Japan's top slack-key guitarist, Agnes Kimura, will perform at a free concert at 6 tonight at the Kapi'olani Park Bandstand.

Kimura plays slack-key guitar and 'ukulele. She is also a teacher, composer and recording artist. On August 8, she released two new CDs, one in Tokyo and one in Honolulu.

With tonight's concert, Kimura is giving thanks to Hawai'i for introducing her to Hawaiian music more than 30 years ago. She will be joined by Noboru Matsumoto, another giant of the genre.

Chanters and dancers from Kumu Hula Kaha'i Topolinski's Ka Pa Hula Hawai'i will open the "Welcome Home Agnes" concert.

Following the opening kahiko (traditional) dances, The Carmen Haugen Quartet will set the stage for Agnes and Noboru, with 40 minutes of Hawaiian music and auana hula. They will also feature visiting guest artists Pono and Puakea Hylander of Manassas, Virginia. Pono Hylander will be featured on slack-key guitar and Puakea Hylander will dance.

Keith Haugen will emcee.