The Oatka Trio performs Hawaiian musical favorites, jazz standards from the 1920’s,
30’s, 40’s, classic western swing, and country blues, featuring ukulele, Hawaiian guitar,
standard guitar, upright bass and vocal – “in a program of the greatest variety filled with
entertainment and surprise”.

Their performances are a delightful mix of familiar, and not-so-familiar tunes, perfect for
an outdoor party or an evening of dancing. Whether meeting with family and friends or
simply relaxing and day dreaming, sweet Hawaiian melodies, swinging two steps, rags
and novelty tunes are yours to enjoy.

Members, Paul Todaro (upright bass and vocals), Chris Jones (ukulele, vocals and
standard guitar), and G. Elwyn Meixner (Hawaiian guitar and vocals), are experienced
entertainers, delighting audiences young and old with humor and boundless musical
talent.

Hawaiian Music and the Hawaiian “Steel” Guitar
The music from Hawaii has had an unmistakable impact on American popular culture
since the earliest days of radio and recorded music. At one time nearly every
community in the US supported a Hawaiian music studio, and students young and old
would thrill family and friends with renditions of the latest pop favorite played on the
ukulele and Hawaiian guitar.

The Hawaiian guitar and ukulele, were a featured instruments with the most popular
dance bands of the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Hawaiian performers toured the US appearing
on stage and radio with country’s most popular musical acts. Jimmie Rodgers, Americas
first country music superstar, often recorded with a Hawaiian trio, and nearly every
western swing orchestra from Texas to California had a hot “steel” guitar player on
hand. Cowboys, crooners, hillbillies, hep cats and social elites all craved the liquid tones
that could only come from the Hawaiian guitar.

Made redundant in the 1950’s by the introduction of the pedal steel guitar, the Hawaiian
(non-pedal) steel guitar began to lose favor. By the 1970’s with only a few practitioners
left who could play in the original Hawaiian style, the instrument and it beautiful sounds
were nearly lost.

Fortunately, through the efforts of a few adventurous musicians, working in the margins,
and buoyed by the rediscovery of its musical partner, the ukulele, the Hawaiian guitar is
making a small comeback. The Oatka Trio is very pleased to be able to present this
instrument and the music that once captivated the world.