Monthly Archives: January 2011

The Ukulele featured in TIME magazine

In the January 31, 2011 issue of TIME magazine is a story titled “A String Thing,” about our favorite four-stringed instrument. The author, Tim Morrison, quotes several uke players about why they love the jumping flea.

[Record producer Roger] Greenawalt left New York for San Francisco to stay with his cousin, an amateur musician who had ukuleles around the house. “I started playing one and just started feeling un-bummed-out,” he says. “Even playing depressing songs, the ukulele cheers you up. It’s like a happiness machine.”
[Player Jake] Shimabukuro, who now tours 10 months a year, says he’s often approached in airports by people curious about his instrument. “There’s friendliness to the ukulele that’s very rare,” he says. “If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place.”

Except for a stub, the article, unfortunately, isn’t available online unless you’re a TIME subscriber. But it’s always good to see the uke getting recognition in the mainstream media, outside its band of enthusiasts. We’ve already known for quite a while that keeping a ukulele nearby always helps. —by Walter

Lone Star Ukulele Festival coming to Dallas April 7 – 9

Next Meeting: Tues, Feb 8 @ Central Market

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Bring your uke! AUS’s second meeting is coming up on Tuesday, February 8 at the Central Market, 4001 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, in the Community Room (come in through the produce-side door and keep turning right instead of entering the produce department). The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and run until around 8:30.
If you were at the January meeting, it will be almost the same. If you’re new to the group, we’ll ask you to introduce yourself to the rest of us and tell us why you’re a uker (or why you’re interested in checking the uke out). We’ll be strumming and singing some songs we shared then (Ring of Fire and Three Little Birds) and sharing some new ones (Stand by Me, the Beatles song Eight Days a Week, and maybe something else).

Do you have a song you’d like the group to sing? Send us a message (austinukes [at] gmail [dot] com) & let us know what it is.
We’ll begin a new feature of the meeting, “Tips from Bob,” in which our own Bob Guz will offer suggestions to make you a better player.
We particularly want to encourage you to prepare a solo to perform for the group. We had some great ones at the January meeting. Whether you’re a performer who’s comfortable onstage or a beginner who feels a little hesitant, here is a chance to try out a song, or your performing skills, for perhaps the friendliest audience you’ll ever find.
Check this space again soon! More details coming!