Everly Brothers – Bowling Green (Chords)

Bowling Green was the Everly Brothers’ last big hit. They were certainly taking cues from Simon and Garfunkel and The Turtles at this stage to stay relevant. But it works fantastically on this track. I first heard it when Neko Case covered it in a Peel session. Her version uses exactly the same chords just with a bit chopped off in the intro.

Suggested Strumming

You can use this as your main strum:

d – d – d u d u

In the verses, intro and outro: There are two chords in each bar. So you play d-d- on the first chord (G or Am) and dudu on the second (C or D). Which sounds like this:

Verse strum

The only exception comes right at the end of the second and fourth verses where you play G for a whole bar.

In the middle: It switches to one chord per bar in the middle. I like to use this strum for the first three chords

d u x u – u d u

Then there are triplets on the Am. You can either use your favourite triplet strum or just do all down strums. Then it’s one strum per chord until the final D where you can do a whole bunch of down-up strums.

Twiddly Bits

You can play the melody in the intro like this:

A video posted by @ukulelehunt on Feb 3, 2017 at 9:57am PST

And the nifty descending lines on the “Ah”s in the middle:

Ahs

Links

Buy it on iTunes
The Bowling Green Massacre Victims Fund

Full Playlist

Read the rest of this entry »

The music instrument industry had its big shindig recently and there were plenty of new ukuleles being shown off.

– Kala have gone all out on visual impact with the parquet flooring ukulele and the Kala Salt & Pepper Dog Hair Mahogany. They’ve also taken their bass ukes to the next stage with a one string bass for beginners.

A photo posted by Sam Ash Music (@samashmusic) on Jan 25, 2017 at 12:19pm PST

– Martin are celebrating their ukulele centennial with limited edition Style 1 and Style 3 ukes. You can find out all the details at Ukulele Mag.

– If the original is a bit out of your price range, Ohana have launched their 39 series ukulele inspired by Martin’s 3M.

A photo posted by Ohana Ukuleles (@ohanaukuleles) on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:49am PST

– RISA’s Strat and Tele style electric ukuleles.

Max & Chloe Lead (Tab)

I think I’m getting soft in my old age. Over the winter break I played two games that ended with me in floods of tears: Valiant Hearts and Life is Strange. Now I can’t even get through the Valiant Hearts trailer or Spanish Sahara without misting up.

I’m a sucker for great music in games (obviously) and Life is Strange has both an excellent original score and tracks from some of my favourites like Jose Gonzalez, Alt-J, Mogawai plus some uke in the form of Amanda Palmer’s In My Mind.

The melody line of the Max and Chloe theme is slow, simple and absolutely beautiful. There’s lots of room for you to add emotion to it so be sure to use plenty of vibrato.

Backing

Picking Tab

This part – played on a standard tuned ukulele – is much trickier than the lead part. The thumb and two finger picking pattern is constant and rapid. So be sure to warm up well before tackling it.

Baritone Part

The baritone part is much more simple. It starts out just some softly played low notes to fill out the sound. It breaks from that at the start of verse two to double the melody an octave down.

Guitar Part

Judas! Yes, guitar on Uke Hunt. I think I lost about 170 brain cells just recording this guitar part.

The part follows the ukulele chords closely. The only slight change is Cmaj7 in place of C. Just to give it an extra bit of melancholy.

There is also a part playing the bass note of each chord on guitar pitch-shifted down an octave (because I still don’t own a bass of any kind).

Here’s a backing track for you to play the lead part along with:

Backing Track (MP3)

Links

LifeIsStrange.com
Amanda Palmer – In My Mind (Chords)
More game tabs
More Life is Strange tabs and chords

Here’s the preliminary list of 2017 ukulele festivals. If you know a festival that needs adding send me a message or leave a comment on this post with the details and I’ll get it added.

