tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30247012024-03-13T01:03:08.546-07:00ukuleliaNews about ukuleles and ukulele music.Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.comBlogger2421125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-89495903323488857382024-03-01T09:45:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:45:23.282-08:00Fluke Baritone Ukulele!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://magicfluke.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality%3D85/assets/images/fluke/20240223_155432_clipped_rev_1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="286" src="https://magicfluke.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality%3D85/assets/images/fluke/20240223_155432_clipped_rev_1.png" width="215" /></a></div><br />Just announced by our friends at <a href="https://magicfluke.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magic Fluke</a>, a new baritone scale Fluke ukulele.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/t3ms6Vy6u-Q?si=Gp9RYnoaE7MZqlxL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All the cool kids</a> seem to be playing baris now. Now Fluke fans have a baritone option! </div><div><br /></div><div>25 years in the making.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://magicfluke.com/Fluke-Baritone-Ukulele_p_539.html">Link</a>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-46816524487881953102024-02-27T12:55:00.000-08:002024-02-27T12:55:59.152-08:00Chase and Jake Shimabukuro Play Anthems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="273" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sTEUghPmSSs" width="390" youtube-src-id="sTEUghPmSSs"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If this doesn't give you chicken skin, you are not human. Here is Chase Shimabukuro, the 11-year old son of Jake Shimabukuro, playing <i>The Star Spangled Banner,</i> followed by his dad performing <i>Hawai'i Pono'ī. </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTEUghPmSSs&ab_channel=StuGabe33">Link</a></div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-42771530437296965872024-02-16T15:17:00.000-08:002024-02-16T15:25:32.115-08:00Smeck Harmony Bag Find<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweQ-h95X1cojg0yhncSWf7eYT16vXJUb59kmi_-fU2BcXx9xIBItwqURO2R7H5beKWgj_Zb_buW1m96VTVwvcTFSzbNnhcQUlg4MdhrgoWYGdYIxWqZ4epJD1J0zimGi0CanqS1_64bLNhxMJdcqtIQOGxie9fH1er40g5diO94PtyoK7Xlvy/s3550/Bag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3550" data-original-width="1545" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweQ-h95X1cojg0yhncSWf7eYT16vXJUb59kmi_-fU2BcXx9xIBItwqURO2R7H5beKWgj_Zb_buW1m96VTVwvcTFSzbNnhcQUlg4MdhrgoWYGdYIxWqZ4epJD1J0zimGi0CanqS1_64bLNhxMJdcqtIQOGxie9fH1er40g5diO94PtyoK7Xlvy/s320/Bag.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><br /><p>Friend o' the Blog <a href="http://rachelmanke.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Manke</a> recently scored a sweet, nearly mint condition Smeck Harmony uke. But the most remarkable part of her find was this printed paper back that uke originally came in.</p><p>In my quarter-century of sleuthing out arcane ukulele artifacts, I've never seen one of these until today. <a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/5613883/r/il/7f0d21/5736407772/il_1588xN.5736407772_9pep.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I've found one other one</a>, but Rachel's seems to be in much better condition.</p><p>Have you? If so, drop us a note in the comments!</p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-2794966200959529672024-02-09T17:40:00.000-08:002024-02-09T17:56:42.946-08:00Will Rogers Ukulele Quote: A Surprising Find<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Will_Rogers_1922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="344" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Will_Rogers_1922.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Over the years I've seen several versions of a quote attributed to Will Rogers to the effect that no one could tell if you were playing the ukulele or just monkeying around with with it. <a href="https://www.lilrev.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil Rev</a> has a version of the quote in his <a href="https://www.halleonard.com/product-family/PC471/hal-leonard-ukulele-method-book-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ukulele Method Book 1</a> (my go-to intro book for adult learners).<p></p><p>I always wondered why old Will had it in for our favorite instrument (even though it's been the butt of jokes almost since it hit American shores...)</p><p>Curiosity got the better of me the other day and so I did some searching to see if I could find the original quote. </p><p>Turns out it's from a <i>Chicago Examiner</i> newspaper article, ca. March 3, 1918.</p><p>What's even more interesting is the context in which the quote is found, particularly in light of the current war between Ukraine and Russia.</p><p>The article begins,</p><blockquote><p>"Now they've asked me to write about Russia. </p></blockquote><blockquote><p>"That's fine! There's some sense to that. I can write about Russia for I know that my readers don't know any more about Russia than I do..."</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>"There is always this to look forward to with Russia. Pick up the morning paper and look for Russian news and have a fear of reading the worst; you won't be disappointed."</p></blockquote><p>Rogers is writing about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Brest-Litovsk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Treaty of Brest-Litovsk</a>, which would have been in the news. The treaty gave independence to Ukraine. Rogers continues,</p><blockquote><p>"You see, Germany was willing to treat for peace as long as Russia did all the treating.