Jim “Kimo” West is a master of ki ho’alu, or Hawaiian slack key guitar. After arriving in Maui in 1985, he fell in love with the island’s slack key tradition and unique fingerstyle guitar. Now a Grammy winner and four-time Na Hoku Hanohano nominee, Kimo is regarded as one of the world’s foremost slack key artists. His recordings, including “Guitar Stories” and “Moku Maluhia-Peaceful Island,” showcase his original compositions and arrangements of classic Hawaiian songs. As a veteran of the islands’ slack key festivals, Kimo has shared stages with Hawaii’s top players. Beyond slack key, he explores genres like West African guitar and Americana. Kimo is also known for his role as guitarist for “Weird Al” Yankovic, contributing to four Grammy-winning and chart-topping albums. With decades of experience composing for film and TV, Kimo maintains a sophisticated studio in LA. His music embodies the tranquil spirit of Hawaii, bringing slack key to the world.
Joss Jaffe is a vocalist, tabla player, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and record producer. His critically acclaimed albums include Dub Mantra, Aum Akua, & Billboard Top-10 new age album Meditation Music. Joss’ music ranges from modern pop, reggae, and world to ambient, soothing, and brainwave entraining music for spa, relaxation, yoga, and meditation. He is a regular performer and workshop leader at premiere yoga conferences and transformational festivals, including Sedona Yoga Festival, Lucidity, Beloved, Wanderlust, and the Korea Yoga Conference.