I know, I know, I’m a bit late writing about the Southern California Ukulele Festival (SCUF), held two weeks ago (Oct. 6-7, Cerritos, California) but life’s been really busy with the election and all the political/campaign work we do at Cedar Creek. I haven’t written much on the ukulele boards or updated this site with the event info and pix ’cause I’ve created 24 mailpieces in the past 16 days–plus the usual writing and design work. Our trip to Hawaii in two-plus weeks will be a much-needed vacation–and I’m sure we’ll spend the first day or two just sleeping!
(Warning: This post is lengthy — but I’m trying to share with folks who weren’t able to attend so just skim it or skip it! If you just want to jump to the album of photos, go to my photos🙂 and scroll down to the bottom to 2006 SCUF.
Our youngest son, Alden, 20, attended the festival with me all day and my Dad and I “did” the concert together that evening (Alden had to drive three hours back to his dorm at Thomas Aquinas College). I’d missed SCUF last year (I had to choose between three festivals in a four-week period in 2005, a tough decision) but I’m glad I was able to head south for this one again this year. There were lots and lots of folks selling everything ukulele-related as well as island-themed.
Bruddah Mark was there with neat logo’d items (I love my blue Bruddah Mark visor) and he shared his booth with Rick Satay who had a great selection of “Got Uke” items and an assortment of stickers (my Gator case is sporting a new “Ukulele Player” decal). The booth included a jamming area and tuneful Hawaiian sounds emanated from it all day. ‘Wish I’d been around there when Honukani (Danny) was there playing and learning. MusicGuyMic (question I’ve always pondered: why doesn’t he spell it with a “ke” at the end???) had a booth replete with every type of Hawaiian-designed or -made ukulele you could imagine. I think he should have been handing out napkins for all the ukulele drooling that was going on there. Next door, KonaBob and the effervescent Shirley demo’d the WalkingStick bass and provided back-up for a variety of informal jamming sessions throughout the day.
I attended Pat Enos’ workshop about playing by ear. What a talented guy he is — and he offered very practical tips. His biggest suggestion? Listen; listen to what you want to play, listen to what you play and learn to play by understanding the music not “memorizing” where it is on the fretboard. Good advice for anyone, I think. Kimo Hussey’s workshop on strumming styles was crowded (all the workshops I attended were crowded — my advice is to arrive *early* for any of them you really want to attend or you might risk not having a space) but informative. I also attended Kimo’s beginning workshop to get some tips for how to better help beginners in our Ukuleles of Paradise group. Alden loved James Hill’s workshops on “Beyond the Basics” as well as composing. James is an excellent instructor — despite his other-worldly playing abilities, he’s able to explain things really well to the rest of us mere mortals. Alden’s comment was that attending James’ workshop was like being able to get inside the mind of a musician and understand how he approaches his music. (An interesting point about James–I’ve seen him perform three times and this is the first show I’d heard him “sing” during. He has a very nice voice–how come some folks get all the talent??)
I got to meet lots of folks who, until now, I’d only known on the various ukulele boards — Hoaryhead (John R.), Honukani (Danny), Preston and others. Plus there was the chance to renew friendships, laugh and swap ukulele stories with “old” friends (that doesn’t refer to your chronological age, Dominator). Ernie even played the human Saint Bernard pup and “found” my son for me when I’d lost him after standing in a lunch line to get a Hawaiian plate lunch (yummy!). Wiley shared his absolutely magnificent songbook from his group, the Salem Ukulele Strummers — thanks for so many fun songs, Wiley. Paradise folks in our club will benefit from your generosity.
My regret about attending this festival was attending workshops when I wish I’d taken time, instead, to meet up with more folks and play. I’ve attended 10 ukulele festivals in the past three years (thanks to my ever-understanding and loving husband, Mark) and I’ve sampled a wealth of workshops and have enough learning material at home to last me three more years at least. What I don’t have at home is the chance to play and laugh with others. Next time you’ll find me playing more!