< blog | Aloha in the Vineyard

Aloha in the Vineyard

Rocky Logue Talks Music, Community, and His Kaena at the Ranch Show

A little island spirit is drifting into wine country.

If you’ve spent time around the central coast music scene, chances are you’ve heard the warm, easygoing sound of Rocky Logue’s slack key guitar floating through a patio, tasting room, or sunset gathering. His music blends Hawaiian Ki Ho‘alu (slack key) traditions with folk, reggae, and roots influences—creating the kind of soundtrack that makes you slow down, chill, and stay a little longer.

But Rocky’s path to that laid-back island style didn’t start in Hawaii—it started with a childhood guitar, a few rough lessons, and a life-changing introduction to Hawaiian jam sessions while serving in the United States Air Force. From there, the music—and the aloha spirit—took hold.
With an upcoming performance at Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang, SYV Buzz caught up with Rocky to talk about his musical beginnings, the magic of Hawaiian jam culture, and why slack key guitar fits right in with the relaxed rhythm of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Grab a glass, settle in, and enjoy our conversation with Rocky Logue.

SYV Buzz: Let’s start at the beginning: How did the musical journey of Rocky Logue begin, and what first inspired you to pick up the guitar vs. any other instrument?

Rocky: My grandfather was a music teacher. He was always playing his organ and singing. I got a guitar at like 10 and went to take lessons. The teacher treated me like crap, so I never went back. I played sports through middle school and high school so never really took the time for music. After high school I went into the United States military and was stationed at March Air Force Base where I befriended a bunch of folks from Hawaii. At Hawaiian parties, there’s always music and the parties last for days. I picked up the guitar and I was off and running. I played before work, at lunch, after work and at our parties. Everyone is welcome to join in when you play Hawaiian music. You might get stink eye if you play too loud or hit a wrong note in the beginning, so you learn to fit in. Once you sit back and learn the songs and the chords, sooner or later, you hear, Pa'ani brah!! Meaning, play a solo. Once you get that, you know you've made it.

SYV Buzz: I listened to your music, and I hear how you blend finger-style guitar with traditional Hawaiian (Ki Ho’alu) influences—how did that gentle style develop, and what drew you to that musical direction?

Rocky: In elementary and middle school, I listened to heavy metal, then in high school I listened to thrash, punk, and reggae. I still appreciated ALL music. I love classical, jazz, and mariachi music from spending time in Mexico. Playing Hawaiian music really reminded me of a cross-between, and I'm including contemporary Hawaiian bands like Cecilio & Kapono and Kalapana, folks greats like Jim Croce, James Taylor, and Gordon Lightfoot, classical guitar, jazz, and traditional music I'd heard from Mexico. It was so familiar to me from the beginning, though I was hearing it for the first time. It was also completely its own thing. When I started playing guitar, finger style just kinda happened. It came naturally to me. It also just kinda works for playing solo gigs. I feel like it fills things out a bit whether I'm playing traditional Hawaiian music or cover songs.

SYV Buzz: California’s central coast has a vibrant live music culture. How has performing in the local scene shaped your music and personal connection with audiences?

Rocky: I moved to SLO in 1995 and had a friend that was going to Cal Poly. I would make weekend trips while I was in the Air Force before I moved. SLO was AWESOME back then. Such a nice accepting place. I would come visit my friends and if they weren't ready to go out, I'd just head out on my own. People were really just so friendly. Also, the friends I was meeting were all really really good musicians. Musicians that had been playing their whole lives. I had only played for a few years. They were as accepting as my Hawaiian friends of ALL levels of musicians. It was wonderful having a group of musicians that were sooo very accepting and supportive.

Some of those musicians are still playing around the area. It was a weird transition, though. I was a pretty proficient player. I had been playing Hawaiian shows and with Hawaiian Halua (Dance Studios) for a few years, however, I didn't learn guitar like most folks that aren't from Hawaii. I didn't learn the same blues and rock chords and scales. I didn't learn the same beginner songs. Someone would say, "play 12 bar blues" I was like, "I don't know that, but I do know this ..." It all worked out great. I ended up living in a house full of musicians. We jammed ALL the time. It was fun learning all the things that they were teaching me and blending it with my Hawaiian music roots. I got to guest in shows around SLO and was an original member of the still popular local reggae band, Resination. Vance Fahie, Resination lead singer, and I still play shows from time to time.

