One of Emmett Chapman first stick students, Michael Kollwitz (above) is considered to be a top player and pioneer of the instrument and two-handed string tapping technique.

LAHAINA — Chapman Stick musical artist Michael Kollwitz will hold a CD release party on Sunday, Aug. 1, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lulu’s Lahaina Surf Club & Grill at Lahaina Cannery Mall.

He will perform selections from “Suntan Lady,” his tenth CD, as well as other favorites.

“Suntan Lady” features five new original songs on The Chapman Stick and includes island favorites like “Aloha Oe,” “Puamana” and “Hawaiian War Chant.”

Additional musicians include Don McClellan (pedal steel), Mika Villaren (ukulele) and Kris Thomas (percussion).

Invented in 1974 by Emmett Chapman, the stick is a unique stringed instrument that combines elements of guitar, bass, piano and percussion.

The strings are tapped and held onto the frets — rather than plucked or strummed — enabling both hands to play complete and expressive multipart arrangements.

“Suntan Lady” will be available for purchase at the release party.

Admission is free. A no-host bar and full menu will also be available. Come get your CD personally autographed, check out the instrument, meet the artist and enjoy some great music.

For information, call Kollwitz at (808) 205-9300 or visit www.MichaelKollwitz.com.