It looks like Soko has retired from music making. Judging from her MySpace you’d think she’s given up on everything. But before that Shoot the Player recorded a session with her. Fittingly enough in a graveyard. If you need cheering up after that, check out StP’s session with the adorable Ben Lee and Tallest Man on Earth’s incredible version of Stepstone.

This week’s videos also include Tripping Lily (whose new album looks like it’s going to be a treat), Bruce Springsteen, Ukulele Ike (in a very strange clip) and Sarah Kinlaw continuing to be an astonishing songwriter. Read the rest of this entry »

This week’s pick of ukulele videos includes a performance by legendary songwriter Hoagy Carmichael (responsible for Heart and Soul, Stardust, Georgia on My Mind and many others). Other videos this week include The Moonlighters and a uke version of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Abe Lagrimas, Jr. that kicks the crap out of UOGB’s. Read the rest of this entry »

Soko – I Will Never Love You More (Chords)(PDF)

When I mentioned Soko in my best of 2007 posts, I had no idea she was a ukulelist. Not long after that post, I Will Never Love You More cropped up on her MySpace. I decided right then I’d have to put up the chords, but it wasn’t until I saw the above video at La vidéo ukulélé du jour that I got my arse into gear.

The chords are very simple: just C and G in the verse with F and G7 for the other sections. It’s a bit trickier to recreate her strumming pattern. First she plucks the G string with her thumb, then strums up, down, up with her index finger.

Soko – Dandy Cowboys (Chords)

As well as winning the always fiercely contested ‘French Girl I’ve Got The Biggest Crush On of the Year’ award, her debut release Not Sokute was the best EP of the year. The lead song from the EP I’ll Kill Her should have been massive everywhere. As it happens, it was only a hit in Denmark and Australia.

Rather than write up I’ll Kill Her, I’ve gone with The Dandy Cowboys which suits the ukulele much more. The chords are fairly simple and it’s a fun track to play (and to listen to). So much fun it makes up for her choosing music over making films full of girl-on-girl snogging.

The only slight problem is that everything is tuned slightly sharp (about a quarter of a fret). So, if you want to play along with the record, you’ll have to tune to the song itself. The best way to do that is tune up the C string while listening to the song (since the song is in the key of C, it’ll sound right most of the time when it’s in tune). When it’s in tune, stop listening to the record and tune the rest of the strings from the C string: the G string is the same as the C string played at the 7th fret, the E string is the same as the C string played at the 4th fret and the A string is the same as the G string played at the 2nd fret.

Watch on YouTube

Tracklist
Katy Carr – HEJ SOKO?Y
Vinícius Vivas – Apanhei-te
Alika Lyman, Elijah Oguma, Kalei Gamiao, Corey Fujimoto – Dean Town
Gerald Ross – Stop In The Name Of Love
SeattleUke – Groovin High
Ukulele Solos – Chasing Cars
Evan J De Silva – That’s What I Like
FlakeyMojo – The Immigrant Song

I like to keep a list of songs that use just the most common ukulele chords. Arranged by the order people usually learn them in. And with people panic buying ukuleles, I thought it was about time for an update.

C, F and G (or G7)

If you prefer, you can use G7 in the place of G or vice versa for any of these songs.

Happy Birthday to You
The Bobby McGee’s – A Dog At All Things
Folk Uke – Motherfucker Got Fucked Up
Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime
The Lancashire Hotpots – He’s Turned Emo
NeverShoutNever! – Your Biggest Fan/Did It Hurt?
Noah and the Whale – Five Years Time
Paolo Nutini – High Hopes
OK Go – This Too Shall Pass
SoKo – I Will Never Love You More
The Tiger Lillies – Start A Fire
Tom Waits – I Hope that I Don’t Fall in Love with You
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra/Kings of Leon – The Bucket

