Maggie Matoba
Maggie Matoba is an Ukulele instructor specializing in Hawaiian-style techniques. She currently plays with 'OLEKONA, a group whose name means “Oregon” in Hawaiian. This one word embodies us – Oregon brought us together geographically and love of Hawaiian music brought us together artistically. When we first met, we played kiho`alu, or slack key Hawaiian guitar pieces familiar to all of us.
As we tried blues, jazz and American standards, we found that the commonality of slack key guitar affected our approach to all other music. In embracing all these rich and varied sources we created `Olekona’s distinctive sound. With our guitars, `ukuleles and bass, our unique fusion of styles and arrangements is well suited as acoustic background instrumental music for many occasions.
As we tried blues, jazz and American standards, we found that the commonality of slack key guitar affected our approach to all other music. In embracing all these rich and varied sources we created `Olekona’s distinctive sound. With our guitars, `ukuleles and bass, our unique fusion of styles and arrangements is well suited as acoustic background instrumental music for many occasions.