Friday & Saturday, February 2 & 3:
Kaua`i Steel Guitar Festival.  The Kaua`i Steel Guitar Festival celebrates the Hawaiian steel guitar and its influence on Hawaiian music. Open stage performances begin at noon Friday. Hawaiian steel guitar workshops will be offered on Friday evening, followed by a kanikapila where festival guests can play along with their favorite steel guitar masters. A Saturday ho`olaulea begins at noon and will showcase performances by steel guitar masters Alan Akaka, Jeff Au Hoy, Bobby Ingano, Greg Sardinha, Kaua`i steel guitarists Ed Punua, and Kilipaki Vaughan and newcomers Alexis Tolentino and Dave Kolars in separate programs. Also featured will be the next generation of teenaged steel guitar players playing with Hawaiian music bands from Chiefess Kamakahelei and Kapa`a Middle Schools. A public kanikapila will follow. The festival is free and open to the public.  Courtyard Kaua`i at Coconut Beach, 650 Aleka Lp., Kapa`a.  For information call (808) 375-9379 or visit http://www.kauaisteelguitarfestival.com/.