My birthday present to myself this year. Feelin’ pretty proud, gotta say!

I am all for wallowing in the wonderfulness of 2 chord songs. There are many (Horse with No Name being one of my favs) This sweet little number, called “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches, was featured on the soundtrack of the film “Juno”. When I heard the original recording in that context, I confess that the concept of a uke version did not come to mind. However, I recently discovered this charming rendition, and although there are some pretty wacky lyrics, (not for everyone), there is no denying that it’s a make-you-smile tune, and VERY easy for ultra newbie beginners. Two chords –  G and Cmaj7. So give ‘er a try. And keep in mind that the duo in the video are using capos, so the key will be different. Honestly, aren’t they adorable? And I love this girl’s voice. Her name is Selja Sini.

Well…..how about a UKEOLOGY lesson? Yup.

Thanks Tony Husband for this oh-so dead on truism about ukuleles as Christmas presents. Gotta give ’em the lessons too or you’ll be regretting it!

Alas, Christmas is almost here, and it’s been many months since I’ve posted here. Life. You know how it goes….the best of intentions. The 2nd Annual Xmas UKEOLOGY Workshop a couple weeks ago was a resounding success – much singing and playing and learning and eating and drinking…..and laughing. I do so love what I do! Took a UKEOLOGY break all summer and did a crazy musical comedy called “Nunsense” at The Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside, PEI. Made some great new friends, did a uke/guitar duo with the unbelievably talented Chris Corrigan on one of my nights off at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown. Oh PEI…..the ocean, the red earth, the people, the food, and the music. It’s paradise. And I got paid to be there. Lucky lady. SO….I”m happy to be back on my site today, adding a few fun things to make you smile and recall why we love this instrument so much. For starters, I’ve wanted to show you my Laylee Tree since my husband Andrew made it for me. So here’s a pic, and some close-ups to show how its done. He took an old hat rack and put 8 hooks on it. It’s the perfect stand for ALMOST all my ukes…..with a couple extras on the side.

4 rubber coated hooks on top, 4 on the bottom

My ‘Laylee Tree’

In our busy, techno world of computers and phones and iPads and iPods, a handwritten thank-you note in my mailbox today, from one of my former UKEOLOGY students, made my heart go pitty-pat. I was SO very touched and honored. Her words were an incredible gift. As a stage actress and singer, the applause is the gratification. As a teacher, it’s the smiles on your students faces and the electric energy of accomplishment. Verbal praise is the yummiest icing on an already delicious cake!

THANK YOU lovely lady….you know who you are…and I appreciate you allowing me to share this here.  I post it to yet again show the power of music and joy and simplicity and freedom…..these are the elements of the ukulele that prevail for me. And I feel so lucky to get to share the love with all of you.

On completing their final sessions last week, my graduating UKEOLOGY grads wound up covering everything from Cat Stevens to Burt Bacharach to U2 to George Harrison to Charlie Chaplin….and more…You all rock!

Ya gotta love those smiles….that’s pride and exhilaration. And as far as I can say, the combination of  music and  laughter is one of the most potent combo’s I can think of…..the ultimate soul-food.  In fact, I figure its right up there with TRUE LOVE.

YUP. And that’s the POWER of the UKE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXTWembgpBQ

Well folks, I’m finally getting the hang of this WordPress thing. Woohoo!!! Today, I created the “Helpful Hints” page, and I’m feeling pretty dang proud! This will be the gathering spot for all kinds of info, thoughts, tips, advice, samples, videos, demos….all geared to help you become a better ukulele player. And I welcome YOUR thoughts and feedback – about your own discoveries and tricks and methods, as well as concerns and wishes for what you’ld like to see here on this site. It’s been slow starting, but I’m gaining speed now!

Gotta love these guys, huh? This makes practicing a breeze!

Thanks to The Ukenaut @   http://ukenaut.com

I’m happy to announce 2 more workshops in Toronto come February – a ground level 4 Week Beginner course, followed immediately by a Level 2 course. This will offer the opportunity to continue your learning curve without interruption if so desired. When the fever hits, it’s often best to keep the motor running!

And in honor of Valentine’s Day, on Week #1 of the Beginner Workshop, I will teach you a sufficiently romantic love song. Oh yes.  That means on Feb.14, you’ll have something sweet to sing to your chosen subject. Won’t that be impressive?

Unfortunately, our Level 2 Workshop in Toronto will have to be postponed for a week, due to this demon cold. I’ve been fighting a brave fight, but alas, I’m not there yet.

SO, the first week will be Sunday Jan. 20, NOT Jan. 13. Still room in this class, so hopefully we can add a few more strummers to the mix.

On another note, I watched “Splendour in the Grass” again the other night….maybe for 20th time over my life. And again, it left me sobbing. Sigh. Heartbreaking. The minute the music starts at the beginning of the film, I want to cry. Kind of like ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty were SO good in the film. The score…brilliant. AND, I’ld forgotten those couple scenes where Bud’s runaround flapper sister is playing her ukulele. Fascinating how the uke was really integral in recreational life in the twenties and thirties, then seemed to take a few little snoozes over the decades…. fading but then re-emerging…. and now, I’m so happy to say, it’s back. I wonder if it’ll still be around, in all it’s teeny weeny glory, 50 or 75 years from now?

It’s the first month of 12 to go, a new year with new projects on the burners, and wonderful musical experiences to look back on. I’ve done solo ukulele concerts (favourite venue this year is Musideum, an eclectic, cozy space, filled with instruments from around the world, run by Donald Quan, an old friend and talented musician). I played Benny Southstreet in a very twisted version of Guys and Dolls at Talk is Free Theatre, directed by Richard Ouzounian. Guys played dolls and dolls played guys. Yup. I feel we should all do that once before we leave the earth. Now its done. I played an ex-vaudeville nightculb singer/piano player in The Full Monty at Aquarius Theatre. Loved this character, kind of a tribute to my mom, Linda Marshak, who was also a nightclub singer in the 1930’s.  I swallowed my self consciousness to wear a very skimpy outfit in The Musical of Musicals at The Playhouse in Fredericton. Danced like I did in my 20s. Sweated a lot. Good for the skin. And I taught a group of 60 strangers with ukuleles to play a version of The 1812 Overture together as a group on the outdoor stage at Harbourfront in Toronto. Thrilling. Whew. NOW – it’s time to get back to UKEOLOGY and spreading the ukulele love. Time to get the hang of WordPress, so I can post updates and good stuff on a regular basis. Stay tuned!

Another group of fledgling Ukeologists graduated last night after a 4Week Session at Donald Quan’s beautiful Musideum studio in Toronto.  I witnessed their transformation from ultra beginners to avid, addicted, adventurous, creative, excited, joyous players. I’m so proud of them. And as happy as they look, that’s double for me! Unfortunately, because I’ll be leaving town for New Brunswick from Feb.23-Mar.18 to do “The Musical of Musicals” at Theatre New Brunswick (with my good pal Jennie Toulmin, who was the Anne to my Marilla for 4 seasons of “Anne of Green Gables” in Charlottetown – reunited – YAY! ), we’ll have to wait to do another session of workshops. That gives them all time to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE and then blow me away with their unbelievable prowess when I return. With the ukulele, it can happen!