Earthy percussion, a slack key guitar and traditional Hawaiian dances will take over Jones Theatre this Friday in a concert that explores the island culture.

Keola Beamer and his wife Moanalani come from the Big Island and Maui, respectively. As children, they both grew up with music. For the past 30 years they have performed together, taking Hawaiian culture to different corners of the world, including the state of Washington and New Zealand. 

“Even though we have mixed heritage in our blood, [Hawaii] is where we’re born and raised,” Moana said.

Each year the Performing Arts Center puts on a concert series featuring four to five performances. This year, the theme is World Music, focusing on international and American roots artists. 

Gail Siegel, director of WSU Performing Arts Center, said the Beamer couple seemed to be a wonderful fit for the theme.

“You want to bring in the best, and Keola Beamer is quoted as the quintessential Hawaiian slack key guitar player,” she said.

According to Keola, their family traces its roots back to the 14th century and was always involved in the musical arts of the Hawaiian Islands. Because of this, Keola said he naturally fell into the study of the arts.

Many members of his family are renowned composers, chanters, singers and dancers. Keola’s mother instilled in him the importance of the aloha philosophy, illustrating the compassion and embracement of other human beings.

Keola plays a Hawaiian variation of the western guitar called a ki ho’alu. The term literally means “loosen the key” and the difference between the two kinds of guitars lies in the difference of tunings. This type of guitar is more commonly known as the Hawaiian slack key guitar.

Moana is a kumu hula, a master hula dancer. She also plays a variety of traditional Hawaiian percussions such as gourds and a ka’eke’eke (a type of bamboo pipe). She does old style chants and sings harmonies.

“The Beamers are certainly wonderful examples of cultural music and they also bring an educational aspect so people learn about the Hawaiian culture,” Siegel said.

During their tour of the Pacific Northwest, the Beamers will perform at WSU and Lincoln Middle School.

Outside of performing, Keola and Moana give lessons and host a music camp in Hawaii, teaching students from all over the world about hulas, chants, guitar and ukulele.

“We’re exchanging cultural music and ideas with other cultures and building a bridge,” Keola said.

Keola described the music as philosophical and true to its roots. It carries the spirit of aloha, Hawaii’s gift to the world.

“The music has a beautiful healing effect on the world and human beings in general,” Keola said. “It brings people together.”

Moana explained hula in a similar way. It can be flowing and graceful or bombastic and powerful, depending on the music. A well-known tradition of the Hawaiian people, it usually incorporates nature and tells stories through movement.

“I love the idea of working with my husband,” she said. “We get to meet so many different people from different age groups and walks of life.”

The Beamer couple agrees that traveling is difficult but doable. Because they live on a small island, they must travel an extra 2,000 miles or more to get to any concert outside Hawaii.

“Once you get where you’re going everything goes pretty smoothly,” Moana said.

The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at Jones Theatre.

See the performing arts website for more info and ticket prices.