Slack Key Ohana

Hawaiian themed band, Slack Key Ohana has picked up an endorsement deal from Romero Creations, makers of high-end ukuleles and classical guitars. The company was founded by master luthier Pepe Romero, of famed musical family The Romero’s. “A Romero Creations Grand Tenor Koa ukulele is featured on every song of our debut album,” said the group’s Brian Witkin.

In addition to a residency at The Luau, the group will be touring throughout Southern California for the remainder of 2023, with key dates including an opening spot for Kanekoa at the Belly Up Tavern on April 19, Tiki Caliente in Palm Springs on May 6 and the Southern California Slack Key Festival at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on January 14, 2024.

All of the road work is part of the build up towards a new album, Hawaiian Cowboy, due later this year. He notes the new release will feature fewer traditional covers.

“On our upcoming album there are going to be a lot of new original tunes,” Witkin said. “Some we’ve never even performed live. We are aiming for an early summer release .”

He’s been in bands before, why does he feel Slack Key Ohana has progress. “The most exciting part is all of the kind, talented, fun people we have had the pleasure to meet, play music with and serve,” he said. “But, our favorite thing about the business so far has definitely been the enjoyment of helping people find the perfect guitar, bass, ukulele, amplifier, and other gear for their needs. People connect with their instruments and its fun for us to see the look in their eyes when they find something perfect for them. We see it when people purchase their 20th guitar to add to their collection and we see it when someone comes in for their first guitar, and it’s fun and exciting for us to be a part of that experience.” He considers that music shops occupy a special place in musicians’ lives. “I think the amazing google business reviews we get are a testament to the magic that happens in those moments, and we are grateful for the opportunities we’ve been given by our great customers. It doesn’t happen every day, but we love it when it does.” www.ecgmusic.com struck a chord with audiences?

“This one is very different from any group I’ve been a member of, and I think that’s one of the big factors- we are different. There’s not a lot of people out there doing what we do and it turns out people dig it.”

Look for the band to widen their touring circuit, “We already play a ton of shows regionally and we are starting to expand,” Witkin said. “Our next mini tour is in Palm Springs this month, we’ll be heading there for three dates starting on March 18th at The Reef followed by performances at Alohana Festival and Le Fern later that weekend.” www.slackkeyohana.com

In the meantime, the band is excited about the Romero Creations endorsement. “I’ve been using Pepe’s instruments for years,” Witkin said. “This endorsement is validating for us because we really believe in the instruments, so it’s great to be an official artist with them.