3. Tickets still available for the Friday Night Concert at the Napa Valley Opera House, featuring James Hill and a few of his ‘ukulele friends. Order online or call the box office at 707-226-7372.
4. Don’t miss the pre-concert wine tasting and other festivities at Back Room Wines, at First and Main, just around the corner from the Opera House. $5 discount to those with tickets to the concert.
4. Tickets still available for the fabulous Saturday night luau at Flora Springs Winery. Register online.
5. Don’t forget the no-host, post-festival, ‘ukulele jam at Gott’s Roadside (aka Taylor’s Refresher) after the festival on Sunday. It’s FREE!!!!
I’m assuming you all know that registration for the Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival (September 10, 11 & 12) is underway and workshops are filling quickly. We’re doing things a little differently this year in that you must pre-register for the workshops so we can have a little better control on attendance. Here are some links: Saturday Workshop Schedule, Sunday Workshop Schedule, and Workshop Registration.
We also have a number of volunteer “opportunities” available, including some coveted spots as workshop monitors. Workshop monitors get to attend the workshops for half-price and simply have to make sure that people attending are on the “list.” We’re still looking for monitors for the following workshops:
Saturday
Session 1: Del Rey’s African-American Ukulele; Victoria Vox Rocks; Kimo’s Kan Ka Pila; Robyn’s Hapa Haole Hula
Session 2: Ralph’s Intermediate Strumming
Sunday
Session 1: Del Rey’s African-American Ukulele; Victoria Vox Rocks; Robyn’s Hapa Haole Hula; Ralph’s Intermediate Strumming
Session 2: Derick’s Pa’ani; Hula Honey’s Harmony; Victoria’s Master Class; Ralph’s Advanced Strumming; Del Rey’s Master Class
Session 3: Ginger’s Ukulele for Guitar Players; Kimo’s Master Class; Derick’s Master Class
Let me know if you’d like to take advantage of any of these opportunities.
Also, we still need “hosts” and “hostesses” for some of our musician/instructors. I can’t tell you how much fun this is, especially if you have two or more of them staying in your house at once…it’s non-stop music. My neighbor “took in” Ralph Shaw at the first festival…..and now she won’t give him up. Our “Director of Transportation,” Susan Bonney, insists on doing the airport runs because it is non-stop music and mayhem all the way. I’m only reluctantly offering this opportunity to others because I have filled every single bed in my house! So, please, let me know if you have a spare room you’d like to “donate” to the cause. You won’t regret it!
There are also a few other changes you should know about. We will have a Friday night concert at the Napa Valley Opera House featuring James Hill, with appearances by Ralph Shaw, Victoria Vox, Kimo Hussey, and Del Rey. I probably don’t need to tell you what a great venue the Opera House is and they are fully expecting to sell-out. As there will only be one stage at this year’s festival at Beringer, this could be the only opportunity to see James in concert while he is here. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday and you buy them directly through the Napa Valley Opera House.
Speaking of James Hill, if you were at last year’s festival, you probably remember James’ ‘ukulele rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Well, he’s been working on it. Here’s what he has to say:
So, I’ve been working off-and-on for years on my cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” It’s been something of a pet project that I turn to every once in a while. Last year at the Wine Country Ukefest I cracked the “how to play the beat, bassline and chords” part of the puzzle but I couldn’t manage the vocal at the same time.
Well, nearly a year has passed and I’ve finally worked up a version of the tune WITH vocal. The debut performance of this new version was filmed live at the 2010 Dusty Strings Ukefest in Seattle, WA. Hope you enjoy:
Whew! He makes it look so easy!
And, finally, one more bit of ‘ukulele news, concerning Bill Tapia, 102 years “young.” The young lady who produced Bill’s 100th brithday celebration concert, Alyssa Archambault, is looking for funding to help release a CD of that performance and has lots of great “incentives” for those who pledge. The Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival is supporting this worthwhile project and we hope you will, as well.
One of the incentives for a pledge of $35 or more is a color facsimile of the original 1939 edition book entitled “Hawaiian Ukulele Instruction with the Island’s foremost ukulele instructor, William Tapia,” printed in 1939!
There are only 16 days to go, so please, give her a hand.
And that’s it for now. I’ve been missing you all and am looking forward to seeing you at our monthly FleaFest on Sunday, July 25.
But even though I’m far away, the flea fest goes on. Tomorrow, June 27, (as always, the last Sunday of the month) at the studio of Gordon Huether (The Hay Barn) in Napa at 5 pm. Remember, anyone, any skill level is welcome .
1821 Monticello Road, Napa, at 5pm. Click here for a map.
For ideas for new songs to bring, be sure to visit Song Sources and bring along at least 12 copies.
And don’t forget, besides making memorable music, Flea Jumpers like to eat wonderful food and sip fabulous drinks…….so please bring enough to share….. and bring a chair and a music stand if you have one. Also, be sure to update your Flea Jumper Songbook with the songs listed in the Song Files. If you don’t have a copy of the Flea Jumper Songbook, a copy of each song in the Song Files will at least get you off to a very good start.
Sorry for the late notice, but we’re on for Sunday night (March 30) at the studio of Gordon Huether (The Hay Barn) in Napa. This is, as long as Eva will have us, the Flea Jumper’s new home and unless you hear otherwise, you can count on meeting there, at 5 pm, the last Sunday of the month from here on out. Many, many thanks to Eva for setting this up for us.
It would be extremely helpful for her to know how many are coming, so if you could please take a moment to fill out the following poll, that would be great.
Remember, anyone, any skill level is welcome .
1821 Monticello Road, Napa, at 5pm. Click here for a map.
For ideas for new songs to bring, be sure to visit Song Sources and bring along at least 12 copies.
And don’t forget, besides making memorable music, Flea Jumpers like to eat wonderful food and sip fabulous drinks…….so please bring enough to share….. and bring a chair and a music stand if you have one. Also, be sure to update your Flea Jumper Songbook with the songs listed in the Song Files. If you don’t have a copy of the Flea Jumper Songbook, a copy of each song in the Song Files will at least get you off to a very good start.
Help me win this Kamaka ‘Ukulele! I don’t really need another ‘ukulele, but I’d love to have one to donate to some worthy cause. All you need to do is click on the link and sign-up. (That makes you eligible to win as well!) The contest is being sponsored by Uke Can Play, a web log offering ukulele chords and tabs. And tell your friends…..Deadline is May 31!
Yikes! It’s tomorrow! I understand everyone had a great time at last month’s FleaFest, hosted by Eva, and held at the studio of Gordon Huether (The Hay Barn) in Napa. This is, indeed the Flea Jumper’s new home and unless you hear otherwise, you can count on meeting there, at 5 pm, the last Sunday of the month from here on out. Many, many thanks to Eva for setting this up for us and to Sean Allen for helping us all get to the next level.
Remember, anyone, any skill level is welcome .
1821 Monticello Road, Napa, at 5pm. Click here for a map.
For ideas for new songs to bring, be sure to visit Song Sources and bring along at least 12 copies.
And don’t forget, besides making memorable music, Flea Jumpers like to eat wonderful food and sip fabulous drinks…….so please bring enough to share….. and bring a chair and a music stand if you have one. Also, be sure to update your Flea Jumper Songbook with the songs listed in the Song Files. If you don’t have a copy of the Flea Jumper Songbook, a copy of each song in the Song Files will at least get you off to a very good start.
Wine & Wellness at Beringer
Some of you will remember Kathy Quain, if not from her charming performance with Erich Sylvester and Elaine Herrick at the 2009 Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival, then from our first holiday gathering at Miner Family Vineyards in 2008. Kathy will be up in the wine country again, on Sunday, April 25, (it’ll be a busy day for some of us) leading a drum circle at Beringer’s Wine & Wellness Fair. Here’s the scoop:
Cheers and a toast your health! Meet folks dedicated to the blending of spirituality, wellness, wine, simple pleasures and more. Get to know Sondra Barrett, PhD, author of the book Wine’s Hidden Beauty, and learn about her molecular photographs of wine. Talk with David White, from the WineSpirit Institute, and author of Sippin’ on Top of the World, a book that uses lessons from the vineyard to celebrate life, healthy living, and spiritual living. Listen to Kiki Powers, MS, CNC, Founder of Natural Health Solutions, is a Certified Nutritional Consultant, with 5 Surprising Insights about Wine & Wellness. “Taste” a variety of different drums. And, join the drumming circle in front of the historic Rhine House Mansion.
Kathy, a music therapist and the guiding force behind Music for Therapy (among many other wonderful things) will be giving drumming lessons and performances from 1 – 3pm. The drum circle will begin around 3:45. Drums will be available.
So you will have time to attend both: the drum circle at Beringer AND the FleaFest in Napa. Beringer Vineyards is located at 2000 Main Street (Highway 29), St. Helena, California 94574.
We will be announcing our festival poster contest shortly. But in the meantime, here’s a chance to win a fabulous ukulele from the wonderful folks at Mya-Moe. Click on the picture for all the details. The deadline is April 30, so you’ll have to act fast.
Mark your calendars. Our next Flea Jumper extravaganza will be, March 28, at the studio of Gordon Huether (The Hay Barn), 1821 Monticello Road, Napa, at 5pm. Click here for a map. Thanks to Eva, it looks like this will be the Flea Jumper’s new home..and what a beautiful home it is. But, just to be on the safe side, bring a chair and a music stand if you have one. Also, be sure to update your Flea Jumper Songbook with the songs listed in the Song Files. If you don’t have a copy of the Flea Jumper Songbook, a copy of each song in the Song Files will at least get you off to a very good start. New songs are always welcome, but be sure to bring at least 12 copies to share. For ideas for new songs, be sure to visit Song Sources.
And don’t forget, besides making memorable music, Flea Jumpers like to eat wonderful food and sip fabulous drinks…….so please bring enough to share…..
More Calendar Items
We have the dates for the 2010 Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival: September 11 & 12 at Beringer Vineyard, with the fabulous luau, again, on Saturday night at Flora Springs. We’ve got lots of surprises in store and there will be a whole bunch of new things to see and try, so be sure to save the dates. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to the festival website to make sure you’re kept abreast of all the latest. In terms of volunteers, what we’re looking for right now are good-hearted folks who would like to share their home (or guest cottage) with one (or more) of our instructors while they’re in town. I can’t tell you how much absolute fun it is. Also, if you’d like to sponsor the festival by adopting your favorite uke player and bringing him or her in for the festival, just let me know.
And, speaking of ‘ukulele festivals, there’s another one coming up in Texas. Yep, that’s right. It’s the Lone Star Ukulele Festival, and it looks like three days of pure ukulele bliss (April 29, 30, and May1), including a special ukulele teacher training workshop offered by James Hill on April 27 & 28, geared for anyone who wants to start and mantain a successful ’ukulele progam. Be sure to check out their website for more information and giddy on up!
No Time to Waste!
The Hawaii County Band, which is part of the Parks & Recreation Department of County of Hawaii, has just been informed that they will not be funded after June 30, 2010, thereby effectively ending a 127 year Big Island of Hawaii tradition. The Hawaii County Band was formed in 1883 during the period of the Hawaiian Monarchy and existed through the Hawaiian Republic and was incorporated into the County of Hawaii during the territorial period of Hawaii. Even if you don’t live in Hawaii, please show your support for the music & arts, the Big Island community as well as a part of history and sign this petition. But please hurry, the County Council is meeting on the March 22, 2010 to discuss the final budget. They have the power to overturn the Mayor’s budget and fund the band.
Be sure to check out Camps & Workshops. I’ve just added the Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and I hear it fills up quickly! Don’t let the name fool you. Their staff includes some of the best ‘ukulele instructors available: James Hill, Jere Canote, and Gerald Ross. Plus they have a Spring Retreat coming up, Friday April 30 to Sunday, May 2 , which might be just the ticket if you can’t get away for a full week this summer.
And if you don’t want to travel as far as Puget Sound, you should consider the California Coast Guitar Camp with two sessions: July 11 – 17 and July 18 – 24. James Hill will be the resident ‘ukulele guru in the first session and Jere Canote will take over in the second session.
If you’re a teacher, or you just can’t get enough of James Hill, please take note: registration for the James Hill Ukulele Initiative Teacher Certification Program is now open! Due to overwhelming interest, James will be running Summer Institutes in three locations this year:Vancouver, BC (July 8-9); Toronto, ON (August 23-24); and Truro, NS (August 26-27). Registration in each location is limited to 20 places so register early to avoid disappointment.
And, finally, just in case you are not one of the 15 million people in the world who has NOT seen this video, enjoy.
Mighty Uke – A documentary by Tony Coleman and Margaret Meagher Saturday, March 6, 2010
7:30 pm, $10 cash or check at the door. DaSilva Ukulele Co. 2547 8th Street, #28
Berkeley, CA 94710
510 649-1548
If you missed one of the earlier screenings, here’s another chance to not only see the “Mighty Uke,” but to also visit with the director and the producer. (My guess is there’s a bunch of great ‘ukulele stories they’ll reveal that didn’t make it to the movie!) And, it sounds as though there’s going to be a little jam session afterwards. If you haven’t been to Mike Da Silva’s shop, yet, in Berkeley, it’s really a must-see. Here are the directions:
From the North: 80/580 – University exit, East on University, Rt. on 6th, Lft. on Dwight, Rt. on 8th. From the South: 80/580 – Ashby exit, East on Ashby, Left on 7th, Rt. on Parker, Left on 8th. Enter at Bay 3 and look for #28.
What a great time we had last night! Sincere thanks go to Lois for opening up her home to all of us and, I must say, the pupus were beyond compare. Thank-you every one who came and special thanks, again, to Sean Allen for bringing his magical touch. We are so lucky to have him be part of our group. It was great, too, to play and learn some of the older songs in our song book (thank-you Betsy and Dorothy). I was singing ”When You’re Down in Honolulu” all the way home.
Speaking of ”When You’re Down in Honolulu,” Tony Conjugacion does a great rendition of it on his Hawaiian Passion CD. It’s well-worth the download. (I’ve also added Rod Stewart’s “Moonglow” from his Complete Great American SongbookCD)
And, right now, stop whatever you’re doing and download the new copy of “On a Coconut Island” from the song files and put it your Flea Jumper Songbook, as this one (along with “Moonglow”) is definitely becoming a Flea Jumper staple. And, while you’re at it, download the Louis Armstrong version from iTunes (on the sidebar) and practice, practice, practice. This will help keep us all on the same page, so to speak. (And it has a catchy little ending…..)
And, finally, there was a little discussion last night about ‘ukulele tuners and where and how to get them. Look no further. I have them in my on-line store: Kani-Ka-Pila. And while you’re there, you should check out Taylor’s DaKine Line Flurocarbon ‘Ukulele Strings, they really are superior to anything else we’ve tried. Plus, he tells me he needs a new steel guitar, so your support is very welcome.
Here’s Rod Stewart and “Moonglow” to take you out. (No ‘ukuleles……but you’ll get the drift.)
Don’t forget we’re having our monthly Flea Fest this Sunday, 5 pm, at Lois’ home in Napa. If you haven’t already RSVP’ed and gotten the address, be sure to send me an email ASAP. We wouldn’t want you to miss any of the fun. And, don’t forget to download any songs not already in your songbook from our song files.
“The Mighty Uke” (and James Hill) are coming to a town near you! Click on the picture below to see the trailer for the film. The schedule of showings and concerts follows.
According to James: “I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that the release of this film is a defining event in ukulele history. The documentary offers a birds-eye view of the worldwide ukulele scene; it’s funny, sad, amazing, quirky, surprising, entertaining. .. a celebration of all things uke and a perfect way to introduce your friends and family to the wild world of ukulele.”
SAN FRANCISCO What: The MIGHTY UKE Roadshow featuring a post-film performance by James Hill!
When: Monday, February 22, 2010. 7:30pm
Where: Balboa Theatre (3630 Balboa Street, San Francisco)
SAN RAFAEL
What: The MIGHTY UKE Roadshow featuring a post-film performance by James Hill!
When: Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Start time TBA.
Where: Rafael Film Center (1118 Fourth Street, San Rafael)
SANTA CRUZ What: The MIGHTY UKE Roadshow featuring a post-film performance by James Hill!
When: Thursday, February 25, 2010. Start time TBA.
Where: Rio Theatre (1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz)
CARLSBAD What: The MIGHTY UKE Roadshow featuring a post-film performance by James Hill!
When: Sunday, February 28, 2010. 7pm.
Where: Museum of Making Music (5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad)
More from James: “The Mighty Uke Roadshow is a tour like no other. The Roadshow turns each screening of the film into an event: a movie, a concert and a ukulele jam. Who could ask for anything more?”
But wait! There’s More!
Yes, it’s true. You, too, can eat like a real ‘ukulele player, thanks to Australian strummer Rose Turtle Ertler who has compiled the definitive guide to eating like an ‘ukulele player. The 60-pageWhat Do Ukulele Players Eat? includes favourite recipes from James Hill (Mushroom Almond Pate), Janet Klein (Garden Greenery Pasta), Ralph Shaw (Eggplant a la Veggie), Li’l Rev (Millet and Cabbag Combine) and many others. (I can’t believe Lil Rev didn’t include a recipe for One Meatball!) And it’s just $10 plus postage and handling. Such a deal.
The Petalukes have spawned a new ‘ukulele group in the area: the Healdsburg Jam. Their next meeting is Friday, Feburary 12 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Healdsburg Senior Center, 133 Matheson Street. Looks like they’re growing by leaps and bounds and will be meeting on the second and fourth Friday of every month. For more information on how to get in on the action, visit the Petalukes site and sign up.
The Tahoe Area UkeFest, coming up March 19 – 21, has a stellar line-up: James Hill AND Jake Shimabukuro performing in twin concerts at John Askuaga’s Nugget. James will be on the 19th and Jake on the 20th. The festival is also offering a number of enticing workshops with Jim D’Ville, Ukulele Bartt, and more. Click here for more information.
If you don’t want to travel that far, you can catch Jake at the Napa Valley Opera House, Friday March 19. And James will be performing at Sonoma Academy, in Santa Rosa, the week of March 22. We’ll get you the date for that as soon as possible.
And don’t forget our own next gathering, Sunday February 28 at Lois’ home in Napa. You’ll have to RSVP to me get the address.
Thinking ahead: We’re actively looking for sponsors and volunteers for the 2010 Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival. Our biggest need right now is for individuals or organizations who’d like to “adopt” one (or more) of our visiting musicians. Let me know if you’d like to help!
Whew! That’s it for now. Happy Valentines Day! And remember,Victoria Vox Loves You!
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