USA and Canada

Alabama Uke Fest

Location: Riverview Campground, Lake Guntersville, Alabama
Date: September 9, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://alabamaukefest.weebly.com/

Albuquerque Ukekopelli

Location: Albuquerque
Date: September 29 to October 1, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.abqukefest.com/

Allegheny Ukulele Soirée

Location: Laurel Lodge at Midstate Tool & Supply, Inc., 121 Halbritter Drive, Altoona, PA 16601
Date: April 21 to 23, 2017
Performers: Stuart Fuchs, Rachel Manke, Ben Carr, Mim, Lil’ Rev, and Gracie Terzian.
Website: http://ukulelesoiree.com//

7th Annual Ukulele Band Camp

Location: Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett, Oregon
Date: March 27 to 31, 2017
Performers: James Hill, Kevin Carroll, Del Rey, and Aaron Keim
Website: http://www.menucha.org/programs/uke-band-camp

10th Annual Denver Ukefest

Location: Broadway, 3445 S Broadway, Englewood 80113
Date: May 11 to 13, 2017
Performers: Jake Shimabukuro, Aldrine Guerrero, The Quiet American, The Canote Brothers, Swallow Hill Music uke instructors (Daniella Katzir, Casey Cormier, and John Nash) and more!
Website: http://swallowhillmusic.org/events-and-festivals/denver-ukefest/

Ashokan Uke Fest

Location: Conservation Hall, Ashokan Center
Date: May 26 to 29, 2017
Performers: Gerald Ross, James Hill & Anne Janelle, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Jim D’Ville, and Ben Hassenger
Website: http://ashokan.org/uke-fest/

Dock Street Uke Camp

Location: Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date: September 15 to 17, 2017
Performers: Manitoba Hal, Eve Goldberg, Nigel D’Eon
Website: http://www.dockstreetukecamp.ca/

Funky Frets Uke Fest 2017

Location: Boyertown, PA USA
Date: October 6 to 8, 2017
Performers: James Hill, Lil’ Rev, Curt Sheller, The Aloha Boys, Frets Halligan, Debi Velasco, and Jack Kohler
Website: https://funkyfretsukefest.com/

Great Minnesota Uke Gathering

Location: Minneapolis West Marriott, 9960 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, MN. 55426
Date: November 17 to 18, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.bluegrassfun.com/2017-great-minnesota-uke-gathering.html

Kamloops Summer Ukulele Festival

Location: Sorrento Centre, 1159 Passchendaele Rd, Sorrento, BC V0E 2W0, Canada
Date: June 16 to 18, 2017
Performers: Manitoba Hal, Jim D’Ville, Tina Hebner, Jane Jelbart & Mark Jackson
Website: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Registration-is-Open-for-the-2017-Kamloops-Summer-Ukulele-Festival–.html

KYukefest

Location: Lyric Theatre, 300 E Third St, Lexington, KY 40508
Date: September 15 to 17, 2017
Performers: Heidi Swedburg, Daniel Ward, Mim’s Ukes, Sam Gleaves
Website: http://www.kyuke.com/

Las Cruces UkeFest 2017

Location: New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA
Date: May 19 to 21, 2017
Performers: Jim & Liz Beloff, Daniel Ward, Heidi Swedberg, Danielle Ate The Sandwich
Website: https://lascrucesukefest.com/

Little David Ukulele and Dulcimer Festival

Location: Old Santee Canal Park
Date: April 23, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://festival.charlestonhotshots.com/

Liverpool International Ceilidh

Location: Astor Theatre, 59 Gorham St, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0, Canada
Date: October 13 to 14, 2017
Performers: Ralph Shaw, Chalmers Doane, Doane Family, Mike Diabo, Sandra Obritsch
Website: http://www.ukuleleceilidh.ca/

Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival

Location: Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Dr, Torrance, CA 90503, USA
Date: September 30, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.kalakoa.com/ukulele/index.html

Mighty Uke Day 7

Location: Dart Auditorium, 500 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
Date: May 12 to 14, 2017
Performers: Victor and Penny, Marlowe, Megan Dooley, Ryan Rodriguez, The Ukulele Kings and Kalei Gamiao
Website: http://mightyukeday.com/

Mini Uke Day

Location: Lansing, MI
Date: November 11, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://mightyukeday.com/mini-uke-day/

Montreal Uke Fest 2017

Location: 4848 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec H2T1R5
Date: August 19, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1785678631742648

