Go For Da Record!

This past Saturday was the first attempt to break the World Record for largest ukulele ensemble.  Held at the Waikiki Shell, visitors and locals alike came down to support the cause and take the title away from the current record holder Sweden.  Sweden holds the record at a little over 1,500 people.

When the doors opened at 10am people were already lining up to show support and be counted in this world record event.  Ukulele Hale had an instructional booth set up towards the back of the amphitheater teaching the "1, 2, 3 Song," by Jake Shimabukuro.   After Jake gave a small demonstration of the song and played a couple of tunes for the audience.  The crowd was then counted and then officially began and played the song.  Unfortunately the count was just a little over a 1,000 people.


The event was not in vane.  Main promoter Leo Daquioag said that they would give a hana hou for the event in the future.  Though it may not have been a new world record it definitely was a new one for Hawaii.  Being in part a benefit for Rainbow For Japan Kids (setting up relief for the children victims of the recent tsunami), I am sure people would be more than happy to donate and give the record another go!

For more information and updates about the hana hou go to http://gofordarecord.org/

Dukes Ukes Contest/Shooting with Uncle Kimo

I just wanted to send a congratulations to all the participants in this years Dukes Ukes contest.  Dukes Ukes is a amateur ukulele contest down in Waikiki @Dukes Restaurant.  After auditioning for the finals, participants are placed in age brackets with 5 per bracket.  To the right is Anton Banta from Ukulele Hale placing 3rd place in his division.  Ukulele Hale had a lot of students enter and a lot of students make it to the finals this past Saturday.  You guys did great and really stood up next to the Ukulele Hale name!  It is an honor to be an instructor with students like you guys!

Later on in the afternoon I went down to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel for the first day of shooting for a new ukulele Tv show coming out soon.  The show is hosted by legendary Uncle Kimo Hussey and is a focus on nurturing the ukulele.  The show will include interviews and performances with ukulele players, ukulele teachers, ukulele makers, and special interest people involved with ukulele.  This first episode featured Kalei Gamio as the ukulele player, Don from Korea as a special interest person and myself under the ukulele instructor category.  It was an awesome experience working and talking story with Uncle Kimo and glad to be part of this new beginning.  We talked about ukulele instruction and what it takes for a beginner to get started playing the ukulele.  Their website will go live soon and I will post it here when itʻs up.



Along side the tv show is going to be a new venue for ukulele players: The Queen Kapiolani Hotel every second Friday of every month.  The idea is to have a place where ukulele players can come together and experience each others music and build a stronger community.  Keep in touch and I will bring you the latest with these new developments in the ukulele community!

Sing The Body Return!

This Friday at 4play in Aiea will be the return of Sing The Body.  Sing the Body consists of Zach Shimizu on guitar and Eli Oguma on synth and drums.  They have a unique flavor, sound and presence which have kept their fans waiting from their several month break recording their first EP.  Now back at full force, Sing the Body will be returning with acts I Digress (btw one of their last shows before moving), Goat Punishment, Jenna and Erika Elona and the Best Dudes Ever.


The line up this time with Erika will be Brandon Apeles on bass, Michael Nakamoto on drums, and Alex Oasay and myself on guitar.  We had our practice session on Monday down at Vibe Asylum just running the set and practice some fun transitions and endings.  Looking forward to the show and hope to see you there!

 
Here is a link to the Facebook event! 




The Mark III

So just before lala land I decided to post up the Mark III.  The Mark III is a very simple set up designed to focus on a couple of basic tones.  Thanks to Ken Lykes for the new toys.



Tomorrow going into the Mele Studio to do some recording for the Mele Christmas Album.  Song written by Glen Molina of Saving Cadence called Santa Baby Blues.  Check it out this holiday season!