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Home Programs Ukulele Spotlight 1-28-10 Ukulele Spotlight, NAMM & Rigk Sauer

1-28-10 Ukulele Spotlight, NAMM & Rigk Sauer

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Today's Segement Featured an interview with Rigk Sauer of RISA Ukuleles

Rigk & the soprano "Uke-Solid"
http://www.ukulele.de

Recent "Ukulele Spotlight" shows can be heard here.
This show is also podcast, here is the xml link
: Podcast

The February 2010 Ukulele Events List Is Below the NAMM Pictures


Here's the report from NAMM -
2010 NAMM Show Closing Release: Music Products Industry Gathers for a Comeback

Carlsbad, CA, January 18, 2010-The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced the final registration and exhibitor numbers for the 2010 NAMM Show, the longest-running trade show in the United States. At show close, NAMM reported 87,569 registrants, a 2 percent increase from last year. International registration experienced a 2 percent decrease from last year.

Even in economically challenging times, the association reported 1,373 exhibitors at this year's show, including nearly 250 new exhibitors-a new record number in the event's 108-year history, showing a surge in market enthusiasm.

Here's my report: There were more Ukulele booths than I have ever seen at one place ever! Here are JUST A FEW of the ukulele booths that I visited -

 

NAMM 3

 


Feby 2010 So Cal Ukulele Events<!-- blockquote, dl, ul, ol, li { padding-top: 0 ; padding-bottom: 0 } -->
February 2010 Southern California Ukulele Events
More great events for fans of the Ukulele and Hawaiiana! A number of the Top Players in the world are coming through So Cal this month.
Check the list for events that appeal to you, find a uke club in your neighborhood, attend a clinic or check out some new uke CD's.

Saturday February 6 5pm-8pm
Auntie Geri and Mehana
The Mai Tai Bar
The Pike @ Rainbow Bar
97 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA. 90802


Saturday February 6 8pm
Herb Ohta Jr., Jennifer Perri & Jon Yamasato
An amazing triple bill of award winning Hawaiian music talent.
Ruth B. Shannon Center
6760 Painter Ave
Whittier CA  90608
Phone: (562) 907-4203
http://web.whittier.edu/shannon/AlohaSeriesBonus.htm



Mon, Feb 8th 8:00 PM Doors at 7:00 PM
Jake Shimabukuro and Makana
The amazing Jake plus rising guitar hero Makana
Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
(858)481-8140



Sunday Feb 14th Valentine's Day 11 am to 1 pm
The Sukey Jump Band is in LOVE!
The Mar Vista Farmer's Market
Grand View Blvd at Venice Blvd
www.SukeyJumpMusic.com


Sunday January 14th 5-8pm
Rick Jitchaku Solo Ukulele
Back Home in Lahaina
519 E. Carson St. 90274
(310) 835-4014
http://www.myspace.com/rickjitchaku


Fri Feb 26 7-9pm
Sat Feb 27th 8-10pm
The amazing Ukulele virtuosos James Hill is coming back to Island Bazaar in Huntington Beach.
He'll be doing a uke workshop Friday, 2/26, 7-9PM ($15), and then a full concert Saturday, 2/27, 8-10PM ($20). Get your tix EARLY at (714) 843-9350.
Tickets can be had by calling Island Bazaar at 714 843-9350.
Island Bazaar
16582 Gothard St., Suite R,
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
http://www.ukuleleparadise.com/

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Other Items of interest to Ukulele Fans:

"MIGHTY UKE" the new motion picture about the Ukulele revolution
Had it's premiere in Toronto.
The film will have it's Los Angeles premiere, with some very special guests, sometime in February!
I'll pass along the SoCal dates and location as soon as it's announced.
More info here: http://mightyukemovie.com/
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Weekly Events

Every Sunday:
Makena
10:00 am
Center for Inspirational Living
Long Beach Playhouse, Long Beach, California
More Info: http://www.myspace.com/makenamusic


Every Sunday:
Uncle Pete Naluai leads kanikapila music every Sunday morning at Bob's Okazuya. Also featuring Rick Jitchaku.
10am - 4pm
Bob's Okazuya
16814 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA
(310) 515-2250

Every Tuesday:
Ho'alu Tuesdays
Come hear beautiful ki ho'alu performances by members of Southern California Slack Key Society on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m.
Kaisen Sushi Restaurant
1906 Oceanside Blvd. #H
Oceanside, CA - Phone: (760) 757-1484
P.S. Hiki i na mea hula ke hula ma 'o!

