigious Musicians Institute in Los Angeles he began "paying his dues" while working in California, New Orleans, Europe and South America. He was hired as a teacher at Musicians Institute and began focussing on playing high end events in the greater Los Angeles area, working at the Academy Awards, the Emmy's, countless corporate events as well as long running residencies at the best clubs (The World Cafe, Rix, Monsoons, Mandalay, etc).
Upon relocating to Kauai in 2004, Kirk concentrated on bringing professionalism and fun to private events, while continuing to teach and record. He also tours Italy on a regular basis, playing clubs, castles, mountain huts and weddings.
Kirk studied with Joe Pass, Ted Greene, Robben Ford, Ron Eschete and Noel Jewkes. He has played with Donavon Frankenreiter, Jason Mraz, Graham Nash, Donald Fagen,Taj Mahal, Dean Parks, Joni Mitchell, Todd Rundgren, John Oates, Shawn Colvin, Indie Aire, Lady Ipo, Amy Gilliam, Sheldon Gomberg (Rickie Lee Jones, Warren Zevon, Kenny Wayne Shepard), Noel Jewkes (Jon Hendricks), Laurence Cottle (Eric Clapton, Bill Bruford, Black Sabbath), Buffy St. Marie, Michael Ruff (Chaka Khan, Stevie Nicks), G Love, Brett Denon, and others.
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Statewide Festivals
Kaua‘i Steel Guitar Festival
Maui Steel Guitar Festival
Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
Hawai‘i Island Steel Guitar Festival
Japan-Hawaiian Steel Guitar Festival
Kona Steel Guitar Festival
Community Festivals
Ka Makana Ali‘i - Kapolei
Windward Mall - Kane‘ohe
Kahala Mall - Wai‘alae-Kāhala
Livestream
Hawaiian Steel Guitar Showcase