Hula is part of the Maui Ukulele Festival at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

KAHULUI – The Maui Arts & Cultural Center invites the public to celebrate Hawaii’s beloved musical gift from Portugal, the ukulele, at its sixth annual Maui Ukulele Festival on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 1 to 6 p.m. in Yokouchi Pavilion/A&B Amphitheater.

Admission is free to enjoy a laid-back afternoon of sweet island music, featuring Grammy Award winners and nominees, Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners and a mixture of student players and young rising stars.

Gates open at 12:30 p.m.; blankets and beach chairs are encouraged on the amphitheater lawn.

Roy Sakuma, renowned ukulele advocate and teacher, will serve as emcee. Popular ukulele players scheduled to perform include Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i, Ohta-san with guitarist Nando Suan, Na Palapalai, The Hula Honeys, Nelly Toyama Baduria and Daniel Baduria. Young musicians Nick Acosta, Tamlyn Tamura and the ‘Ukulele Pops Band of Maui will also perform.

Coveted door prizes will be given away throughout the afternoon, including finely crafted ukulele provided by Kamaka Ukulele, KoAloha Ukulele, Ko’olau Ukulele, Kanilea Ukulele, Kala Ukulele, Pono Ukulele and MGM Ukulele.

Guests are welcome to come hungry and thirsty to purchase ‘ono food and beverages from Maui restaurants and caterers, and shop for island crafts.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, a free ukulele workshop will be held in the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater beginning at 10 a.m. This workshop, to be conducted by Roy and Kathy Sakuma, is open to students of all ages, from children through adults.

They will teach songs written by Roy, and there will be a drawing to win a Kala Ukulele.

Lessons are designed for beginning and intermediate players – the only requirements are that students can hold C, F and G7 chords. Students should bring their own ukulele, notepaper and a pencil.

Workshop students will be invited to participate in the Ukulele Festival on one of the songs taught in the workshop. Registration is encouraged but not required; sign up by sending an e-mail to ukulele@mauiarts.org or calling the MACC at 242-ARTS (2787).

Maui Ukulele Festival is presented by Ukulele Festival Hawaii and Maui Arts & Cultural Center with support from Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Maui Office of Economic Development, and National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, call the MACC Box Office at 242-SHOW or visit www.mauiarts.org.