Nanaimo Ukulele Festival

Location: Nanaimo Neighbourhood Church, 4951 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Date: July 15 to 16, 2017
Performers: James Hill and Anne Janelle, Rob Wilkinson, Revolving Doors
Website: http://www.nanaimoukulelefestival.ca/

2017 New Jersey Uke Fest

Location: Whippany & Morristown, NJ
Date: August 25 to 27, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://folkproject.org/njukefest/

NJ Uke Fest

Location: Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 60C N Jefferson Rd, Whippany, NJ 07981, USA
Date: August 25 to 27, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.folkproject.org/njukefest

The Original Utah Uke Fest

Location: TBA
Date: August 26, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.utahukefest.org/

Palm Strings Ukulele Festival III

Location: Hilton Palm Springs, 400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Date: February 23 to 25, 2017
Performers: James Hill & Anne Janelle, Jack & the Vox, Stuart Fuchs, Michael Powers, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Peter Luongo & The Luongo Ukulele Experience, Jason Arimoto, Julie Holloman, and Dani Joy Herreid
Website: http://ukulele.cafe/

Port Townsend Ukulele Festival

Location: Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, Washington
Date: September 27 to October 1, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://centrum.org/the-port-townsend-ukulele-festival/

Reno Uke Fest

Location: Nugget Resort, Sparks Nevada
Date: April 6 to 9, 2017
Performers: Gerald Ross, Victor & Penny, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Michael Powers, Peter Luongo, Steven Espaniola, Dani Joy, Jim D’Ville, and Faith Ako
Website: http://ukulele.cafe/reno2017/

Rocky Mountain UkeFest

Location: Durango, Colorado
Date: July 7 to 9, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://rockymountainukefest.com/

Royal City Uke Fest

Location: Dublin Street United Church, Guelph, Ontario
Date: September 30, 2017
Performers: James Hill and Anne Janelle, Ben Hassenger
Website: http://www.royalcityukefest.com/

2017 Silver Creek International Ukulele Carnival

Location: Silver Creek, MN
Date: August 18 to 20, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.twoharborsukulelegroup.com/

SNHUGFEST

Location: Henry Law Park, Dover, NH 03820
Date: June 24, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SNHUG/

South Florida Ukulele Fest

Location: ArtServe, 1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Date: April 7 to 9, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.southfloridaukulelefest.com/index.html

Spring Into Uke

Location: 37 S Main St , Voorheesville, NY 12186 United States
Date: May 13, 2017
Performers: Jim & Liz Beloff, Paula Bradley & Bill Dillof, Ben Carr, and Ron Gordon
Website: http://oldsongs.org/event/spring-into-uke-workshop-concert/

Strathmore’s Uke & Guitar Summit

Location: The Mansion, Strathmore
Date: August 19 to 23, 2017
Performers: Benny Chong, Craig Chee, Sarah Maisel, Sam Marchuk, Maureen Andary, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, and the Strathmore Uke Orchestra
Website: https://www.strathmore.org/events-and-tickets/uke-summit

Strummin’ Man Uke Fest

Location: St Andrews Marina, 3151 W 10th St, Panama City, FL 32401, USA
Date: October 13 to 15, 2017
Performers: Tamaine, Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel, Lil Rev and Rachel Manke
Website: https://www.standrewsukes.org/festivalevents

Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway

Location: The Sirata Beach Resort, St. Petersburg, Florida
Date: November 3 to 5, 2017
Performers: Del Rey, Fred Sokolow, Aaron Keim, Kyle Biss & The Applebutter Express Band, Mike Hind, Ty Olopai, Mapuana & TJ Weger at the Luau
Website: http://www.tampabayukulele.com/

Tunes In The Dunes VII

Location: Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NW U.S. 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367
Date: September 15 to 17, 2017
Performers: James Hill & Anne Janelle, Steven Espaniola, Aaron and Nicole Keim, Jim D’Ville, Andy Andrews, Bryan Holley, and Hood River Trio
Website: http://tunesinthedunes.com/

