Like many people, I have always wanted to play an instrument – any instrument. I have dabbled with the harmonica and the tin whistle and enjoyed both but never got very far. My music teacher even tried to teach me the trombone when I was at school – fantastic instrument but not for me.
Then in 2012, while reading the syllabus of the local authorities adult education classes, I saw Guitar for Beginners. Got a guitar, signed up and off we went. Met some nice people and enjoyed the classes a lot but struggled – particularly with the chord changes – the message left the brain but took about a week to get to the fingers. Read the rest of this entry »
TUOWH have a lot of fun with the whole group singing a line each of the Ronettes’ 1963 hit Be My Baby, penned by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry & Ellie Greenwich:
I really enjoy playing the ukulele with PLUC on a Tuesday evening. Everyone is friendly and supportive and, even though I’m not able to attend as regularly as I’d like, I already feel like a valued member of the group. I hadn’t played the ukulele before joining but found it easy to pick up the basics as members of the group are always willing to lend a hand and pass on helpful tips. Most of all, we have fun!
My Ukulele is a Tanglewood Union Series TU6 and I have been playing for about four months.
Tonight sees the Eurovision Song Contest. Be prepared for plenty of cheesy numbers; sarcastic commentary & the usual regional block voting! Here is Jeff Meechai’s cover of the UK’s 1967 winning entry from Sandie Shaw, Puppet On A String:
Here is the second extract from our performance at the fete. This time you’ll find us on ukes, banjos & bass, with Rufus in fine voice, playing another of our favourites – Joe ‘King’ Oliver’s 1926 composition, Doctor Jazz:
Here is a short extract from the first set at our recent performance.
Amongst our more lively numbers – such as I Wanna Be Like You, Ain’t No Pleasing You, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, Doctor Jazz, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, What Made Milwaukee Famous & Coney Island Washboard – one of our most popular numbers is this gentle rendition of the lovely Va Pensiero, from Verdi’s Nabucco:
Today saw another appearance for PLUC’s performing group at the Pratts Bottom Village Fete, on the border of Greater London & Kent. Chris based us in the Village Hall instead of the originally planned outside stage on the Green, which proved wise, as there were several downpours during the afternoon.
We played two sets & hope that the community raised plenty of funds for their charity work. Here are a selection of photos from our session. Thanks to Jo for taking them & the videos from the day:
Leaving my ukulele at home, I journeyed to London’s Southbank to enjoy a day of singing by the Thames on the opening day of the Chorus Festival, the start of this year’s Festival of Neighbourhood.
After some fun vocal warm-up exercises, we adjourned to the Queen Elizabeth Hall to practice three songs to sing en masse down on the Riverside Terrace to launch the Festival: Purcell’s Come, Ye Sons of Art; Jerusalem (Blake/Parry) & the Kinks’ Waterloo Sunset. We were accompanied by a brass band on the upper stage & it was very moving being part of such a large group. The rain managed to hold off until the final few bars of the last song & you may spot people’s hoods going up in the video! Read the rest of this entry »
People are often daunted at the thought of singing in public. Plus, especially when you’re a beginner, it’s often hard to concentrate on playing your ukulele – remembering where the chords are, getting the strumming right & keeping time – in addition to singing the words of the song!
Outdoor events at the Southbank. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
They are holding a Chorus Festival this Bank Holiday weekend at the Southbank Centre. In addition to the formal paying performances & workshops, there are a number of free Voicelab events where you can just turn up & join in some vocal warm-ups or singalongs as part of a large group of people. It looks like an excellent chance to get some coaching & tips as part of a big ad-hoc choir & a fun way to build your confidence in singing!
Each day there are warm-up sessions & rehearsals, followed by a choir performance later on (which you can also just turn up at – in several cases the music & words are already on-line). Have a look round the website for more info. If you attend, let us know how you get on.
While I have not had the opportunity to attend club, I still strum the ukulele every day and recently purchased my most expensive instrument so far. A Kala Travel Uke, model SSL WTU 1005. This was purchased purely for its looks and I had to buy it.
A slimline uke with spruce top and lacewood back and sides, this created a conflict. Which do I love the best: my new travel uke, a real pleasure to play and great quality, or my Flea? Strangely enough, my Flea came out tops and I decided I like this best. I might of course be shot down in flames for saying so but that’s how it is. Simon will be delighted, LOL.
As for the Kala. In order for me to love it better, I decided to try D’Addario strings which failed miserably regards sound and were ultimately changed to Aquila. Much better.
I got to thinking about folk who possess several ukuleles. Whether they are loved equally and for what reasons?
People of Lewisham's Ukulele Club 