</p><p>"Now they have given German freedom to some province called Ukrainia (sic); sounds like ukulele, and I doubt it it will flourish even as long as that short-lived instrument."</p><p></p></blockquote><p>(Ukulele – Ukraine...it's <i>word-play!</i> And note that Rogers seemed to have considered the ukulele <i>passé</i> by 1918!) </p><blockquote><p>"<i>The ukulele had this advantage: Not even a trained musician could tell if you were playing on it or just monkeying with it</i>, but the Ukrainian liberty can't fool anybody; those poor independents have "Made in Germany" stamped all over it."</p></blockquote><p>(Emphasis mine) </p><p>The rest of the article is primarily about Russia being taken for fools by Germany. Perhaps a reader/historian more conversant with the treaty and the geopolitics of the time can chime in in the comments. I'll leave it there.</p><p>You'll find Rogers' full article in <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Papers-Will-Rogers-September-1915-July/dp/0806137045/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9780806137049&linkCode=qs&qid=1707528201&s=books&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Papers of Will Rogers: From the Broadway stage to the national stage, September 1915-July 1928</a></i>, University of Oklahoma Press, 2005, p 121- 122.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><blockquote><p> </p></blockquote>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-88776621638578162032024-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:002024-01-11T15:17:50.423-08:00Chaz Chase Eats a Ukulele<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="247" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-L0qi7kn7Xk" width="304" youtube-src-id="-L0qi7kn7Xk"></iframe></div><br /><div>Legendary physical comedian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaz_Chase" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chaz Chase</a>, eating a (gulp) ukulele. Don't try this with your Kamaka. </div><div><br /></div><div>Chaz's turn begins at 2:10. <a href="https://youtu.be/-L0qi7kn7Xk?si=0VkAZ-E7YkeOdkcI&t=130">Link</a></div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-56011594836950184772023-12-23T10:03:00.000-08:002023-12-23T10:03:41.877-08:00Upwood Ukuleles Christmas Video 2023 - Walking in the Air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3OoJ5Q_tvOU" width="479" youtube-src-id="3OoJ5Q_tvOU"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>My friend and fellow <a href="https://www.uketropolis.com/jhui" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JHUI</a> Mentor Carol Hudson shared this amazing Christmas Video with me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Featuring the members of <a href="http://www.upwood.org/index.php/upwood-ukuleles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upwood Ukuleles</a> from Cambridgeshire, UK, and produced by Tim "Tim'll Fix It" Howard, the video features the ensemble performing <i>Walking in the Air</i>, from the 1982 animated holiday classic <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084701/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Snowman</a></i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Upwood Ukuleles' designated charity is <a href="https://magpas.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magpas Air Ambulance</a>. Thus far, they've raised almost £66,000! Well done!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to donate to Magpas Air Ambulance on behalf of Upwood Ukuleles, <a href="https://justgiving.com/fundraising/upwoodukuleles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here's a link</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-22326618878407088352023-12-22T13:32:00.000-08:002024-01-07T10:43:31.542-08:00Arlo Claus: Updated <div>A dashing Arlo Guthrie wishing everyone Happy Holidays!</div><div><br />(Anyone recognize the make of his uke?)</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/folkslinger/53404520157/in/photostream/">Link</a><div><br /></div><div>h/t to Howlin’ Hobbit for identifying the instrument as a Pegasus. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here’s an update from Arlo:</div><div><br /></div><div>“<span face=""Proxima Nova", "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: #f3f5f6; caret-color: rgb(33, 33, 36); color: #212124; font-size: 14px;"> The holiday instrument of choice. Concert is between a soprano and a tenor size ukulele. This one was made by Pegasus Bob on the big island of Hawaii. Bob said he'd used some special koa wood he'd been saving. I was thrilled.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/folkslinger/53402170542">https://www.flickr.com/photos/folkslinger/53402170542</a></div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-17434101082721279182023-11-12T16:05:00.000-08:002023-11-12T16:05:47.513-08:00That's Doctor Muir, Thank You...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://samanthamuirguitar.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/sam-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://samanthamuirguitar.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/sam-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Cheers to newly-minted <i>Doctor</i> Samantha Muir, who recently earned her PhD from University of Surrey. <div><br /></div><div>Sam is the first person in history known to have earned a doctorate in 'ukulele! <br /><div><br /></div><div>Here's Sam's doctoral thesis. I can't wait to read it...</div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://openresearch.surrey.ac.uk/esploro/outputs/doctoral/New-Works-for-Classical-Ukulele/99778166402346?fbclid=IwAR3LBCR7FCSkhbSM9sn1V3B1WnyaFWSR00N6hlaeLFxXkJhU_6f3XA-cmSc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Works for Classical Ukulele - University of Surrey</a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>And if you don't know Sam and her work, here's her website. I'm working through a couple of her Studies books with my students who've suddenly developed an interest in classical music. Her arrangements are really great. <a href="https://samanthamuir.com/ukulele/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SamMuirUkulele" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Video tutorials and demonstrations</a>, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>(And btw, Sam's <a href="https://samanthamuir.com/the-little-book-of-giuliani/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Little Book of Giulani</a> does not contain <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Seasons_Total_Landscaping_press_conference" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Four Seasons</a></i>...)</div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-19616691421052779292023-10-02T07:32:00.002-07:002023-10-02T07:32:38.590-07:00Gofundme for Dave Talsma<p>An update on luthier Dave Talsma, who today is having his 11th surgery following a motorcycle accident a few weeks ago. </p><p>Denise Talsma reports that Dave remains in good spirits and is making progress like a champ. TALSMASTRONG!</p><p>If you're a fan of Dave and his work, you can help Dave and Denise out with a gift of support during Dave's surgeries and recovery. Here's the Gofundme page where you can make a donation: <a href="https://gofund.me/c809ebe3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p>And it being October now, here's a Halloween treat. Dave's Jack Skellington camp style ukulele!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://davetalsma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/skellington_lg-420x854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="393" height="800" src="https://davetalsma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/skellington_lg-420x854.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-44297640721538770542023-09-10T12:59:00.000-07:002023-09-10T12:59:28.052-07:00Aloha, Jimmy<p> With the passing of Jimmy Buffett earlier this week, we were reminded of of a couple of his memorable ukulele performances.</p><p>Here is an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/quqR714nLhc" width="320" youtube-src-id="quqR714nLhc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Jimmy making a surprise appearance with his cousin Warren at a Berkshire Hathaway event for MBA students. Stay through the end for Warren's remarks...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BCb-qRdVSwE" width="320" youtube-src-id="BCb-qRdVSwE"></iframe></div><br /><p>Jimmy was also instrumental in introducing Jake Shimabukuro to Parrotheads. Here's a nice little clip of Jake telling the story of Jimmy inviting him to sit in with the band.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nVB5N_HQOmo" width="320" youtube-src-id="nVB5N_HQOmo"></iframe></div><br /><p>And a little of Jimmy singing Jake's praises...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kn69P9v48hY" width="320" youtube-src-id="Kn69P9v48hY"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Have another memory to share? Post it in the comments.</p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-30509871093998038772023-09-07T09:19:00.000-07:002023-09-07T09:19:04.213-07:00Dave Talsma Recovering from Motorcycle Accident<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://davetalsma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dave_pink2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="220" height="270" src="https://davetalsma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/dave_pink2.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><p>Sending much aloha to our friend and master luthier Dave Talsma, who is recovering from a recent motorcycle accident.</p><p>It seems his injuries were significant, but that he's making progress and is remaining in good spirits.</p><p>Love, too, to his wife Denise and the entire Talsma family.</p><p>If you'd like to send Dave a card, here is his mailing address:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>7550 Church Street </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>Swartz Creek, Michigan 48473</p></blockquote><p>If you don't yet know Dave's work, check it out now. He's the genius builder of the legendary <a href="https://davetalsma.com/dairy-queen-ukulele/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Warren Buffett Dairy Queen Ukulele</a>. Amazing work, and truly fine player's instruments. <a href="https://davetalsma.