Plus Am, Dm and Em

Addams Family Theme Tune
Alton Ellis – Rock Steady
Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend to Dance With You
Blondie/Imelda May – Dreaming
Billy Bragg – Between the Wars
Darlene Love – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Darren Hanlon – All These Things
Electrelane – Cut and Run
Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over
Foals – Spanish Sahara
Luis Fonsi – Despacito
Garfunkel and Oates – Me, You and Steve
GUGUG – California Sun
INXS – Never Tear Us Apart
Israel Kamakawiwoíole/Jason Castro – Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Julien Dore – Cet Air-La
Kate Nash – Foundations
Kate Micucci/The Gooch – Mr Moon
Kelli Rae Powell
Last Shadow Puppets – Standing Next to Me
Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved
LP – Into the Wild
The Lumineers – Ho Hey
Phosphorescent – Wolves
She & Him – Sentimental Heart

Plus D

Allo Darlin’ – Tallulah
Allo Darlin’ – Space Christmas
Amanda Palmer – In My Mind
Antsy Pants/Bear Creek – Vampire
Belle and Sebastian – The Boy with the Arab Strap
Elvis Costello – Good Year for the Roses
Daniel Johnston – Living Life
Damon Albarn – Mr Tembo
The Dubliners and The Pogues – The Irish Rover
Garfunkel and Oates – The Fade Away (you can use D instead of D7)
Gothic Archies – Shipwrecked
GUGUG/The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop
Woody Guthrie – All You Fascists Bound to Lose
Keston Cobblers’ Club – You-Go
The Libertines – Don’t Look Back into the Sun
The Little Ones – Tangerine Visions
The Monkees – I’m a Believer (Use D where it says D7).
Old Crow Medicine Show – Wagon Wheel
Phredd – Elmer’s Electric Tricycle
The Pogues – Fiesta
The Pogues – Waxies Dargle
The Pretenders – 2000 Miles
Skinny Lister – Colours
Vampire Weekend – Oxford Comma
Velvet Underground and Nico – I’ll be Your Mirror
Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London

Plus A and E7

Camera Obscura – Cock Up Your Beaver
Eagles of Death Metal – I Want You So Hard
The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go
Florence & the Machine – Kiss With A Fist (don’t panic, you can use E7 instead of E in this song)
The Pogues – Sally McLennane
Joan Jett – Bad Reputation
Junior Brown – Better Call Saul
Kate Micucci & Ted (Scrubs) – Screw You
Paolo Nutini – Pencil Full of Lead
The Pogues – Streams of Whiskey
Twenty One Pilots – Cut My Lip
The Weavers – Pay Me My Money Down
The White Stripes – Little Ghost

Plus Bb

James Bay – Hold Back the River
Beirut – A Candle’s Fire
Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (You can use C instead of C5)
Ingrid Michaelson – Be OK
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
Lorde/Walk off the Earth – Royals
Lorde/WIOU – Team
Mumford and Sons – The Cave
Nevershoutnever – First Dance
Neutral Milk Hotel – King of Carrot Flowers
Noah and the Whale – Jealous Kind of Love
Sufjan Stevens – Lumberjack Christmas
The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Plus Bm

Everly Brothers – Bowling Green
Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind
The Pogues – When the Ship Comes In

More…

Mastered all those? Tackle more:

Easy ukulele songs
Beginner ukulele lessons

I like to keep a list of songs that use just the most common ukulele chords. Arranged by the order people usually learn them in. That way you can find some songs to play no matter how few chords you know.

C, F and G (or G7)

If you prefer, you can use G7 in the place of G or vice versa for any of these songs.