SYV Buzz: You’re playing live at Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang—a venue known for its ohana and relaxed wine-country vibe. What makes that setting special for your upcoming performance?

Rocky: The most special thing, besides their owners, Mikael and Sally, is I get to feature Hawaiian music. I get to pay homage to my beginnings in music. I get to play songs that I don't always play. I also get the Aloha spirit that Mike and Sally send out.

SYV Buzz: Your upcoming show also includes original songs and covers. How do you approach choosing the right mix when you’re performing for a wine-country crowd who may not have heard of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar style … yet.

Rocky: My claim to fame, well I think it is, is that I have the most eclectic setlist out there. I have a ton of songs, instrumental and vocal that I can go to. I'm also adding songs on a regular basis. I just kinda get to the gig and decide what to play depending on who’s there. If it seems like a talking group, I play more instrumentals. If I notice a certain age group, I may play songs for that group. If I notice some Hawaiians in the crowd ... I go in that direction. I'm happy sitting in the background and playing or being a bit more out front if need be. I just go with what the gig gives.

SYV Buzz: Many slack-key guitar artists claim that live shows are where the real aloha happens (and I strongly agree). What can audiences expect from your performance this Saturday at Kaena Ranch?

Rocky: This Saturday ... we'll just have to see. There will be plenty of local music and more. It's definitely one of the nicer places to play and the wine menu is top-notch.

SYV Buzz: For people seeing you perform for the first time, what do you hope they feel or take away from the experience?

Rocky: I’d just like them to have a good time. Sit back and enjoy the aloha spirit.

SYV Buzz: Live music and wine tasting are a natural pairing in the Santa Ynez Valley. How do you think music enhances the overall atmosphere at places like Kaena?

Rocky: Live music just adds such a great element to any venue. When you’re sipping wine, having a beer, eating good local cuisine, enjoying our perfect weather, who wouldn't want to pair those things with the likes of Nataly Lola, Vance Fahie, the Patrick Pearson Project, True Zion, or any other of our awesome local musician(s)!

SYV Buzz: True! Ok, so every musician has a story about a memorable mentor performance. Is there a show or musician that stands out as especially meaningful to you?

Rocky: Led Kaapana. That's all I have to say. I just saw him last Sunday up in Santa Cruz. He’s one of the best Hawaiian slack key guitar players in the world. He's an originator. If you haven't seen him, you must. In fact, we need to get him to the central coast again for a show. Besides his mastery of slack key, the best thing about him is, he’s so personable and so accepting, and just embodies the aloha spirit.

SYV Buzz: Ledward Kaapana—great choice! Looking ahead, what’s next for Rocky Logue—new music, collaborations, or upcoming Santa Ynez Valley performances that fans should keep an eye out for?

Rocky: I’ve been busy with my kid's sports as of late but I’ll be coming out of my winter shell for some summer fun. Hoping to get some more shows on the calendar. I'm also collaborating with some of my buddies in Nipomo. Maybe you'll see a duo or trio playing some tropical beach style jams this summer.

Whether he’s playing a quiet instrumental set in the background or leading a crowd into a feel-good sing-along, Rocky Logue’s music carries something that’s hard to describe but easy to recognize—the aloha spirit.

It’s the feeling of community, the invitation to slow down, and the simple joy of sharing music with whoever happens to be nearby. And that spirit fits beautifully with the easygoing rhythm of the Santa Ynez Valley.

If you’d like to experience Rocky’s island-inspired sound for yourself, catch him live at Kaena at the Ranch in Solvang, where the wine is flowing, the setting is relaxed, and the music promises to transport you—at least for a little while—to island style.

Bring your friends, grab a glass, and let the slack key guitar carry you into the evening.

Mahalo—and we’ll see you out there.

---

See our complete list of upcoming music and wine events in the Santa Ynez Valley.