Slack Key and Ukulele

Thank you, Eleanor, for the tip about the legacy of Gabby Pahinui, the master of slack key and Hawaiian music.  Here's a link to "Let's Play Music! Slack Key with Cyril Pahinui & Friends".  Keep a look-out for Peter Moon, Jr. and his ukulele.

As the blurb says: "Through his mastery of 'ukulele, slack key, or guitar, this virtuoso continues to influence generations of musicians who fondly reminisce of many impromptu backyard jam sessions at the Pahinui home."

George Harrison and Ukuleles

The late George Harrison loved ukuleles and shared his joy with many others.  Here is a link to a site that wonderfully conveys George's love of the instrument.

http://www.openculture.com/2014/08/george-harrison-explains-why-everyone-should-play-the-ukulele-with-words-and-music.html.  You may have to "cut and paste" this link to your browser in order to see it.

The site includes that letter from George explaining "why everyone should have and play a 'uke'";  a video of George playing uke in a band; a video of Ringo and Paul and George just playing around; and then when you come to the end of the page there's a home video by George of him playing one of his beautiful ukuleles as he whistles a tune. The last few seconds of that video I thought were inspiring - terminally ill but George still plays his ukulele with joy and without sadness.  A remarkable man, uke or no uke.

"Pineapple Mango" as played by UU'ers at Tommy's Park

Thanks to a friend in the audience, here is a video of Chris Day of Buckdancer's Choice, Terry, Eleanor, and I playing "Pineapple Mango" Saturday morning, June 21, at Tommy's Park as part of the international Make Music Day.  Chris skillfully and beautifully handled the melody, while Terry, Eleanor, and I managed the strumming background.

Make Music Day June 21, 2014

UU'ers Terry, Eleanor, and I joined Chris Day of Buckdancer's Choice at Tommy's Park this morning to play "Pineapple Mango" as part of the international Make Music Day.

The Four Strings Foundation

Here's a description of Jake Shimabukuro's Four Strings Foundation.

The NEA and Jake Shimabukuro

As I've been researching Jake Shimabukuro's Four Strings Foundation for funding and curricula-planning ideas, I came across this article posted by the NEA in 2013 about its interview with Mr. Shimabukuro.  As usual, it's a great interview; and he says some great things about playing the ukulele.