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p><br /></p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-29479394663418097112023-08-01T09:05:00.000-07:002023-08-01T09:05:00.581-07:00Ford Hawaiians in Ukulele Magazine<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://store.ukulelemag.com/cdn/shop/files/001_Cover_0059a2a7-9562-4834-baae-ec620b03bf87_720x.jpg?v=1690453148" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://store.ukulelemag.com/cdn/shop/files/001_Cover_0059a2a7-9562-4834-baae-ec620b03bf87_720x.jpg?v=1690453148" width="239" /></a></div><br />Pleased to announce that fellow ukulele educator and bon vivant <a href="https://www.playukulelebyear.com/" target="_blank">Jim D'Ville</a> and I have an article in the Fall, 2023 issue of <i>Ukulele Magazine</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jim moved to my boyhood environs (The Motor City) a while ago and I asked him if he was aware that Henry Ford was instrumental (ahem) in popularizing Hawaiian Music. Jim was not, and thus began a little research project, the fruits of which you can read for yourself in Issue 42. </div><div><br /></div><div>The topline is that Henry Ford was smitten by the music played by Henry Kailimai and his ensemble at the 1915 Pan Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. So much so that he hired the band after the PPIE closed, renamed them "Ford's Hawaiians" and moved them to Detroit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/imagesofoldhawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/Ford-Hawaiians-played-over-station-WWI-during-1923-1925-Bryan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="800" height="193" src="https://i0.wp.com/imagesofoldhawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/Ford-Hawaiians-played-over-station-WWI-during-1923-1925-Bryan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've written about Henry Kailimai and Ford's Hawaiians (aka "Ford Hawaiians") previously (golly, 18 years ago), but sadly most of the related links are dead.</div><div><br /></div><div>But here are links to recordings by Ford's Hawaiians (not included in the magazine article) for your enjoyment!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://archive.org/search?query=creator%3A%22Ford%20Hawaiians%22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ford Hawaiians at Archive.org</a></div><div><a href="https://cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/search.php?query_type=keyword&query=ford+hawaiians&nq=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ford Hawaiians at the UCSC Cylinder Archive</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/mastertalent/detail/315796/Ford_Hawaiians" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is their discography on Edison Diamond Discs</a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't already subscribe to <i>Ukulele Magazine</i> (and you really should, you know), you can buy issue 42 here: <a href="https://store.ukulelemag.com/products/no-42-fall-2023">Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Mahalo nui loa to Peter T. Young for <a href="https://imagesofoldhawaii.com/ford-hawaiians/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">his research and excellent article on Ford Hawaiians</a>. Also to Jim Tranquada and the late John King for their pieces on Kailimai and Ford in their seminal <a href="https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/the-ukulele-a-history/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 'Ukulele: A History</a>. And to the archivists at the Benson Ford Research Center at <a href="https://www.thehenryford.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Henry Ford</a> museum.</i></div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-31306293075229515182023-05-18T10:29:00.000-07:002023-05-18T10:29:16.666-07:00Aloha, Pineapple Princess<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaxk1fzg0FtjWHwVLRKnZuWhbQmSmaSbncWKV0Nkn1KZ07Deiderh9kZcTvbVKUnIkgyXnd5q9BW0jsE2wld8HWx4gEwR_3DVji2K44Apc8fFydJZnoYFgRSFqwbIUrtYp4j5/s581/Kiss+My+Pineapple0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="581" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaxk1fzg0FtjWHwVLRKnZuWhbQmSmaSbncWKV0Nkn1KZ07Deiderh9kZcTvbVKUnIkgyXnd5q9BW0jsE2wld8HWx4gEwR_3DVji2K44Apc8fFydJZnoYFgRSFqwbIUrtYp4j5/s320/Kiss+My+Pineapple0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We have learned of the passing of Pamela Schulting, one-half (with <a href="https://bethzombie.com/bio.html" target="_blank">Beth Allen</a>) of the early Third-Wave ukulele duo, <a href="http://www.rockinvan.com/pineappleprincess/" target="_blank">Pineapple Princess</a>.</p><p><a href="http://tapewrecks.blogspot.com/2011/02/pineapple-princess.html" target="_blank">Pineapple Princess</a> was featured in the 2003 documentary "<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110708144549/http://rockthatuke.com/main.htm" target="_blank">Rock That Uke</a>" by our friend Bill Robertson.</p><p></p><blockquote>"Pineapple Princess is a San Francisco-based electric punk uke duo who play raucously scatalogical anthems to booze and sex. The duo is comprised of Beth Allen, a former bassist for the punk band The Loudmouths, and Pamela Schulting, a school teacher and highly accomplished hula dancer with the Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu dance troupe."</blockquote><p> If you haven't seen Rock That Uke, do yourself a favor and check it out. Especially if you weren't around before the 'uke went mainstream, and only true kooks (guilty) were strumming...</p><p>The film's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@rockthatuke/about" target="_blank">YouTube site is here</a>. Buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rock-That-Uke-Holly-Hunter/dp/B0011Z1SZO/" target="_blank">DVD here.</a></p><p>Earlier Ukulelia post here: <a href="http://www.ukulelia.com/2017/01/kiss-my-pineapple.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p></p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-35890651706706088862023-05-18T10:02:00.000-07:002023-05-18T10:02:22.655-07:00At Auction: Aaron Keim Kingdom Era 'Ukulele<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Biic0S-Uk91c_vd_nPdvRciiMFgzJOqs-L_V0DYLDxp8IvDs3zBBLCiMVLiU-rSm_jgy1xPfnWYvUcv9yPykljGFiwnybKiw_UFG7yIWKUkUfytMexjrrECQI70BKbULYA-_7iAqZm2-VQjxhTHTguFxAudGVOjKVUKwQ98WXSqU3-TeSA/s1600/s-l1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Biic0S-Uk91c_vd_nPdvRciiMFgzJOqs-L_V0DYLDxp8IvDs3zBBLCiMVLiU-rSm_jgy1xPfnWYvUcv9yPykljGFiwnybKiw_UFG7yIWKUkUfytMexjrrECQI70BKbULYA-_7iAqZm2-VQjxhTHTguFxAudGVOjKVUKwQ98WXSqU3-TeSA/s320/s-l1600.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Master luthier <a href="https://www.thebeansprout.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Keim</a> has been devoting his energies to learning early building techniques. He recently traveled to Hawai'i to study period instruments and research materials with the goal of building instruments true to the earliest designs. He's built two to date, and the second is currently on eBay at auction. He'll use the proceeds to fund a future research trip back to Hawai'i and will share a portion of the proceeds with the non-profit <a href="https://savinghawaiisforests.org/" target="_blank">Saving Hawaii's Forests</a> (link may not work: their site seems to be down).</div><div><br /></div><div>Sez Aaron:</div><div></div><blockquote><div>"<b>This is the second instrument I’ve made as part of my Kingdom Era Ukulele project</b>, where I have been researching the original instruments made in Hawaii in the 1890’s. I used the same hand tools, techniques and most of the same materials as the instruments I examined in the <a href="https://www.bishopmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Bishop Museum</a> and in Shawn’s collection from <a href="http://ukulelefriend.com">ukulelefriend.com</a>. The body, neck and fretboard are made from Koa from our friend’s sawmill on Oahu. I made the rope binding from Maple, Cherry, Walnut and Mahogany. It is soprano scale, with a flat fretboard and white side dots. In order to be more comfortable for modern players, I’ve used geared Peghed tuners, fluorocarbon strings and small fret wire. The ukulele is finished with shellac and wax. It comes with a handmade case made in the old style from Mahogany scraps with rope binding and Kapa style cloth."</div><div></div></blockquote><div><b>Bidding ends Wednesday, May 24th, 2023.</b> <i>Just in time for my birthday (hint, hint).</i></div><div><br /></div></div><a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/225581440007">Link to eBay Auction</a>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-6601046396527079082023-04-01T09:14:00.002-07:002023-04-01T12:38:21.736-07:00World's Best Arrangement of Wagon Wheel (The World's Best Ukulele Song of All Time)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/5891243/r/il/46c596/1958064324/il_fullxfull.1958064324_46dt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5891243/r/il/46c596/1958064324/il_fullxfull.1958064324_46dt.jpg" width="405" /></a></div><br /><p>Unless you just picked up the ukulele for the first time this morning, you know that the very best song you can play is <i>Wagon Wheel</i>, co-written by Bob Dylan (perhaps <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-the-10-worst-bob-dylan-songs-22570/1-wiggle-wiggle-15328/" target="_blank">most remembered</a> for <i><a href="https://youtu.be/7akC0uCnV90" target="_blank">Wiggle Wiggle</a></i>) and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show.</p><p>With its <a href="https://youtu.be/oOlDewpCfZQ" target="_blank">awesome</a> and completely original <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%E2%80%93V%E2%80%93vi%E2%80%93IV_progression" target="_blank">chord progression</a>, <i>Wagon Wheel</i> is sadly rarely played today, which is <i>really</i> sad, because it it indisputably The World's Best Ukulele Song of All Time. </p><p>Here is a link to the <a href="https://youtu.be/RnTY1Dt6-0A" target="_blank">Very Best Recording Ever</a>. And, finally, for your enjoyment <a href="https://www.almanac.com/calendar/date/2023-04-01" target="_blank">today</a>, the <a href="https://www.gochords.com/s/165Dk6scAB" target="_blank">World's Best Arrangement</a> of The World's Best Ukulele Song of All Time.</p><p><a href="https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/2497/" target="_blank">Enjoy</a>!</p><p>Photo credit: <a href="https://countrysideantiques.com/listing/724936187/small-antique-wooden-spoke-iron-rim">Countryside Antiques and Primitives</a></p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-52906026754105091792023-03-21T14:51:00.001-07:002023-03-21T14:51:54.802-07:00Cuttle Up a Little Closer<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.myamoeukuleles.com/images/instruments/2781Front.jpg?lightbox[width]=480&lightbox[height]=640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://www.myamoeukuleles.com/images/instruments/2781Front.jpg?lightbox[width]=480&lightbox[height]=640" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Check out this cephalopod chordophone! <a href="https://www.myamoeukuleles.com/uketracker.php?trackingNumber=2781&fbclid=IwAR0D3y8F-2bdzJHnAHTFU3a9L97kG3h1JM-rrWXQOUA6jpUkq4nXZM_gK5M" target="_blank">Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cary Kelly over at <a href="https://www.myamoeukuleles.com/index.php" target="_blank">Mya-Moe Ukuleles</a> recently completed this custom Sycamore Tenor Cutaway (Cuttle-away?) featuring a sweet squid graphic etched onto the soundboard via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrography" target="_blank">pyrography</a>. The pyrograph here was done by <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sixty-year-old-pyrography_n_1819296" target="_blank">Dumitru “Dino” Muradian</a>, who was profiled in the <a href="https://ukulelemagazine.com/stories/news/dino-muradian-and-his-amazing-ukulele-pyrography" target="_blank">Fall, 2020 issue</a> of <i>Ukulele Magazine</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cary says he's now built three ukes with pyrography on the soundboard. <a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=-wO31ukyWkk&feature=shares" target="_blank">Victoria Vox owns one</a>, which she uses for both recording and performances. He notes that he hasn't noticed any adverse affect on tone: "I’ve heard some argue that it opens up the soundboard, much like torrefied soundboards, but I’m not fully convinced of that."</div><div><br /></div><div>By the way, I was so captivated by this design that it took me a couple of weeks to realize that it's a left-hand set-up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder if there's ever been a Kala-Mari uke...</div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-7668242784799638492023-03-09T16:15:00.000-08:002023-03-09T16:15:36.172-08:00The Secret of the Ukulele Finally Revealed!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0397/8489/products/UKE40_720x.jpg?v=1675814185" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0397/8489/products/UKE40_720x.jpg?v=1675814185" width="243" /></a></div>I'm proud as punch to share that the good folks at <i><a href="https://ukulelemagazine.com/" target="_blank">Ukulele Magazine</a></i> interviewed me for their <a href="No.%2040%2C%20Spring%202023%20%u2013%20Ukulele" target="_blank">Spring 2023 issue</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a great honor to recognized for having edited this little blog for over 20 (!) years and to have been able to chronicle, in particular, the early years of this Third Wave of ukulele popularity.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've come here via the profile in <i>Ukulele Magazine</i>: welcome! (And if you're not yet a subscriber, it's a terrific publication. I look forward to it arriving in my mailbox four times a year. <a href="https://store.ukulelemag.com/products/ukulele-subscription" target="_blank">You really should subscribe</a>. It's about the cost of two sets of strings...)</div><div><br /></div><div>A big thank you to Blair Jackson at <i>Ukulele Magazine</i> for the opportunity. Also to Craig Robertson, who was a treasured co-editor for a few years. And finally, to Mark Frauenfelder, who created Ukulelia (Your Passport to Four Stringed Paradise!) as an offshoot of <a href="http://boingboing.net" target="_blank">Boing Boing</a> back in the late 90s before generously handing me the keys in the early 00s.</div><div><br /></div><div>I guess now I have to be a bit more diligent about turning up more remarkable stuff to share. It's a real challenge to find hidden treasures today. Stay tuned!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="No.%2040%2C%20Spring%202023%20%u2013%20Ukulele" target="_blank">Here's the issue.</a> Spoiler: I'm on the back page.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as for that clickbait headline: it's a little inside joke for my friends who constantly remind me how bad I am at self-promotion...</div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-38186421847458680612023-02-14T11:49:00.000-08:002023-02-14T11:49:49.117-08:00Ready When You Are!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://dkyhanv6paotz.cloudfront.net/live/fit-in/265x413/medias/nfb_tube/jackets/ready_when_you_are.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="204" height="306" src="https://dkyhanv6paotz.cloudfront.net/live/fit-in/265x413/medias/nfb_tube/jackets/ready_when_you_are.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />My friend and fellow <a href="https://www.uketropolis.com/jhui" target="_blank">JHUI</a> alum <a href="https://blaplantemusic.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Bryan LaPlante</a> reminded me today of this 1975 documentary from the National Film Board of Canada, featuring Godfather of the Canadian 'Ukulele Movement, <a href="http://chalmersdoane.com/home.html" target="_blank">J. Chalmers Doane</a> and 1,000 Halifax school children playing Mac Davis's <i><a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=09rBsH9l8bg&feature=shares" target="_blank">I Believe in Music</a></i>. Bonus: "rather critical lack of bathroom facilities." Stream "Ready When You Are" <a href="https://www.nfb.ca/film/ready_when_you_are/">at this link.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And there's more: <a href="http://www.melaniedoane.com/" target="_blank">Melanie Doane's</a> tribute to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_Davis" target="_blank">Mac Davis</a>, featuring the kids from the 1970s <i>and</i> her students from the <a href="https://www.uschool.ca/" target="_blank">Doane Uschool</a>. <a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=ykvBaOFtcwU&feature=shares" target="_blank">Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, while you're at it, you really should watch Melanie's <a href="https://gem.cbc.ca/media/ukulele-u/s01" target="_blank">Ukulele U on the CBC</a>.</div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-37259314344264329122023-01-15T14:10:00.000-08:002023-01-15T14:10:35.526-08:00Ukulele Heroes: Deborah Guarnieri<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/edae830/2147483647/strip/true/crop/648x632+0+0/resize/1760x1716!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fwxxifm%2Ffiles%2F201901%2FUkeSupportSystem_DebCrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="800" height="316" src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/edae830/2147483647/strip/true/crop/648x632+0+0/resize/1760x1716!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fwxxifm%2Ffiles%2F201901%2FUkeSupportSystem_DebCrop.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Central New York instructor and innovator Deborah Guarnieri has developed adaptive technologies to allow people with upper limb disabilities to play the ukulele.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bf2c7b7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1385x573+0+0/resize/1760x728!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fwxxifm%2Ffiles%2F201901%2FUkeSupportSystem1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="800" height="132" src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bf2c7b7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1385x573+0+0/resize/1760x728!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fwxxifm%2Ffiles%2F201901%2FUkeSupportSystem1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>(Photo</div><div><br /></div><div>As <a href="https://romesentinel.com/stories/fun-of-playing-ukulele-for-all,157597" target="_blank">this article by Mike Jaquays from the <i>Rome Sentinel</i> </a>explains:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"With the use of accoutrements like hub straps, waist straps, finger splints and other accessories, the Ukulele Support System has given people of all ages around the world the ability to play the ukulele. And all the parts she uses to modify the ukuleles are readily available to anyone, Guarneiri added.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her Ukulele Support System is now under the umbrella of the <a href="https://theukc.org/" target="_blank">Ukulele Kids Club</a> of America and Guarneiri has created her own local CLUES Ukulele Club that meets at the Canastota and Oneida public libraries that help in her mission. CLUES is an acronym for Canastota Library Ukulele Extraordinary Strummers."</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Here is Deb being interviewed on <a href="https://www.localsyr.com/bridge-street/a-ukulele-group-supports-those-with-upper-limb-disabilities/" target="_blank">WSYR's Bridge Street</a>, demonstrating several of her inventions. For more background and videos, here's an <a href="https://www.wxxiclassical.org/blog/2019-01-15/sharing-music-joy-and-community-with-the-ukulele-support-system" target="_blank">interview on WXXI</a> from 2019. Follow the work that Deb, local club members, and other heroes around the world do to make the ukulele accessible on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UkuleleProsthetics" target="_blank">Ukulele Support System for upper limb disabilities Facebook Page</a>.</div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-43892410358837883922023-01-07T18:10:00.002-08:002023-01-07T18:10:36.849-08:00The Okee Dokee Brothers are Truly Okee Dokee<div>Today a student asked to work on a song I wasn't familiar with. The song is "If You Want a Song," by the Okee Dokee Brothers. Now, I'd heard of this duo before and liked their music a lot, but I'd forgotten about them. </div><div><br /></div><div>The aforementioned (and Grammy-winning) "brothers" are Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing, and are based in Minnesota. Together, they write and perform American-roots style, kid-and-parent friendly songs.</div><div><br /></div><div>What makes them Okee Dokee in my book is that they not only feature the occasional uke in their songs (or sing about them–see below), but that they offer <a href="https://www.okeedokee.org/music/" target="_blank">free download files of their lyrics and chords</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the video of the song my student requested and watch for a cameo by <a href="https://www.cathymarcy.com/" target="_blank">Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0EOV0yWIKK0" width="320" youtube-src-id="0EOV0yWIKK0"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And for your winter strumming pleasure, here is the very charming "Ukulele in a Snowstorm."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/940cK74OAHE" width="320" youtube-src-id="940cK74OAHE"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.okeedokee.org/">Visit the Okee Dokee Brothers Website</a>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-21235549659411835652022-09-21T08:46:00.006-07:002022-09-21T08:46:46.556-07:00Parrot Sings Along to His Human's Ukulele Cover of the Self-Disparaging Radiohead Song 'Creep'<div>The headline says it all. And it's pretty awesome. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://laughingsquid.com/parrot-sings-along-to-radiohead-creep/">Link</a>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-42608412341744666392022-09-15T13:23:00.000-07:002022-09-15T13:23:06.357-07:00Support Ukraine Relief and Get a Chance to Win This 3-D Printed Uke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ukulele.de/media/image/7a/g0/6d/Ukralele-II1600x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://www.ukulele.de/media/image/7a/g0/6d/Ukralele-II1600x1200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.ukulele.de/" target="_blank">Rigk Sauer</a> makes the terrific and iconic <a href="https://www.ukulele.de/sopran/66/risa-uke-solid-soprano?number=UKS363MP" target="_blank">Uke Solid</a>. Now he's designed the Ukralele: a 3-D printed sopranino that he's raffling off to support relief efforts in Ukraine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sez Rigk:</div><blockquote><div>You could win this 3D printed electric ukulele (sopranino) by donating to the victims of the Ukraine War. For every 10 € you send to paypal until the end of October 2022, you will receive a ticket for the drawing. All proceeds from this action will be donated to the "Emergency Aid Ukraine" organization "<a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aktion_Deutschland_Hilft" target="_blank">Aktion Deutschland Hilft</a>". Best of luck!</div></blockquote><p>Here's a link to the donation/entry page. There are links for production videos that are pretty cool! <a href="https://www.ukulele.de/detail/index/sArticle/562">Link</a></p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-34765067709780468462022-06-14T07:54:00.001-07:002022-06-14T07:54:38.896-07:00Lil' Rev Needs Our Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/100426/e645443abe109a98914564de80d4603d19f411d7/photo/20171015-0066-1.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="465" src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/100426/e645443abe109a98914564de80d4603d19f411d7/photo/20171015-0066-1.jpg/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Our dear friend, the wonderful Marc Revenson, aka <a href="https://www.lilrev.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lil' Rev</a>, needs our help. He's scheduled for some dire oral surgery and his insurance will cover only a portion of the total. Marc is a longstanding evangelist for the ukulele and roots music. You may even have a book or two of his in your library or some of his CDs.</p><p>Please join me in contributing to the GoFundMe account that ukulele superheroes <a href="https://www.cathymarcy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marcy Marxer, Cathy Fink</a>, and <a href="http://benhassenger.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ben Hassenger</a> have set up. </p><p>Complete details on the GoFundMe page. <a href="https://gofund.me/cf191718" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here's the link</a>.</p>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-77828519592192545372022-05-24T08:48:00.000-07:002022-05-24T08:48:57.257-07:00Uke Heads, Unite!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TeEw3GVv-PSHQlLsPCbz0ECWvQmWih7GYBEobaNn4iDEvLFC4NTBFmgBTwe6Y1YUWuoOBqTz4GaMQkoxlI3c8WD8meDLAWwD-i8HgIw9ajHOUrlzXzqvIwZab4jSUUKa3NqzYscCZs00odLD_oy6JK0q0hf5lGiozT3URnhZLLyP_ty2PQ/s420/Ukehead%20Gp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TeEw3GVv-PSHQlLsPCbz0ECWvQmWih7GYBEobaNn4iDEvLFC4NTBFmgBTwe6Y1YUWuoOBqTz4GaMQkoxlI3c8WD8meDLAWwD-i8HgIw9ajHOUrlzXzqvIwZab4jSUUKa3NqzYscCZs00odLD_oy6JK0q0hf5lGiozT3URnhZLLyP_ty2PQ/s320/Ukehead%20Gp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>See that? That's my Uke Head. </p><p>I'm proud and honored to be a volunteer mentor for the James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI). James is about to launch a new project called Uke Heads, and he gave us a sneak peek over the last few weeks. </p><p>Uke Heads is an innovative project–the first of its kind so far as I know–where an artist (James) is recording an album with the active participation of a community of player/contributors. There have been a lot of crowd-based recordings during the pandemic, but this project is different in that participating as a Uke Head is essentially part of crowd-funding the album and supporting the artist. And participating comes with a number of benefits like online workshops with James, exclusive merch, and the opportunity to record on future singles.</p><p>There are 1879 unique Uke Head avatars which are themselves NFTs. (Welcome to blockchain, ukers!) Ukulele geeks will immediately grok why there are 1879. (Which, by the way, is a swell line of clothing <a href="https://www.1879.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you can check out here</a>.</p><p>Learn more about the Uke Heads project at <a href="https://www.ukeheads.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the official site, here.</a></p><p>James also discusses the project on his <a href="https://www.uketropolis.com/podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Uketropolis Podcast in this episode</a>.</p><p>And here are link to three Q&A sessions James had live on YouTube.<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://youtu.be/J_FUXbUQfwo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Q&A #1</a></li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/EeYhURF2PLQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Q&A #2</a></li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/iFTTGqYZj88" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Q&A #3</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Finally, while becoming a Uke Head isn't free ($189.70 – notice the theme?), James has made 100 available free to deserving players.<a href="https://www.ukeheads.com/awards" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Info here.</a></p><p>So, which Uke Head are you?</p><div><br /></div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3024701.post-86326509878945691252022-03-17T12:13:00.001-07:002022-03-17T12:13:42.334-07:00"When St Paddy's Falls on Purim" <iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/WyyY_kixQFg" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>"You Purim for me, and I'll Purim for you..."</div><div><br /></div><div>This ditty is by <a href="https://brigidkaelin.com/" target="_blank">Brigid Kaelin</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WeAreRannygazoo" target="_blank">Gregory Maupin</a>. Here's a little background on the song. <a href="https://www.heyalma.com/the-perfect-song-for-the-combined-purim-st-patricks-day-2022/" target="_blank">Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>But sure and there's more! Brigid has posted the sheet music for free! (That makes here Saint Brigid in my book). <a href="https://brigidkaelin.com/store" target="_blank">Link to Music</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Both Days to everyone who celebrates. And a big Tip O' the Hamantash to my good friend <a href="http://adamhanin.com/" target="_blank">Adam Hanin</a> for pointing us to this pot of gold.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>O'Chaim!</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Garyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03600611968966286774noreply@blogger.com0