Uke Fest du Nord

Location: Quebec City, Canada
Date: November 17 to 18, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://facebook.com/ukefestdunord/

UkeFest Virginia

Location: Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
Date: November 4, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.ukefestva.com/

Uke U-6

Location: Cascades Academy, 19860 Tumalo Reservoir Road, Bend, OR 97701
Date: July 14 to 16, 2017
Performers: Andy Andrews, Neal Chin, Jim D’Ville, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Arden Fujiwara, Denise Hinz and Patty Sage, Cinda Johnson, Aaron and Nicole Kim of the Quiet American, Lil’ Rev, Casey MacGill, Kalae Miles, Mark Ransom, and Carl Ventis
Website: http://ukeu.info/

Uketoberfest 4

Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 Highway M-137, Interlochen, MI 49643
Date: October 7, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://mightyukeday.com/uketoberfest/

23rd ‘Ukulele Festival of Northern California

Location: Chabot College Campus, Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA 94545
Date: April 30, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestivalnorcal.org/

Ukulele Harmonic Convergence

Location: 24 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Date: February 18, 2017
Performers: Ukulele Uprising, Philadelphia Main Line Ukulele Group, Central PA Ukulele Club, The Vivian Pickles
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/uhc2017/

Ukulele Summer Strum

Location: Carham Road, Hoylake
Date: July 7 to 9, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://summerstrum.com/

Utah Uke Fest

Location: Highland, Utah
Date: June 24, 2017
Performers:
Website: http://www.utahukefest.org/

Utah Ukulele Festival

Location: Willow Park 450w 700s in Logan, Utah
Date: August 5, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://utahukefest.com/

Vancouver Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Date: March 3 to 5, 2017
Performers: Sarah Maisel, Craig Chee, Gerald Ross, Aaron & Nicole Keim, Daphne Roubini, Andrew Smith, Timothy Tweedale, and Ralph Shaw
Website: http://www.rubysukes.ca/vancouver-ukulele-festival/

West Coast ‘Ukulele Retreat

Location: Asilomar, 800 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
Date: May 17 to 21, 2017
Performers: Jim D’Ville, Gerald Ross, Phil Doleman
Website: http://www.ukuleleretreat.com/

West Sound Ukulele Festival

Location: Kitsap Conference Center, 100 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337, USA
Date: October 21 to 22, 2017
Performers: Del Rey trio, Aaron Crowell, Victoria Vox, Neal Chin and Milo Fultz
Website: http://www.westsoundartandmusic.org/

Hawaii

Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival

Location: Kings’ Shops and Queens’ MarketPlace, Waikoloa Beach Resort
Date: March 4, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/waikoloa.htm

Oahu – 47th Annual Ukulele Festival

Location: Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Oahu
Date: July 16, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/oahu/index.htm

Uke Ohana

Location: Pu’u O Hoku Ranch & Halawa Valley, Molokai, Hawaii
Date: March 17 to 21, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://ukeohana.com/schedule-events/

Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii 2017

Location: Kaka’ako Makai Gateway Park
Date: February 12, 2017
Performers: Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, Seiji Katz, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Hiroshi Okada, Kimiko Wakiyama, Keiko (Ao Aqua), Mike Maki, Apirak Sirinanthakul, and more
Website: http://www.ukulelepicnicinhawaii.org/en/

United Kingdom and Ireland

Babacombe Ukulele Festival

Location: Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe Downs Rd, Torquay TQ1 3LS
Date: June 3, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.babbacombeukulele.co.uk/

Cobh Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: Cobh, Co. Cork
Date: May 26 to 28, 2017
Performers: School of Uke Aghada Primary School, Ukulele Tuesday’s, Shandon Ukulele Club, U-Kan-Uke, Gilbert’s Lane
Website: https://cobhukulelefestival.ie/

Cornwall Ukulele Festival

Location: Heartlands, Pool
Date: February 5, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1592405711068856/

Croydon Ukulele Jam

Location: Croydon
Date: July 2, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.purleyfestival.co.uk/event/croydon-ukulele-jam/

The George Ukulele Festival

Location: The George Inn, Newnham, Kent
Date: June 10, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheGeorgeUkefest/

