The Renaissance Man: Uncle George Kahumoku, Jr.

In the latest episode of “The Live Ukulele Podcast,” Uncle George sits down with Brad Bordessa to reflect on his life’s work, his students, and what the future holds for the Slack Key Show at the Napili Kai Beach Resort.

Teaching the Next Generation

Uncle George doesn’t just pass along songs. He passes along values. Over the years, he’s mentored countless young musicians who have gone on to become teachers themselves. “I’m not just teaching students,” he explains. “I’m teaching teachers.” That kuleana — the responsibility to pass it forward — has shaped the way he approaches his workshops and mentoring. His lessons go far beyond scales and chords. (Listen to this mp3 clip)

Farming, Gardening, and Music

In the beginning, before Uncle George created his official Slack Key Workshop, music was only one part of the day. Students worked the land, tended gardens, cooked meals together, and learned self-sufficiency right alongside slack key. “People thought they were coming just to learn music,” Uncle George laughs, “but first thing in the morning we’re out there weeding, feeding pigs, planting kalo. Music comes after the chores.”  For him, farming and gardening aren’t separate from music — they’re connected. Working the land grounds students in the same way slack key does, reminding them of their roots and their kuleana to care for the earth. It also strengthens their hands and fingers, a little secret George used to help his students become better players. (Listen to this mp3 clip)

The Future of the Slack Key Show

Of course, no conversation with Uncle George would be complete without talking about The Slack Key Show — the weekly gathering of masters that he helped build into a Maui tradition. The pandemic brought big challenges and keeping the show alive hasn’t been easy. But Uncle George is hopeful. “As long as people keep showing up, we’ll keep playing,” he says. “It’s not just about the music, it’s about the community.” And that community has players from all over Hawaii and even those who have been taught by George who aren’t from here.

The Slack Key Show continues to showcase a wide range of Hawaiian talent, from legendary masters to up-and-coming young voices. Those voices include Shem Kahawaii, the new host, along with returning regulars Anthony Pfluke and Sean Parks to name a few. The show is managed by George and his wife Nancy, but they couldn’t do it without the help of Wainani Kealoha, who also shares her love and mastery of hula. And at the heart of it all is Uncle George’s belief in aloha — that sharing food, music, and stories together is what keeps culture alive. (Listen to this mp3 clip)

Why You Should Listen

This episode of “The Live Ukulele Podcast” is more than just a history lesson. It’s a glimpse into Uncle George’s way of life — where music, farming, teaching, and community are all part of the same song. Plus, you’ll hear personal stories from his childhood that will surprise and delight. If you’ve ever wondered what makes slack key so special, or how Hawaiian culture is being passed to the next generation, you’ll find Uncle George’s stories both inspiring and grounding.

As he puts it simply: “You learn to play music, but you also learn to live.”

Listen to the full episode, The Renaissance Man: Uncle George Kahumoku, Jr., on The Live Ukulele Podcast.