Kaua'i -based multi-instrumentalist Cindy Combs is one of the few women to master the slack key guitar tradition of Hawaii. A former student of influential slack key guitarist Keola Beamer, Combs continues to grow as a player, blending traditional Hawaiian music with cool jazz influences. Accompanied by her nine-piece band, Ha'awi Hemolele 'O Keakawaiola, and a hula dancer, Combs opened for Taj Mahal at a much-publicized benefit concert for Kaua'i community radio station, KKCR, in spring 2002. Appearing every Friday at Hanapepe Café in Hanapepe Town since 1997, Combs recently ...