Uke Ireland & Ukuhooley Blog

Ken says, “I am still in German mood after recently returning from the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. Here is the song “Muß i’ denn zum Städtele hinaus”. Also known as “Wooden Heart”, it was a hit for Elvis Presley in 1960.
I am playing one of the new Ohana Delta Resonator Ukes. This one is a Vita with a copper cover plate.”

Couldn’t let Paddy’s Day go by without marking it and what better way than by posting once more this beautiful version of “Larry O’Gaff” played by the late John King and joined by Canadian ukulele virtuoso James Hill.

Hard to believe its 25 years ago this year since the Live Aid response to the horrendous famine in Ethiopia but it is –
Anyway the USA Music Business response to the crisis was the single “We Are The the World” and to mark the anniversary, 33 ukulele players from around the world got together and produced this ukulele version of “We Are The World”. Its very impressive and look out for some familiar faces to us in Ireland ( James Quah and Ken Middleton). Well done everybody!

The brilliant Aaron Keim on Banjo uke with his friends in the Boulder Acoustic Society do an fantastic version of “Reubens Train”

This short film introduces Paul Moore and the wonderful project he started in Israel to bring Arab and Jewish children together.
The project is called UKULELES FOR PEACE and its a really inspirational little film showing how one man has managed to inspire these children through his passion for the ukulele and with the simple idea that children who play music together may one day grow up to be the peacemakers in Israel.

(There is another film on the Forum of Paul Moore at Vincenza Ukulele Festival last year where he tells the story of the incident in Israel that inspired him to start Ukuleles For Peace. Paul is also a very good entertainer and storyteller (not to mention dynamite uke player!)

Its always a pleasure to see a new ukulele band but this one is a particular joy as its comprised of friends from UkuHooley!

This is the first “official” public appearance of UKERISTIC CONGRESS at Annesley House in Dublin last Friday. They did a fantastic set of about twenty minutes and went down a bomb with the audience (as you can hear).

UKERISTIC CONGRESS are Shay Bagnall, Barry Whiteside,the “lovely” Nora Artola, James Quah, Andrew Robinson (on the “big” uke), Sonny Park, Michael Kenny and finally the “lovely” Helena Legaza.

UKERISTIC CONGRESS will be appearing on a Benefit For Haiti concert (headlined by Donal Lunney) at McSorley’s in Ranelagh on Monday night next 22nd of February

Was sent this link to a really nice original ukulele song, written, sung and played by Carol Anne McGowan from Donegal by “Catriona” (a new subcriber to ukuhooley-thanks Catriona). So in furthering our policy of promoting new Irish uke talent here it is- Enjoy!

PS: Unless I am mistaken, Garret Baker, an excellent uke player who has played at a number of the Shebeen Chic Mondays (and posts on the forum) did a double show with Carol Ann just before Christmas. I was sorry to miss it!

Vagabondage are a great sounding folk band (with ukulele) from the Bay Area of San Francisco (think the pogues meet beiruit)

Great name for a band like this…Vagabondage

(Nice to see Al “Ukehunt” Woodshed is back on the ether after his long break!)

Tommy “Formby” Sheridan in action!

At last Saturday’s Ukuhooley, Tommy Sheridan stepped in at the last moment and gave one of the most entertaining lessons and great days we’ve had since we started our uke get togethers (and thats saying a lot!)

Now we all knew Tommy was not going to miss the chance of bringing “Georgy Boy” into the equation, but he surpassed himself and even the least fervent Formby admirers had a fantastic day.

Shay Bagnall gave another of his totally infectious “Rock & Roll” medley lessons and the whole evening rounded off with a fun session in the local “The Eagles”.

Ukuleles are seriously the answer to the January “Blues”!