Ukulele! BAKERSFIELD

Meeting Format Change!

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:02:56 +0000

Hey ukesters!

Julia and I sat down for a chat a couple weeks ago and decided it was high time for a change. We’ve had quite a few people interested in learning to play the ukulele as opposed to those that are already familiar with the instrument. We absolutely do not want to leave out our beginner players so we’re establishing the first Monday of the month meetings as Beginner Night. Now, let me note that this doesn’t mean we’re giving lessons on Beginner nights – we’ll just be playing songs that have only a few chords and are simpler to play. Because every player is at a different stage and we only have an hour to play, we can’t figure out how to format lessons to suit everyone all at once. But we won’t send you up the creek without a paddle; before each song we’ll help you practice the chords and chord changes so you feel comfortable.

Also, for those of you who are advanced players, we’re making every third Monday of the month Advanced Night. We’ll play songs with more chords and quicker chord changes.

Anyone is welcome to attend either night, but those of you who are advanced might get bored on beginner night, and those of you who are beginners might be lost on advanced night.

We felt that this change would make the meetings run smoother and provide more playing time each meeting. Also, we want to build a bigger, stronger ukulele community, so we need to allow opportunity for beginning players to become advanced players.

We’ve also had a lot of questions about private or group lessons. We’re in the process of finding some local teachers for you. If you or anyone you know is interested in giving lessons, let us know – we’ll post your information on our website.

UPDATE: Rosedale Music gives ukulele lessons! Give them a call at (661) 588-8885 for more information.

I think that’s all the business for now. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Monday, May 7!

Uke on!
-Liz

Thank uke, may I have another?

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:54:07 +0000

This post is dedicated to making a great thing even greater (or wackier). I’ve come across some weird and wacky ukuleles in my day. I’ve compiled a few of my favorites for your viewing and listening pleasure.

If you are concerned the ukulele is too difficult to carry around with you, be comforted that there is a ukulele in existence that folds. It seems like quite a bit of work to fold the thing up, and you have to restring it before playing, but it’s an interesting idea.

And speaking of being able to carry your instrument around with you – Kala has created the Pocket Ukulele, successfully making a cute thing even cuter. How much smaller can we get, folks?!

While I am highly opposed to the un-ukuleleness of this next one, I am intrigued. And, if given the opportunity, I will play one of these one day. Presenting, the Futulele: iPad + iPhone equals an instrument that doesn’t sound entirely terrible. Thank you, technology.

May we talk about my new favorite Etsy site: Celentano Woodworks? They sell handmade ukuleles shaped like various objects, characters, and toys. They have Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em, Pac Man, apples, and naked ladies. This artist combines the goofiness that every ukulele player should have embedded in their soul with a true passion for beautiful music.

They sound pretty good, too.

These next two ukuleles were created for the beachiest of ukulele-playing; The spears were designed so the ukulele could be stabbed into the sand while it wasn’t in use. In the late 1960′s Swagerty Enterprises made the Treholipee (on the left) and the two-necked Kook-ulele (on the right). They’re a beautiful combination of art, wack, and danger (I would assuredly stab someone).

I leave you with this (by Celetano Woodworks):

This cat one is for Julia. She’s a cat hoarder. Play uke. Stay wacky.

Busy Busy!

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:18:29 +0000

I just went on a panty raid to Dr. Uke’s site and grabbed quite a few new songs! Some of them are intermediate to advanced, but it never hurts to practice. Beginners, try Rubber Duckie and On Top Of Spaghetti – think of them as Pull-Ups underpants. One of my personal favorites – Sugartime… that’s the fancy panties.

Enjoy!

You Make Me Feel So Young, When You’re Smiling, Sugartime, Rubber Duckie, Orange Colored Sky, On Top Of Spaghetti, On The Sunny Side Of The Street, Button Up Your Overcoat, It’s Only A Paper Moon

Want more? Check out Dr. Uke’s site and Richard G’s site. Both have loads of songs very well-tabbed and ready for playing with lyrics and chord charts. Let us know if you have favorite songs you’d like added to our songbook.

More, please.

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:44:39 +0000

I hadn’t anticipated what would happen when U!B began. It could have been me and Julia sitting by ourselves making up stupid ukulele puns. Or it could have been fifty professional ukulelists appearing out of nowhere, playing together in perfect synchronicity. Neither of these things have been true. We’ve had a wonderful array of passionate individuals, those who have played for years and those who have played for minutes. Many of the attendees have been people who have never picked up a ukulele in their lives. They hear about our group and join to see what it’s like, looking for a new hobby and a few new people. They’re coming back week after week. One even bought herself a ukulele after a few meetings. Last week a friend of mine found an old ukulele at her work and has asked me to see if it’s playable so that she can join us, and my own roommate -who has been strictly a guitar player only- wants to play, too. Good for them!! Today I purchased another ukulele to add to the collection of extra ukuleles for anyone who wants to give it a go. I encourage all to come and see what it’s like. Our next meeting is December 19th at Filling Station at 6:30. We hope to see you there. Come 15 minutes early for beginner’s tips and and a quick lesson.

We’re also adding more and more to our Zazzle store: www.zazzle.com/ukulelebakersfield/

And by the way…

Spread the word about Ukulele!Bakersfield.

It’s Business Time

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:54:28 +0000

Because we’re a new group, our meetings up until this point have been “getting to know you” sessions where we’ve been working to figure out how we want the group to progress. Now it’s business time. We’re going to focus on a few songs this month (and maybe longer) so that when we are out in the world together we can wow people with our skills.

This month’s three to work on:
Faith
Happy Trails
No Rain

Next meeting: Monday, November 21st

First Meeting!

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:19:59 +0000

It’s official: We will be meeting at The Filling Station, 6:30-7:30pm on Monday, October 17th.

This will be our first meeting and we’re really excited. We’ll be bringing music so you can play along. If you have any favorite songs you’d like added to our mix, make a few copies and bring them with you!

See you there!
(Questions? Email me at lizismyname@gmail.com)

The U!B Songbook is getting pretty hefty!

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 04:16:32 +0000

A while back Julia and I got together and talked about some songs we’d like to add to the U!B Songbook. We’re pretty set on making sure Dolly Parton dominates a good chunk of the book, among others. So little-by-little, I’ve been picking out songs that might be fun for a group of people, easily recognizable, and fairly easy to play. The list is up and growing and I am slowly adding PDF versions of the songs for easy download and practice.

Also, we’ve set a date for the first U!B meeting: October 17th! We’re still working on a location and time. Rest assured, you will know as soon as we know.

In the meantime, check out the Songbook and let us know if you have any suggestions, favorites, etc. etc. etc.

Uke on!
-Liz

Let’s play.

Ukulele!Bakersfield — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:35:52 +0000

Ukulele! BAKERSFIELD is here because I am not the only one in this town that loves ukes. Let’s play together. Beginning in October, Ukulele! BAKERSFIELD members will meet every first and third Monday of the month from 6-7pm. Location TBA. Looking forward to it.