[excerpt from the Spring 2015 issue of Ukulele] Between 1915 and 1920, Hawaiian music became popular across the US mainland as island musicians toured the country playing exotic new sounds on unusual new instruments. The steel guitar and ukulele quickly gained popularity, and musicians who had never been anywhere near the Hawaiian Islands began forming [...]
Jack Johnson Auctions Off Pepe Romero Jr. Custom Tenor Ukulele for Charity
on January 15, 2015
Shopping for a beautiful uke? Shopping for a beautiful uke that Jack Johnson signed and played? Johnson’s custom "Beetle Kill" Pepe Romero Jr. tenor ukulele is for sale on eBay with all proceeds going to his Kokua Foundation charity in Hawaii. In the above video, watch Johnson talk about the uke, which was created to [...]
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra Kicks Off U.S. Tour
on January 7, 2015
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra kicked off its U.S. tour last night in New York City and will bring its outrageous, ukulele-fueled performances to 12 more cities through January 25. Check out all the dates here and below. One of New Zealand's most popular live acts, the orchestra was founded in 2005 by friends Bret McKenzie ("Bret" [...]
A Concerto for Ukulele and Orchestra
on January 6, 2015
A ukulele concerto for symphony orchestra? This is not something you hear every day. Occasionally, you'll hear a Baroque piece arranged for the uke, such as Vivaldi's Lute Concerto in D Major, or perhaps a modern composition featuring an orchestra full of ukuleles. But a uke concerto for symphony orchestra is a rare bird indeed. That's why [...]
Moku Announces Collaboration with Mike Hind
on January 2, 2015
Although Mike "Uncle Elvis" Hind has only been playing ukulele for a few short years, he's developed a sterling reputation as an engaging, entertaining performer. Now, the Bermuda-based musician is adding ukulele designer to his resume. Moku Ukuleles has announced the Mike Hind Signature Series, to be unveiled at the upcoming 2015 NAMM show. "Mike Hind [...]
Introducing the Electro-Acoustic Ukelation
on December 31, 2014
As if the ukulele wasn't portable enough . . . Monty Ross, an electrical engineer based in Washington, has developed a AA-battery-powered, solid-body, electro-acoustic ukulele, known as the Ukelation. The Ukelation features an under-saddle pickup along with a built-in speaker and effects including echo, chorus, tremolo, flanger, and phaser. Though the body size is similar to [...]
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