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August 2005
UKULELES ENTERTAIN TROOPS IN IRAQ
A brief escape from the stresses of war came in the form of 100 ukuleles sent to soldiers of the Hawaii Army National Guard's 29th Support Battalion by generous folks from Huntington Beach, California. The idea came from Anita Coyoli-Cullen with major support from Island Bazaar, a Hawaiian-Style shop owned by Shirley Orlando. For starters, Shirley sent six ukes to the troops and the rest is history. The Kolohe Ukulele Players, who meet regularly at Island Bazaar, then donated $600 and soon many more ukuleles and books were on their way to Iraq. Lt. Col. Norman Saito (first photo below), who commands the Battalion, wrote, “Music brings out the best in everyone, no matter what differences they might have. It's a common ground that all can come together for a moment to just enjoy and be happy.” (Thanks to Kent Olson for sending us the photos.)
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JULY 2005
HISTORY OF THE UKULELE EXHIBIT
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum is hosting a new exhibit called, “History of the Ukulele” from May to October 2005. Recognizing the relationship between the ukulele and surf pop culture, the Museum displays vintage ukuleles and particularly the Kooky Ukes made by Ancil Swagerty in San Clemente in the 1960s which were popular with surfers. Opening day festivities on May 21st included performances by Bill Tapia, Jim Beloff, The UkeLeiMes and the Kolohe 'Ukulele Club.
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JUNE 2005
MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO'S UKULELE GALA
When Spring finally arrives in Minnesota, Minnesotans admittedly get a little delirious. And when it's 75 degrees and balmy at the beginning of May, you betcha it's as good as tropical in the state. Under the influence, Dale Connelly, Jim Ed Poole and Mike Pengra of Minnesota Public Radio's The Morning Show decided to present a ukulele gala concert at the famous Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. The first-of-its-kind show featured skits by the “regulars” of The Morning Show and music by Jim and Liz Beloff, local band Jack Norton and His Mullet River Boys and classically trained Kari Larson who was the first ukulele player to play a duet with the Fitzgerald's Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ! The audience was encouraged to bring their ukuleles and join in the great group strum-along conducted by Maestro Beloff.
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MAY 2005
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA UKE SCENE
Ukuleles came out of hibernation in droves at several events surrounding the 12th Annual Northern California Ukulele Festival in Hayward, April 24th. In addition to Sunday's festival, the Santa Cruz Ukulele Club (numbering well over a hundred members) sponsored a special country-western themed monthly meeting at Bocci's Cellar. Guests Kimo Hussey and Jim Beloff also led workshops at various locations in the Bay Area.
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APRIL 2005
COOL NEW UKES
In today's world of ukulele lutherie, it seems almost anything is possible.
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MARCH 2005
FLUKES AT THE GATES
Artists came literally out of the woods to view Christo and Jeanne-Claude's ethereal work, “The Gates,” in New York's Central Park. The experience inspired some to celebrate the moment with ukulele music. Both appeared to bring out smiles all around.
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FEBRUARY 2005
‘UKULELE GUILD OF HAWAII
If you ever wanted to build your own ukulele, the 3rd Annual Exhibition and Conference of the ‘Ukulele Guild of Hawaii was the place to be. This organization of uke builders held an inspiring conference in Honolulu last November with concerts, workshops, a silent auction of fine woods and an amazing exhibit of one-of-a-kind ukulele works of art created by the members. For more info on the Guild and some building tips, visit www.ukuleleguild.org
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FIRST ANNUAL PORTLAND UKE FEST
With a charming poster of raining ukes and umbrellas, the Portland (OR) Ukulele Association, known as PUA, announced its first ukulele festival in November 2004. The event, held at the comfortable Multnomah Arts Center, opened with a screening of the documentary film, Rock That Uke. The following day featured workshops, vendors and a well-attended concert. And, unlike the poster, only ukuleles reigned that weekend!
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