Happy Birthday to You
The Bobby McGee’s – A Dog At All Things
Folk Uke – Motherfucker Got Fucked Up
Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime
The Lancashire Hotpots – He’s Turned Emo
NeverShoutNever! – Your Biggest Fan/Did It Hurt?
Noah and the Whale – Five Years Time
Paolo Nutini – High Hopes
OK Go – This Too Shall Pass
SoKo – I Will Never Love You More
The Tiger Lillies – Start A Fire
Tom Waits – I Hope that I Don’t Fall in Love with You
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra/Kings of Leon – The Bucket

Plus Am, Dm and Em

Addams Family Theme Tune
Alton Ellis – Rock Steady
Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend to Dance With You
Blondie/Imelda May – Dreaming
Billy Bragg – Between the Wars
Darlene Love – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Darren Hanlon – All These Things
Electrelane – Cut and Run
Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over
Foals – Spanish Sahara
Luis Fonsi – Despacito
Garfunkel and Oates – Me, You and Steve
GUGUG – California Sun
INXS – Never Tear Us Apart
Israel Kamakawiwoíole/Jason Castro – Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Julien Dore – Cet Air-La
Kate Nash – Foundations
Kate Micucci/The Gooch – Mr Moon
Kelli Rae Powell
Last Shadow Puppets – Standing Next to Me
LP – Into the Wild
The Lumineers – Ho Hey
Phosphorescent – Wolves
She & Him – Sentimental Heart

Plus D

Allo Darlin’ – Tallulah
Allo Darlin’ – Space Christmas
Amanda Palmer – In My Mind
Antsy Pants/Bear Creek – Vampire
Belle and Sebastian – The Boy with the Arab Strap
Elvis Costello – Good Year for the Roses
Daniel Johnston – Living Life
Damon Albarn – Mr Tembo
The Dubliners and The Pogues – The Irish Rover
Garfunkel and Oates – The Fade Away (you can use D instead of D7)
Gothic Archies – Shipwrecked
GUGUG/The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop
Woody Guthrie – All You Fascists Bound to Lose
Keston Cobblers’ Club – You-Go
The Libertines – Don’t Look Back into the Sun
The Little Ones – Tangerine Visions
The Monkees – I’m a Believer (Use D where it says D7).
Old Crow Medicine Show – Wagon Wheel
Phredd – Elmer’s Electric Tricycle
The Pogues – Fiesta
The Pogues – Waxies Dargle
The Pretenders – 2000 Miles
Skinny Lister – Colours
Vampire Weekend – Oxford Comma
Velvet Underground and Nico – I’ll be Your Mirror
Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London

Plus A and E7

Camera Obscura – Cock Up Your Beaver
Eagles of Death Metal – I Want You So Hard
The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go
Florence & the Machine – Kiss With A Fist (don’t panic, you can use E7 instead of E in this song)
The Pogues – Sally McLennane
Joan Jett – Bad Reputation
Junior Brown – Better Call Saul
Kate Micucci & Ted (Scrubs) – Screw You
Paolo Nutini – Pencil Full of Lead
The Pogues – Streams of Whiskey
The Weavers – Pay Me My Money Down
The White Stripes – Little Ghost

Plus Bb

James Bay – Hold Back the River
Beirut – A Candle’s Fire
Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (You can use C instead of C5)
Ingrid Michaelson – Be OK
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
Lorde/Walk off the Earth – Royals
Lorde/WIOU – Team
Mumford and Sons – The Cave
Nevershoutnever – First Dance
Neutral Milk Hotel – King of Carrot Flowers
Noah and the Whale – Jealous Kind of Love
Sufjan Stevens – Lumberjack Christmas
The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Plus Bm

Everly Brothers – Bowling Green
Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind
The Pogues – When the Ship Comes In

More…

Mastered all those? Tackle more:

Easy ukulele songs
Beginner ukulele lessons

I like to keep a list of songs that use just the most common ukulele chords. Arranged by the order people usually learn them in. That way you can find some songs to play no matter how few chords you know.

C, F and G (or G7)

If you prefer, you can use G7 in the place of G or vice versa for any of these songs.

