Native meets Hawaiian music

Musicians explore cultural traditions

R. Carlos Nakai and Keola Beamer event captures the essence of their heritagesTwo indigenous cultures will mix on stage Friday when Hawaiian slack-key guitarist Keola Beamer and Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai play at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

Both musicians are masters of their instruments, and both focus on contemporary interpretations of their cultural and musical traditions.

"Much of the music of both cultures incorporates perspectives of being in the environment, not just as an observer but as an active participant in the ongoing lives of things that surround us," said Nakai, who has received several Grammy nominations. "They incorporate what we call the mythic and historical tradition.