Stream now with the PBS app / Watch Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV
On this episode, legendary Willie K shares his mastery of guitar, ukulele, and vocals across an island-steeped set of Hawaiian blues and classic rock songs.
For Willie K—born Willie Kahaialii and known affectionately as Uncle Willie in the islands—playing the blues marks the completion of a full circle. Although he has built a reputation as one of the foremost practitioners of native Hawaiian music over the years, it was the blues that Willie first learned from his dad, himself a highly respected musician. “My father was a great influence,” says Willie K. “He groomed me to be where I am today. He was just as diverse as I am—the guy knew how to play everything: jazz, blues and Hawaiian.” 10/17/1960 - 5/18/2020 -Written by Jeff Tamarkin
Season 6 features Ozomatli, Punch Brothers, KT Tunstall, Eric Hutchinson & The Believers and Willie K.
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About The Belly Up: Belly Up brings the best in new, up-and-coming artists as well as established legends in genres ranging from alternative rock, indie rock, rock, reggae, and hip-hop to blues, folk, jazz, Latin and more! Visit their online calendar of shows. Belly Up is on Facebook, Instagram, @BellyUpMusic on X