Happy Birthday to You
The Bobby McGee’s – A Dog At All Things
Folk Uke – Motherfucker Got Fucked Up
Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime
The Lancashire Hotpots – He’s Turned Emo
NeverShoutNever! – Your Biggest Fan/Did It Hurt?
Noah and the Whale – Five Years Time
Paolo Nutini – High Hopes
OK Go – This Too Shall Pass
SoKo – I Will Never Love You More
The Tiger Lillies – Start A Fire
Tom Waits – I Hope that I Don’t Fall in Love with You
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra/Kings of Leon – The Bucket

Plus Am, Dm and Em

Addams Family Theme Tune
Alton Ellis – Rock Steady
Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend to Dance With You
Blondie/Imelda May – Dreaming
Darlene Love – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Darren Hanlon – All These Things
Electrelane – Cut and Run
Garfunkel and Oates – Me, You and Steve
Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over
GUGUG – California Sun
Israel Kamakawiwoíole/Jason Castro – Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Julien Dore – Cet Air-La
Kate Nash – Foundations
Kate Micucci/The Gooch – Mr Moon
Kelli Rae Powell
Last Shadow Puppets – Standing Next to Me
LP – Into the Wild
The Lumineers – Ho Hey
Phosphorescent – Wolves
She & Him – Sentimental Heart

Plus D

Allo Darlin’ – Tallulah
Allo Darlin’ – Space Christmas
Amanda Palmer – In My Mind
Antsy Pants/Bear Creek – Vampire
Belle and Sebastian – The Boy with the Arab Strap
Elvis Costello – Good Year for the Roses
Daniel Johnston – Living Life
Damon Albarn – Mr Tembo
Garfunkel and Oates – The Fade Away (you can use D instead of D7)
Gothic Archies – Shipwrecked
GUGUG/The Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop
Keston Cobblers’ Club – You-Go
The Libertines – Don’t Look Back into the Sun
The Little Ones – Tangerine Visions
Phredd – Elmer’s Electric Tricycle
Skinny Lister – Colours
The Dubliners and The Pogues – The Irish Rover
The Pogues – Fiesta
The Pretenders – 2000 Miles
Vampire Weekend – Oxford Comma
Velvet Underground and Nico – I’ll be Your Mirror
Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London

Plus A and E7

Camera Obscura – Cock Up Your Beaver
Eagles of Death Metal – I Want You So Hard
The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go
Florence & the Machine – Kiss With A Fist (don’t panic, you can use E7 instead of E in this song)
The Pogues – Sally McLennane
Joan Jett – Bad Reputation
Junior Brown – Better Call Saul
Kate Micucci & Ted (Scrubs) – Screw You
Paolo Nutini – Pencil Full of Lead
The Pogues – Streams of Whiskey
The Weavers – Pay Me My Money Down
The White Stripes – Little Ghost

Plus Bb

James Bay – Hold Back the River
Beirut – A Candle’s Fire
Gotye – Somebody That I Used To Know (You can use C instead of C5)
Ingrid Michaelson – Be OK
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
Lorde/Walk off the Earth – Royals
Lorde/WIOU – Team
Mumford and Sons – The Cave
Nevershoutnever – First Dance
Neutral Milk Hotel – King of Carrot Flowers
Noah and the Whale – Jealous Kind of Love
Sufjan Stevens – Lumberjack Christmas
The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Plus Bm

Everly Brothers – Bowling Green
Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind

More…

Mastered all those? Tackle more:

Easy ukulele songs
Beginner ukulele lessons

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/

The British people, in their infinite wisdom, have decided to tank the value of the pound. If I understand economics (protip: I don’t) that means a dollar gets me more of my low-energy currency. So I’ve set up a discount. You can get 15% off any of my How to Play Ukulele ebooks until 10th July using the code: brexit.

Also, I made a preview of the first few pages of Ukulele Strums.

Learning
Two new tab books:

– Jake Shimabukuro – Live in Japan: Tab of Jake’s live album including his arrangements of Bohemian Rhapsody and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
– Fred Sokolow’s Slide & Slack Key Ukulele.

New Releases
– Speaking of Jake Shimabukuro he has a new album: The Nashville Sessions.
– Spacey new single from Kara Square Ukuambient.

Ukuleles
– The Rebel NEO ukulele.
– Meridian Uke.