Grand Northern Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP
Date: May 5 to 7, 2017
Performers: Elof & Wamberg, Andy Eastwood, Zoë Bestel, Robin Evans, Esq., and more
Website: http://northernuke.com/

Lincoln Ukulele Festival

Location: Bishop Grosseteste University campus Newport, LINCOLN LN1 3DY
Date: April 23, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.lincolnukuleleband.co.uk/10th-april-2016/

New Forest Ukulele Festival

Location: New Milton Memorial Hall, Whitefield Road, BH25 6D New Milton, Hampshire
Date: May 20, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://en-gb.facebook.com/events/610240409181309/

The Norwich Ukulele Festival

Location: Norwich Arts Centre
Date: September 22 to 23, 2017
Performers: Biscuithead, Biscuit Badgers, The Poor Boys of Worcester, A D Cooke, Peter Moss, ENNE, Himazas, Zip Pain, Norwich Ukulele Society
Website: http://uke-east.co.uk/

Rye Ukulele Festival

Location: Cinque Ports Arms, Rye
Date: July 8, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://ryeukuleleexperiment.co.uk/rye-ukulele-festival-2017-saturday-8th-july/

Skipsea Ukulele and Folk Festival

Location: Skipsea Village Hall, Bridlington Rd, Driffield YO25 8TJ, UK
Date: April 21 to 22, 2017
Performers:
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SkipseaUkuleleFestival/

Ukes for UNICEF 2017

Location: Berkhamsted Civic Centre
Date: February 25, 2017
Performers: The Fog, ENNÈ, Ukolade!, Phil Doleman, Ken Middleton, VER Players, Katie’s Jumping Fleas, Ukie-toons, BURP, No Direction Hot Boys, and more
Website: http://www.hamishcurrie.me.uk/ukesforunicef/

Ukulele Festival of Great Britain

Location: 41 Pickering Road, Cheltenham GL51 0LF United Kingdom
Date: June 16 to 18, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestival.co.uk/

Ukulele Festival of Scotland 2017

Location: Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4TA
Date: June 9 to 11, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://ukulelefestivalofscotland.co.uk/

Ukulele Festival of Wales 2017

Location: Gower Heritage Centre Park Mill, Parkmill, Gower, SA3 2EH Swansea, United Kingdom
Date: June 23 to 25, 2017
Performers: Porthcawl Ukulele Band, Plucking Fourstrings, Sarah Kelly, Ukulele Uff and Lonesome Dave trio, Gary Phillips Amigos, Chonkinfeckle, AD Cooke, Redshirt, Swansea String Band , Percy Copley, The Fflip Fflops, Swansea Ukulele Club, Peter Moss, and Neath Ukulele Band
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1148513641912752/

Ukulele Hooley

Location: Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin., Ireland
Date: August 26 to 27, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ukulele-Hooley-98548696401/

Winchester Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: Winchester Rugby Football Club, North walls Parl, Hillier Way, Winchester SO23 7SU
Date: June 3, 2017
Performers: Opera-Lela, The Mother Ukers, Unplugthewood
Website: http://www.winchesterukefest.co.uk/index.htm

Europe

Austrian Ukulele Festival

Location: Graz, Austria
Date: May 12 to 14, 2017
Performers: Honoka & Azita, Nico’o & The Kapiolani Boyz, Dead Mans Uke, Ukus in Fabula, Kaisers Ukulelen Combo, Ukelites, Urcoolele, and League of Ukulele Gentlemen
Website: https://www.facebook.com/AustrianUkuleleFestival/

Berliner Ukulele Festival

Location: Berlin, Germany
Date: October 28 to 29, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://berliner-ukulele-festival.de/

Czech Ukulele Festival

Location: Ún?tice u Prahy
Date: July 28 to 30, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.ukulelefestival.cz/?sJaz=en

Freiburger Ukulelefestival

Location: Auwaldstraße 88, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Deutschland
Date: May 27, 2017
Performers: Bad Mouse Orchestra, The Lucky Ukes, Black forest Ukes, Duo Minirock
Website: http://ukulelefestival-freiburg.de/

