Open Stage
The Open Stage features steel guitarists and steel guitar groups who are not part of the main program. Performers are invited to use the open stage to develop their playing skills and confidence.
Open stage performers included Mark Gaponoff, Joe Stewart, Barbara Bones and Mary Newdorffer, Vickie Van Fechtmann, Rhonda Murotake with guest steel guitarist Dan Villani, Aaron Benolkin, Ki‘ileiah Jeffries and Heu‘i Bandmann. Ke Kula Mele Hawai‘i NextGen steel guitarists also performed.
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Larry Holu was the Open Stage emcee.
Steel guitarist Mark Gaponoff kicked off the Open Stage performances.
Mark Gaponoff with Joseph Zayac.
Steel guitarist Joe Stewart was accompanied by Joseph Zayac, Nate Goore, Angela Villani, and Ivo Garza.
Joe Stewart with Joseph Zayac and Nate Goore.
Joe Stewart.
Ivo Garza.
Joseph Zayac.
Nate Goore.
Steel guitar duo Mary Newdorffer and Barbara Bones. Photo by Alan Akaka.
Steel guitarist Barbara Bones.
Steel guitarist Mary Newdorffer
Mary Newdorffer and Barbara Bones.
Steel guitarist Vickie Van Fechtmann.
Alan Akaka offering comments between performances.
Scott Villhauer.
Steel guitarist Rhonda Murotake was accompanied by Joseph Zayac, Dan Villani, Angela Villani, and Scott Villhauer.
Rhonda Murotake.
Joseph Zayac, Rhonda Murotake, Dan Villani, Angela Villani, and Ivo Garza. Photo by Alan Akaka.
Steel Guitarist Dan Villani.
Rhonda Murotake with Dan and Angela Villani.
Rhonda Murotake with Joseph Zayac.
Steel guitarist Aaron Benolkin with Joseph Zayac, Bryan Jipping, Larry Holu, and Bobby Ingano. Photo by Alan Akaka.
Bryan Jipping.
Joseph, Bryan, Aaron Benolkin, Larry, and Bobby. Photo by Alan Akaka.
Some of the audience during Aaron Benolkinʻs performance. Photo by Alan Akaka.
Larry Holu.
Larry Holu and Bobby Ingano.
Joseph, Bryan, Aaron Benolkin, Larry, and Bobby.
Aaron Benolkin.
Aaron Benolkin with Bryan Jipping.
Steel guitarist Kiʻileiah Jeffries.
Kiʻileiah Jeffries with Heuʻi Bandmann and Mālie Lyman.
Kilileiah was accompanied by Alan Akaka, Rhonda Murotake, Heuʻi Bandmann, and Mālie Lyman.
Kiʻileiah with Rhonda Murotake, Ginger Kamalei, Mālie Lyman, and Heuʻi Bandmann. Photo by Alan Akaka.
Kiʻileiah Jeffries and Heuʻi Bandmann.
Steel guitarist Ginger Kamalei was not able to perform on the Open Stage due to an injury.
Kiʻileiah Jeffries and Ginger Kamalei are students of Heuʻi Bandmann. Also in picture: Mālie Lyman.
Kiʻileiah Jeffries.
Rhonda, Kiʻileiah, Ginger, Mālie, and Heuʻi.
Kiʻileiah and Ginger.
Kiʻileiah.
Steel guitarist Heuʻi Bandmann.