Wednesday's 2/3, 2/10, 2/24 6pm-8pm
Rick Jitchaku Solo Ukulele
Back Home in Lahaina
519 E. Carson St.
Carson, CA. 90745

Thursday's 2/4, 2/18 5pm-8pm
Auntie Geri and Mehana
Bob's Hawaiian Style Restaurant
16814 S. Vermont Ave.
Gardena, CA. 90247

Every Friday:
Uncle Henry Kalana Kamae
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Uncle henry and pals play most every Friday night at Bob's Okazuya. Call ahead to be sure he is in.
Bob's Okazuya
16814 S Vermont Ave, Gardena, CA
(310) 515-2250

Fridays 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Island Breeze
Island Breeze is a talented trio of musicians who play contemporary Hawaiian music. In addition to accompanying the Lokelani's dancers, the band is available to provide entertainment for special events. Roy Asuega leads the group, singing, drumming, and playing guitar. Ron Reyes and Mata Grey play ukulele and bass while providing background vocals. Info: http://www.lokelanisroti.com/islandbreeze/
Garlic Jo's
2332 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA

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LESSONS
Rick Jitchaku - Available for private lessons in home studio, people can e-mail or call rick_jitchaku@hotmail.com   (310) 600-7149 Long Beach Area

Saturday, March 13th   3:00 PM
Silly Second Saturday Special Performance:
Heidi Swedberg wants to teach you to PLAY the UKULELE!
This FREE 90 min workshop is open to adults and kids of all ages (7 and under must be accompanied by an adult).  Bring your own uke or borrow one of mine- also available for purchase for only $40.
You will learn easy chords which will have you playing songs before you know what hit you. If you have never played an instrument before or you are a virtuoso, the ukulele is a great way to share music with your family.
Heidi loves teaching, music, kids and the ukulele and wants to share her passion with you.  She teaches at the famous McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica and her new CD "PLAY!" is uke-centric.
Memorial Branch  Los Angeles Public Library
4625 W. Olympic Blvd.   Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 938-2732

_______________________________________________________________
Ukulele Clubs (Over 16 clubs and counting!)

Every Monday at 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Hemet Ukulele Club
New members are welcome. Bring your uke, banjo or guitar. Meetings are free.
Meets at The Simpson Center, 305 E. Devonshire Ave., Hemet, CA


Every Monday at 1:00 PM
The Corona Del Mar Ukulele club formerly at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona Del Mar
Everyone is welcome!
Notice: The group has moved to St. Michael's church.
The Oasis senior center is to be razed and rebuilt.
New Address is 3233 Pacific View Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 (949) 644-0463


2nd & 4th fourth Monday evenings 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The SLO Strummers of the Ukulele Society of the Central Coast. All levels of strummers are welcome!!
Meets at the Art Center in San Luis Obispo
1010 Broad St. (creekside door). For more information, call Carol at: (805)473-3457


Tuesday mornings 9am to 11am
The Loma Linda Ukulele Strummers (around 50 to 70 Ukulele players) meet every Tuesday morning.
For more information call 909 796-8934. All levels are welcome!
Loma Linda Senior Center, 25571 Barton Road, Loma Linda, CA 92354 (corner of Loma Linda Drive and Barton Road - behind the fire station and the library)


Every Tuesday Night 7 - 9 PM
KOLOHE 'UKULELE CLUB
Formed in 2000 & meets for practice at "ISLAND BAZAAR" in Surf City U.S.A. every Tues Night of the month @ 7:pm. Under our Kumu UNCLE HENRY KAMAE, we play Hawaiian & Hapa Haole music and invites ALL levels of 'UKULELE PLAYERS to jam with us Island Style till 9:pm.
KOLOHE has performed at numerous festivals, & other functions. Remembah; "Mo 'Ukulele, Mo Beddah" .. Mahalo Nui Loa & A Hui Hou
For more info email kentinhb@verizon.net
Island Bazaar, 16582 Gothard St. "R", Huntington Beach, CA. 92647- 714-843-9350. www.Ukuleleparadise.com