Kukulele

Location: Finland
Date: July 29 to 30, 2017
Performers: Veronica Sbergia & Max De Bernardi, Thom Jackson,Elof & Wamberg, Jarmo Julkunen, GrUS, Karkkilan I Ukuleleorkesteri, WAU – Warkauden Ukuleleorkesteri, Tampereen Ukulelelorkesteri, VOPulele, UkuLissut, and more
Website: http://www.kukulele.fi/EN/

Paris Ukulele Festival

Location: La Bellevilloise, 21 rue Boyer, Paris, France
Date: May 11 to 13, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Paris-Festival-Ukulele-265733093502912/

Pierwszy Poznanski Festiwal Ukulele

Location: Poznan, Poland
Date: August 4 to 5, 2017
Performers: Professor Peter, UkuleleBoBoys, Rita Braga, PPNOU
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/135497627008787/

Polish Ukulele Festival

Location: M?y?ska 14, S?awkow, Katowice, Poland
Date: February 18, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/polishukuleleday/

Ukulele-Festival Dortmund

Location: Fritz-Henßler-Haus, Geschwister-Scholl-Str. 33-37, Dortmund, Germany
Date: June 3 to 4, 2017
Performers: Lucky Ukes, Andy Eastwood, Hot Potato Syncopators
Website:

Ukulelen Festival Fürth

Location: Zett9, Theresienstraße 9, 90762 Fürth, Germany
Date: April 28, 2017
Performers: Pineapple Ukulele Band, The U’Kings, Crispy Jones, Ukulele Insanity
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/295111344156491/

Vienna Ukulele Night

Location: Vienna, Austria
Date: August 26, 2017
Performers: Bad Mouse Orchestra
Website: https://www.facebook.com/viennaukulelenight/

Australia and New Zealand

Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: Carrington Place, Katoomba
Date: February 10 to 12, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bluemountainsukefest/

Brisbane Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: TAFE Queensland Brisbane, 66 Ernest St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Date: September 29 to October 1, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.spruke.net.au/

Dandenong Ranges Ukulele Festival

Location: Emerald Primary School, Heroes Ave, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia
Date: May 20 to 21, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.drukefestival.org.au/

Geraldine Ukefest 2017

Location: Geraldine High School Hall, Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand
Date: July 6 to 9, 2017
Performers: The Ukulele People, Mirrabooka Band, Thermaleles, The Plinkers, Wanaka Ukuleles, Central Coast Ukulele, Oamaru Intergalactics
Website: http://ukulelegeraldine.co.nz/

Islandview Uke Festival – Opotiki 2017

Location: Church Street, Waiotahi Beach Opotiki
Date: January 20 to 22, 2017
Performers: The Nukes, Ukestralia, Jack N Jet, Ohana, Doc & The D’ukes, Leah Moore, John Wallace, Paul Jonson, Ukulele Trouble, G’zukers Goodtime Band, Tony Hansen, Taranaki Ukestra, Thermaleles, Whoopee! 2, Opotiki Ukulele Group, and more
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OpotikiUkeFestival2017/

Lauder Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: Central Otago, New Zealand
Date: February 3 to 6, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.lauderukefest.com/

Mandorah Ukulele Folk Festival

Location: Wagait Beach, Northern Territory, Australia
Date: June 24 to 25, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://mandorahukulelefolkfestival.com/

Melbourne Ukulele Festival 2017

Location: Melbourne
Date: October 14, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: http://www.muf.org.au/

Sunshine Coast Ukulele Festival

Location: TBA
Date: TBA
Performers: Kalei Gamiao, Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel, Peter Moss (UK), Gollagher Ross, The Loveys, Pineapple Crush, and Atete’s Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Troupe
Website: http://www.sunshinecoastukulelefest.com/

Asia

Hong Kong Summer Uke fest

Location: Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9? Lung Wo Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Date: August 18, 2017
Performers: TBA
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/320910418346493/

Radiohead – Paranoid Android (Chords)

EatMyUke’s cover of all the songs on OK Computer inspired me to write up the chords for Paranoid Android. The versions of the chords around the net I’ve seen are very simplified. So I’ve gone in the other direction and made them as true to the original as I could manage. Which means there are lots of unfamiliar chord shapes all over the neck.

