Mousegetar

I've seen "Mousegetar Jr.s", which are crank music boxes cum uke like objects, but never one of these, which looks completely playable. From a Japanese instrument seller. I'm guessing this is from the late '50s. Link

Pu'uanahulu

Aloha! If you've just clicked over here from Greatest Panel Ever Drawn blog post on BoingBoing, you might be interested in this CD by Bryan Tolentino. It features a recording of Pu'uanahulu, the tune featured in the Nancy Video. (The version on the video is by Gabby Pahinui.) Link

Ukes on Scrubs!

Dr. Nelson tipped us off about this uke-flavored clip:

"Here’s a glimpse as to why Scrubs is one of my favorite shows on TV. This clip wraps up an homage to Wizard of Oz. Ted, the hapless hospital lawyer, has an a capella quartet that often acts as the Greek chorus, like Jonathan Richman in “Something about Mary” if you saw that. But this cover of a cover starts out making you think it’s just another Iz-in-a-soundtrack, but turns into something else altogether.

It’s also why I love youtube, because after watching the episode tonight, I knew--absolutely knew--I’d find just this clip here with my first search for “scrubs rainbow”."

I guess it also explains why we've been hit with lots of folks looking for uke chords to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". (Tip for you newbies: it's all about dis bruddah.)

(Thanks, Dr. Nelson!)

World's Rarest Ukulele

In advance of next April 1, I must call readers' attention to this hand-crafted rarity at Elderly Instruments. Clearly, the otherwise sane folks in Lansing have misplaced the decimal point on this offering. Could it really only be $15? Judge for yourself! Link

Miracle Treat Day is August 10th

(Disclosure: non-shameless plug for my friends and clients at Dairy Queen!)

Still kicking yourself that you didn't bid on Warren Buffet's Dairy Queen Ukulele? Here's a nice way to console yourself and support Children's Miracle Network at the same time. (The auction of the Dairy Queen uke benefitted the CMN, too!)

"On Thursday, August 10, stop by a participating DQ® location and buy a Blizzard® Treat. All proceeds will be donated to your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital."

Link

Jake in the Boston Herald

Another day, another Jake profile. Yawn.

(Just kidding, Jake.)

But just for once I'd like to see someone refer to Itzhak Perlman as "the Jake Shimabukuro of the violin".) Link

Go Ape!

Click on this link, and prepare to go APE! Link

Early Review of Jake's New Solo CD

Interview with Jake, and an early take on his new CD, "Gently Weeps," due out September 10th. Link

San Francisco Aloha Festival

If you're in the Bay Area this weekend, don't miss the 12th annual Aloha Festival in the Presidio! Plenty of ukulele mele. Hiram Bell will be conducting workshops. Link

Modern Guitars Magazine: Jake Shimabukuro Interview

Jake talks about the standard stuff, but also about how his strumming and picking techniques align with or differ from guitar playing. Of particular interest if you're coming to the uke via the guitar. Link

Oregon Festival of American Music 2006

Uke and Tin Pan Alley Afficionado Ian Whitcomb is headlining in this year's Oregon Festival of American Music. This year it's a tribute to Irving Berlin.

In light of recent events 90 miles from Florida, I wonder if Ian will be singing this Berlin tune...

Starts Thursday, August 3rd, 2006. Link

The Martini Kings!

Just don't sit on my ukulele! Video rated G(string). No nudity, but burlesque is the subject.

Link (Thanks, Otto!)

The Simmering Ukulele Scene

Article in the NY Sunyesterday about the uke scene in New York.

"Asked how the ukulele scene in New York differs from elsewhere, Mr. Tagg said New Yorkers tend to be individualists, each having his or her own style or approach. 'That,' he added, 'is the strength of a cabaret.'"

Link: