Tommy Kahi

Alex, Mark and Tommy Kahi

Thanks Doug McKenzie

Tommy Kahi  —  Pedal Steel Guitarist and career musician .....

Tommy first came to New Zealand in 1950 with a Polynesian Variety Group.  His career in music spanned more than sixty years, and he was awarded The Queen's Service Medal for community service, in regocnition of his having devoted his lifetime to perfroming and teaching music.  Tommy's house on Marine Parade was the venue for the start of many a musical career.  The Tommy Kahi Band played at the North Beach Memorial Hall in the 1950s - the so-called North Beach Hop.  Tommy's wife Rosemary Kahi had a beautiful voice and they were a well-known feature act on Christchurch's Radio 3YA.

Immediately prior to Tommy's last concert on June 23rd, 1996
Derek Knibb (Drums), George Williams (Bass), Tangi Williams (Guitar), Alan Irvine and Judy Cooper (Ukeleles), and Tommy Kahi on Lap Steel guitar