Tim Sweeney

Nice article today about jazz ukulelist Tim Sweeney in The Cape Codder. Link

Drole de Sire

Meet Drole de Sire, a uke-infused French band in the fumiste tradition. And that's about all I can tell you about them, except that I like their music. Be sure to listen to the mp3 clips at the "Disques" link (Les extraits MP3). Link

It's Official: We are the 'Ukulele

Probably no single performer has impacted the uke world in 2005 the way that Jake Shimabukuro has. This year saw him serving as official tourism spokesperson for Hawai'i, opening for Jimmy Buffett, and hitting (almost) prime time on the Conan O'Brien Show.

One bit of proof is the number of new Ukulelia readers who have come to us in search of information about Jake and his music. Our readership hit an all-time high this month, due in part to the Jake phenom.

If you've been reading Ukulelia for a while, you know that it's a labor of love for Mark and me. So it's nice when things like this happen: Click thru to the FAQ section on Jake's site. Then see what the answer to "What is the 'ukulele?" is. Link

Martin 3K for Jim - a photoset on Flickr

Check out this work-in-progress on Flikr: "Springwood" is building a Martin 3K Soprano replica for his brother. I wish I had a brother like this! Link to Photoset

Hawaii: Postcards and Picture Galleries

Here is an incredible collection of vintage Hawaiian and Polynesian postcards. Do you suppose the keiki at left knows she's holding a priceless antique? You'll have to poke around, but there a lots of uke pix herein, including some that would be of interest to Uke Jackson for his newsletter! (Some images beautiful, but NSFW). Link

Pumping Koa?

Apparently, a performance art piece using bodybuilders to play the instruments while working out. If you speak French, perhaps you'll tell me what this is all about. Weird. Link

Belated Wishes, Mr. Beloff!

Completely spaced and forgot to wish Jumpin' Jim Beloff a happy birthday on the 25th! Hope you had a great day, Jim, and thanks for being such a champion for the uke community. Link

Marc Benioff, Uker

My friend Bruce Campbell (no, not that Bruce Campbell) tells me that Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff has quite a uke collection. So I wonder if Jim Louderback knew this when he "predicted" that a "ukulele-swinging Marc" would team up with Larry Ellison, Tom Seibel, and Craig Conway to form a barbershop quarted called the Oracles? (And shouldn't the uke-playing "Oracle of Omaha" be invited to sit in?) Link

It's a Wonderul Life

Ukulele leads to husband leads to eight (count 'em) great great grandchildren. Sounds like Jacqueline Skyles McKnight lived a wonderul life. I found her story touching, so here 'tis. Link

KY Math Students Build Ukes

Story from the Lousiville Courier-Journal about a local high school using lutherie to help students advance their math and physics skills. Link

Vargas Uke Illustration

A vintage ad illustration by pin-up artist Albert Vargas. Sadly, it's rated G. Link

And to all, a good night!

Link

Merry Christmas!

Well, Dear Readers, this is probably our last blog post until Santa has come and gone. Don't forget to serenade your loved ones under the mistletoe with a uke tune or two. And here's hoping that Santa's elves have crafted the perfect four-stringed present for you this year.

On behalf of Mark and his family, Merry Christmas from the entire Peare Troupe!

New York Uke Fest

Uke Jackson sez advance tickets are now on sale for the April 2006 NY Uke Fest. Check out the line-up! Link

Alternate Tunings Uke Shop

How have we missed this? Alternate Tunings is a specialized "ukulele only" music store just north of Morro Bay. They have a number of holiday specials, and their pricing looks good. Ho ho ho! Link