A serendipitous encounter in Kīhei opens the door to the enchanting world of Maui musician Don Lax, whose hurdy-gurdy and violin shimmer with their own personalities. Don shares the spellbinding history of these instruments and brings them to life with music that feels as if it drifted in from another era. As he and Molly talk story on the sidewalk of a grocery store, Don reflects on his globe-trotting childhood and the Christmas violin that set his musical path in motion. He also shares his rare gift for hearing and playing the song of a person’s soul, turning frequencies into melody - even offering a spontaneous musical interpretation of Molly’s heart. Don can often be found playing outside the Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods most Sunday nights from 6 PM to 8 PM. Enjoy the whimsy and wonder of this conversation!

Learn more:

Don V. Lax Website: https://www.mauiviolin.com/

Soul Song Readings: https://www.mauiviolin.com/soul-song-readings

Don V. Lax YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@donvlax

Episode Highlights

00:00 A chance encounter in Kīhei, Maui

00:47 Discovering the heart of the hurdy-gurdy

03:23 Violin magic

06:02 The beginning of a musical path

08:35 Playing the song of the soul

09:31 Music across Maui

10:44 The ocean’s healing presence

11:59  Follow your joy - why else be alive?

Photo credit: Don Lax

Episode Art: Molly Mamaril

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Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik