It has been over thirty years since the ukulele was given any seriousness in American popular music. Now a recent comeback of this noble little instrument is bringing about a worldwide revolution. Artists all over the world are embracing the ukulele as a major voice in their new brand of contemporary pop music. Such artists include folk singer songwriters Uni, Lil’ Rev and Victoria Vox, as well as classic virtuosos like James Hill and Jake Shimbakuro. There are even Hip Hop artists playing ukuleles and famous people you may have never expected like, Paul McCartney, Pete Townsend and Robert Plant, who all revere the mighty uke for its sophistication and versatility.
The ukulele was the vehicle by which many people enjoyed the classic Tin Pan Alley and ragtime songs of the 1920’s. In those days it was essential that every young man going to college have a uke. Now, the new craze is causing a shortage in availability for some ukulele manufacturers around the country to provide instruments.
In fact, this hasn’t happened since the Great Depression. Back then, few people had extra money to purchase guitars and other stringed instruments. But C.F. Martin & Company in Nazareth, Pennsylvania was able to survive the economic downturn by producing affordable quality ukulele’s at a time when people really valued making music themselves. Maybe the current downturn in the American economy has been influential in bringing about a similar round of interest.
Here in South Louisiana, one can find an occasional ukulele singer-songwriter playing at a pub or community market. My wife and I recently met a young girl named Sarah singing and playing at an open mic at Birdman Coffee & Books in St. Francisville. Her enthusiasm for the ukulele and her voice were enchanting.
Donna and I have both been very excited about ukuleles. We’ve been incorporating them in our own music performances for the past two years. And when we play at markets or private parties, we always try to include ragtime songs, folk and pop tunes using baritone and tenor ukes as well as acoustic guitar and harmonica.
We enjoy the delightful voicings of these little instruments and want to see other people enjoy them as well. So recently we decided to begin hosting ukulele workshops. Along with our friend, Charlene Heaton, we’ve formed the Baton Rouge Ukulele Club as a way to support others who want to enjoy ukulele music.
To get a club established and recruit more participants there is a need to offer introductory workshops and classes. Therefore, the first workshop we’ll direct is scheduled for September 25, 2011 at Birdman Coffee & Books. Following workshops are planned for Baton Rouge and Hammond too. This is an opportunity to introduce others to playing, as well as network with people who want to experience the purity and simplicity of ukes. The cost is only $25.00. Ukuleles will be available for sale for those who don’t already have one.
The workshop is specifically tailored for beginners, people with no previous musical knowledge or skill. Everything you need to get started right away will be covered in this three hour introductory class. It will include: a brief history, how to tune and maintain the instrument, playing melody, chords and songs, strumming and finger picking techniques, chord progressions, simple harmonized scales. This is a great chance to get started the right way, learning how to be a part of music jams and singing circles.
For additional information about the workshop of monthly club meetings, please contact the Baton Rouge Ukulele Club via e-mail at: brukuleleclub.yahoo.com