The song is split into three main sections so I’ve also split up the chords into three sections.

Opening Section

This section has the biggest leaps up and down the neck. So pay close attention to the fret numbers at the right of the chord diagrams.

If you have trouble playing Gm6 (like I did) you can play it as 0767 and that’ll work just fine. And you can also play E7 as 4445. The only downside of those changes is you don’t get the constant drone on the g- and A-strings.

Riff Section

The least uke friendly section. For the riff I’m using mostly power chords. That means each chord only has two notes so I’m blocking the E- and A-strings from ringing with the underside of my index finger.

It gets much easier when it switches to straight chords for C – G# – Bb. Except the time signature becomes and off-kilter 7/8. The strumming I use goes:

C: d – d – d u d
G#: u – u d u
Bb: d

Rain Down Section

The third section is mercifully straightforward on uke. It’s all standard chord shapes and you can use this strum all the way through:

d – d – d u d u

Then it’s a return to the riff section for the extended outro.

Links

Buy it on iTunes
More Radiohead tabs and chords

When I got my first ukulele, I was completely clueless. This was in those dark, long forgotten days before the internet had been discovered. I didn’t even realise that the strings weren’t supposed to go thickest to thinnest and restrung it.

But you can save yourself from the social disgrace I experienced. I’ve put together a free mini-ebook covering the basics that every first time uke owner needs to know. Here’s what it contains:

Five Things to Know
Five Chords to Learn
Five Patterns to Strum
Five Songs to Play
Five Websites to Visit
Five Things to Get Free
Five Things to Buy
Five Videos to Watch
Five YouTube Channels to Subscribe to

You can download it free by clicking here:

So You Just Got Your First Ukulele (PDF)

And get playing by following the beginner ukulele lessons.

If you’re not new to ukulele but know someone who is feel free to pass it along. It has a Creative Commons license so distribute it as you wish.

Merry Christmas, Chanukah Sameach, Io Saturnalia and Happy Holidays! (If you’re into that kind of thing.)

If you’re after some Christmas music and you’re as Spotify user here’s my Christmas Ukulele playlist. Or if you’re sick of Christmas music my playlist of ukulele selections from 2016.

That’s it from me for this year (other than the ebook for new ukers). I’ll be back at the end of January 2017 (year of the impossible Fmaj7 chord).

If you can’t bear to be without a steady stream of uke, I’ll be posting videos on UkeToob, seven second ukulele lessons on Instagram and bits and pieces on Twitter.

Full Playlist

It’s here. With cheer. It’s the same every year. It’s the Christmas UkeTube.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been another golden year for the ukulele. Time to wrap it up with some of my favourites. Let me know yours in the comments. Particularly if it’s something I’ve missed.

Ukulele Record of 2016: Bud Sugar – VIBE

Bud Sugar’s “Cod Head Skank” mix of ska, beats, ukulele shenanigans and infectious pop melodies on their debut EP has managed to buck up my mood many times this year. Also essential is Stan’s (the band’s uker) own YouTube channel EatMyUke.

Runners Up
Liam Capper-Starr – Needs More Cello: Incredible playing on this record.
Raiatea Helm – He Leo Huali
Jake Shimabukuro – Nashville Sessions: A lot of Jake’s recent albums have seemed safe and dull to me. So it’s very heartening to hear him taking some risks and showing why he’s the biggest ukulelist in the world.
La Familia de Ukeleles – El Gran Rubi: I’m cheating a bit here since it came out in December 2015 but I didn’t get a chance to listen to it before 2015’s list.
Astraluna – The Pass of Storms: Brilliant debut album from the Leeds uker.

Ukulele Song of 2016: La Familia de Ukeleles – Cherry’s World

I don’t hear much from the Argentine ukulele scene. But what they lack in quantity they certainly make up with in quality with fiery swing of La Familia de Ukelele.