Every Wednesday morning
PINEAPPLE JAM UKULELE CLUB
Beginning class meets from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15:a.m.-Jim Grundy
Full Club meets  from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.-Glenn Clement
The Pineapple Jam Ukulele Club, has been meeting in Yucaipa since April 2006.
It is composed of players of all ages with various ability levels, that enjoy singing. New members are welcome to join us whatever their ability level.
Scherer Community Center
12202 First Street (at B Ave) Yucaipa Ca 92399
Phone: 909 797-1177  or 760-326-9230
Pineapple Jam Director Glenn Clement 951-836-8393


Every Wednesday 6 - 9 PM
Moonlight Beach Uke Strummers
A group of about 50 to 75 ukulele strummers (over 200 members on website) in Encinitas, North of San Diego.
BRING YOUR UKES AND JOIN US FOR A FUN TIME.
Members from our group are from many Hawaiian High schools like Kamehameha, Punahou, StLouis, McKinley, AIEA, DAMIEN, MARYKNOLL, ROOSEVELT, FARRINGTON, CASTLE, KAILUA.
Today's Pizza, 481 SANTA FE DR., at the intersection of Hwy 5 and Santa Fe Dr. at the Vons Rite-Aid shopping center in Encinitas.



Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ventura Ukulele Jam
The Ventura Chapter of the Ukulele Society of America hosts its weekly ukulele jam at Java Joe's Coffee House in the Century 16 Center on Johnson Drive in Ventura, CA. Alan Ferentz is the Alaka'i (Conductor). >From Alan -- "Please join us for our ukulele circle sing-along."
Java Joe's @ Century 16 Center, 2950 Johnson Drive, Ventura, CA
Every 1st and 3rd Wed. of the month from 5:30 to 7:30PM
The WINDanSEA Ukulele Strummerrs
meet for fun and the joy of the ukulele.
Everything is free. I even pass out the music for free. We invite all levels of skill.
We are in Pacific Beach. Across the street is La Jolla.
We meet at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall at 853 Torquiise Street.



Every 1st and 3rd Wed. of the month from 5:30 to 7:30PM
The WINDanSEA Ukulele Strummers meet for fun and the joy of the ukulele.
Everything is free.  I even pass out the music for free.  We invite all levels of skill.  We have some young players, one is 8 and she is a ring terror on the ukulele.  The age range is wide and so is the level----who cares, we have a good time.  Join us!
We are in Pacific Beach.  Across the street is La Jolla.
We meet at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall at 853 Torquiise Street.



Every Thursday from 10:30am to 12 noon
THE ORANGE BLOSSOM UKULELE PLAYERS
The Orange Blossom Ukulele Players meet at the Joslyn Senior Center in Redlands CA.
Our collection of songs covers various styles of music: Tin Pan Alley, Country, Spanish, Easy Listening, Hawaiian, etc...Bring your ukulele and be ready to sing with the Orange Blossoms!! We also welcome banjo, guitar, harmonica and other instrumentalists to join us for the fun. For more information call Cathy Ekaitis - (909) 875-1054
Joslyn Senior Center, 21 Grant Street, Redlands CA.



Thursdays 6:30 PM
'Ukulele Jam' 40 to 50 ukulele players come and strum their hearts out.
We also feature 2 or 3 soloists per session.
Lots of fun. We ask a small donation, but just walk past the "collector" if there is a problem or objection to a donation.
We love and wish to include all ukulele players who wish to come.
Standard American Songs Repetoire...20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, and so on. Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, and a large selection of tunes.
ISLAND BAZAAR, 16582 Gothard St. #R, Huntington Beach, Ca. 92647



Thursdays 6 - 9 pm
Ukulele Society of America (USA)
The group of 50+ ukulele players regularly meets on Thursday evenings in Carlsbad, CA (North San Diego County and South Orange County) to play ukulele, sing, and hula. Conducted by professional entertainer Pat 'Palika' Enos and often aided by the 101 year old, Duke of Uke, Bill Tapia. Guest Conductors also lead the group in song, a Kokua Team to help newcomers jam along on their first night, and an Open Mike to encourage advancing members to showcase their stuff. Our goals are to become a fun learning center for aspiring group leaders to learn from the pros and then move on to start and nurture their own groups across the country and to train our group members to lead small groups in outreach performances to the community (Children's hospital and Senior Centers).
All levels of ukulele players welcome.
Group website http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ukulele_Society_of_America/  (ask Captain Mike to join.)
Ocean House of Carlsbad Village (Palm Room)
300 Carlsbad Village Drive, west of the I-5 Carlsbad Village Drive exit, at the intersection with Pacific Coast Highway.
Carlsbad CA



Alternating Thursdays 7:15 - 9:30 PM:
The Jumpin Flea Circus Players Players Of Los Angeles
It's large, eclectic membership gathers twice a month in Sherman Oaks for ukulele fun and fellowship.
The Jumpin Fleas play songs from every time and place, though there's a fondness for tin pan alley, jazz standards, comedy and folk songs. Led by professor of uke Clay Allen, the first hour of the fleas meeting in dedicated to improving the musicianship of the players. The second hour reviews the club's favorite songs of the day. Come join us, won't you. You won't regret it!
Info: http://www.jumpingflea.tumblr.com
Church of the Chimes, 14115 Magnolia Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423



Every Friday from 10:30am to 12 noon
THE RIO-ALTAS UKULELE CLUB
The Rio-Altas gather at the Rialto Senior Center at 1411 S. Riverside Ave. Rialto, CA.
Our song book contains many styles of music: Tin Pan Alley, Easy Listening, Hawaiian, Spanish, Country etc... Bring your ukulele and be ready to sing with the Rio-Altas!! We also welcome banjo, guitar, harmonica and other instrumentalist to join us for a good time.
For more information call Cathy Ekaitis - (909) 875-1054
Rialto Senior Center,1411 S. Riverside Ave.,Rialto, CA.



Friday mornings 10:30 am
SURF CITY STRUMMERS- meet at Island Bazaar every Friday morning at 10:30am. We play standards of all eras and have opportunities to solo, also. About 40 players show up each week to start the weekend right. Please join us. $5.00 donation requested, but not mandatory. If you're visiting the Southland from out of the area, please come!
Island Bazaar, 16582 Gothard St. "R", Huntington Beach, CA. 92647- 714-843-9350. Ukuleleparadise.com



Saturdays 9:30 am - 11:00 am
The Southbay Strummers
Ukulele strummers of all ages and from all walks of life meet at the
Bartlett Senior Citizens Center, 1318 Cravens Ave., Torrance, California
(310-320-5918)
http://www.ukulelestrummers.com



Saturdays 1 - 2:30pm
Santa Barbara Ukulele/singing group meets every
Saturday at the East Beach Bath House from 1:00 - 2:30pm.
Bring a music stand, ukulele, and a portable chair.
There is street parking on Ninos in front of the Zoo.
Call ahead to make sure they are meeting: Paul Halula at 882-2495



Sundays 5 - 8 pm
Monterey's Ukulele Club
Gianni's Pizza
725 Lighthouse Ave
Monterey, CA.  Info: Steve Brooks (831) 624-7022


First Sunday Of Each Month 1-3 pm
Riverside Ukulele Liberation Ensemble.
RULE meets the first Sunday of each month at the Back to the Grind Coffeehouse on University Avenue in Riverside, CA, from 1 - 3.  For more information people can contact Jeff Odien at 951-505-9508 or at JeffOdi@msn.com or Bill Odien at ODIENIENN@aol.com
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Ukulele CD's
A couple of new Ukulele CD's worth checking out:
"Rare Air" Liz & Jim Beloff deliver a charming mix of originals and standards with great vocal harmonies and rhythms, joined by some great musicians, that really delivers. Liz and Jim share the "rare air", an expression of theirs that describes rare beauty and uniqueness.
http://www.fleamarketmusic.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=71
Hear samples here: http://www.emusic.com/album/Liz-Jim-Beloff-Rare-Air-MP3-Download/11782967.html

"Ukulele Day", "A Celebration Of The Many Voices Of The Ukulele" produced by John McDonald
A great collection of songs from local talent make up this special project. Bill Tapia, John McDonald, Valeie Ford and more make up this uniqe CD.
Also available at:
16582 Gothard St., Suite R,
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

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FOR AN EXTENSIVE WORLDWIDE CALENDAR OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC
CONCERTS & EVENTS CHECK OUT THE "HAWAIIAN CONCERT GUIDE"

http://www.hawaiianconcertguide.com/