Runners Up
Hope & Social – Sunrise Laughing
Tana & the Pocket Philharmonic – Sulk
Tasch – Right Person Wrong Time; Wrong Person Right Time
The Bookshop Band – We Are The Foxes

Instrumental Performance of 2016: Ben Rouse – Smooth Criminal

Ben’s an incredible player. So much so he’s now regularly appearing with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Somehow this video only has 14 views as I’m writing this. I blame myself for not finding it earlier.

Runners Up

George Elmes – Tiger Rag
Herman Vandecauter – Four Italian pieces from Filippo Sauli
Mathias CéVé – Daphné
Jonathan Lewis – Devil in a Haystack
Jake Shimabukuro – Kilauea
Andrew Molina – Game of Thrones
Iris Wagner – Into Fire and Frost
Fidel and Sarah Anne – Greasy Coat

Ukulele Cover 2016: Jim Boggia – Thunder Road

I’m constantly in awe of Jim Boggia’s ukulele arrangements. They’re always inventive, interesting and compelling but never get in the way of the song.

Runners Up

Tiffany Topol – I Can’t Make You Love Me: This was the hardest category for me to judge this year because I absolutely love this one too. It’s my favourite version of one of my favourite songs. No mild claim on a song that’s been covered by Bon Iver and Adele.
The Memphis Ukulele Band – Blue Bayou
EatMyUke – Sgt Peppers Medley

Most Lusted After Ukulele of 2016: Kanile’a Platinum 2016 Tenor

This category is entirely judged on how much I want one of these ukes that I am never going to be rich enough to afford or talented enough to deserve.

Runners Up
Rebel Elysium tenor
aNueNue aNN-US3K Bird Series koa soprano
Lichty Indian rosewood and spruce tenor

Favourite Song Chorded: Prince – Purple Rain

It seems like I’ve spent half of the year doing tribute posts with the deaths of Bowie, Prince and Leonard Cohen. Three legendary songwriters.

Runners Up
David Bowie – Life on Mars
Leonard Cohen – Suzanne
Hoagy Carmichael – I Get Along Without You Very Well
Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind

Favourite Song Tabbed: Gene Wilder – Pure Imagination

Runners Up
Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why

Tallest Man on Earth – King of Spain
Sufjan Stevens – Death with Dignity
Damien Rice – 9 Crimes
The Last of Us: Part II – Through the Valley

Best Hawaiian Language Performance: Raiatea Helm – Ke Kani Hone O Na Manu

Raiatea Helm must have the world’s purest voice. It’s like washing your hair in a mountain stream (or like washing your beard in a mountain stream in my case). Her previous albums have been a bit over-produced for my taste but her latest, He Leo Huali, retains the crystal clarity without losing any warmth.

Runners Up
Tropic50 – He ‘Ono
Kalyn Aolani – He Aloha No ‘o Honolulu

Best Non-Ukulele Record of 2016: Savages – Adore Life

As a fan of loud, fast and nasty rock music pickings have been slim in recent years. But this Savages record kept me happy all year.

Runners Up
Kanye West – The Life of Pablo: Kanye is a full-on musical genius. I don’t care how much of a jackass he is.
Tanbou Toujou Lou: Meringue, Kompa Kreyol, Vodou Jazz, & Electric Folklore from Haiti 1960 – 1981: Incredible grooves on this record and I love the shimmering guitar runs.
Dawda Jobarteh / Stefan Pasborg – Duo: If a collaboration between a Gambian kora player and a Danish jazz drummer sounds too worthy and chin-scratching, that was also my initial reaction. Turns out it rocks like a motherfucker.
Vulfpeck – The Beautiful Game: Easily the funnest album of the year.

Best Game I Played in 2016: Hitman (2016)

This is the perfect game for me. I love puzzles. I love sneaking around undetected. I love hanging around in fancy locations. I love murdering people in bloody, convoluted ways.

Runners Up
Firewatch: The best soundtrack for a game this year. Looks amazing and the storyline has stuck with me more than any other game.
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture: I can understand people who hate this game (I wasn’t a fan of Dear Esther at all). But I love wandering around this valley and there were moments in the game that were so beautiful they blew me away.