Tag Archives: Mullumbimby

Jan 2017 Modern Australian

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Thanks to everyone for coming to the Modern Australian UKE NIGHT. It was in the end a fantastic evening albeit with a late start and even later finish. I was up at the crack of dawn and so was our trusty sound man Luis Christia and Door Technician Deb Stoker at the Brunswick Heads Breakfast in the Park Australia Day celebration. The NRUO was leading the songs for the forth year in a row. So we were a little pooped.

This book featured Australian songs from the last 20 years. So not surprisingly some folk had never heard of them. This was the exact reason I did the book. It seems ludicrous that songs most people want to hear and play are the ones they know, usually from their youth when they first fell in love with them. While I understand why that is, in the past 20 years 10s of thousands of songs have been written… some real treasure too. We must keep moving along folks.

With this in mind I thought it important to have some young folk up on stage with us. Local band 100 Words consists of 12 year old – Miller Stuart-Long, (fantastic singer / song writer in the making), Jack Edmonds and Sam Sanders. These guys share the instruments around and have learned how to hold it down and keep it tight. So refreshing to see. Milly sang with daughter Rose Eadie on ‘Big Jet Plane’ before the band got up and played two original songs. Also Sonny Flynn played trumpet. What a great feeling to share the stage with these young musicians. Sam Sanders was actually in the UKE NIGHT band as guitarist and did a mighty job with a talent way beyond his years, playing some wicked riffs and solid grooves and solos on songs he heard for the first time the week before.

The first half of the show was full of pop songs from Australian bands and solo artists, including the wonderful message song ‘Caught In The Crowd’ by Kate Miller-Heidke. Guest vocalist Sara Tindley’s daughter Poppy Baily-Tindley sang this one with Rosie – they were amazing. Both Miss Amber and Sara sang harmonies with the girls unable to contain their proud mother smiles.

Brad Green won the highly coveted poster in the raffles and Noel won the two tickets for next month. Barb won the Australia Day ukulele and promptly told Miss Amber to bend over so she could show her were to stick it. (Barb is over 80 and doesn’t fancy learning I guess).

The 2nd half of the show was more singer songwriter flavoured, perfect for our guests Sara and Mr Ash Bell. Ash is having a break from performing at the moment and it was so great to hear his voice again. See clip of Ash singing Paul Kelly’s ‘They Thought I Was Asleep’. A few people had left by now as it was getting late so it was a very special intimate 30 minutes, finished of by a rockin’ version of  ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ from Jet sang by Sara, who can belt out a rock tune with the best of them. (I love when Sara Rocks out)

There was a lot of learning from the musicians this month and I really appreciate the time and effort that went into recreating all the little details. Brilliant keys from new comer Dan Brown who was the perfect man for the job with the ability to pull authentic synth sounds one minute and beautiful piano solos the next. Thanks To Al Brooker and Jason Caspen for their exceptional rhythm section work. The night was ended with a soulful version of Nick Caves ‘Into My Arms’ with impromptu 4 part harmonies in the last chorus. We were packed up and out of there before 10pm.

See more pics from Lyn McCarthy at Niche pics here

Modern Australian

Riptide – Vance Joy
Cry – The Mavis’s
Lighthouse – The Waifs
Coin Laundry – Lisa Mitchell
Caught In The Crowd – Kate Miller-Heidke
Big Jet Plane – Angus & Julia Stone
Don’t Be Silly – 100 Words
Hoops – The Rubens
To My Table – Mama Kin
Walking on A Dream – Empire Of The Sun

Black Bugs – Regurgitator
I’m Not Coming Back – Husky
Buttons – Sia
Time – Sara Tindley
We Won’t Run – Sarah Blasko
Bowen Station – Ash Bell
They Thought I Was Asleep – Paul Kelly
My Happiness – Powderfinger
Heart Beating – Suzannah Espie
Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
Into My Arms – Nick Cave

Christmas Uke-Tacular 2016

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This was a great irreverent Christmas celebration with a bunch of slightly off  kilter Christmas tunes that had everyone in a great mood and smiling as they left. Not schmaltzy, though some real love and joy in the room… a great way to the year of Uke Mullum and Miss Amber and Stukulele’s Uke Night.

Steve Passfield was excellent as Naughty Santa and a delivered some great guitar and a lot of quick witted humour. The audience were having a great time, particularly Val Hodgson when the band spontaneously launched into ‘Wipe Out’.

The Tinsel Tones were fabulous as ever, this year with Misty Henderson who also nailed Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’. Rosie Eadie did a fine job of her tunes ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ and ‘I saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus’ which has dropped a key every year. Naughty Santa sang about wanting some Lovin’ and Back Doors….

The Poagues ‘Fairytale Of New York’ was a big hit. The little known ‘Sleigh Bell Rock’ was well received also.  A quick ‘Feliz Navidad’ with Rod Co’s grandson Cooper and a wave good bye and that was the 6th Annual Christmas Uke-Tacular.

Check out the pics from Lyn at Niche pix here

November 2016 – The Best Of the 2016

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The Best Of The 2016 Songbooks

 

This was one of the best fun Uke Nights as it was spontaneous and loose though still very musical and entertaining. Traditionally, November is all about looking back on the songbooks we have presented and choosing the favourites. The result was a very eclectic mix. Sharny Russell was roped in at the last minute. She was coming over to do a guest spot though Stu quickly put her to work on keys, at times playing songs she hadn’t heard before. Of course Sharny (sister of Steve Russell) is one of the Austrailia’s most accomplished Jazz pianists and vocalists. What a touch of class. (we are blessed with the most wonderfully talented musicians).

The band were great as usual – Al Brooker on bass, Jason Caspen on Drums and Evan Landers on Guitars. It was so great to have Misty Henderson back with us. She is such a star in the making. The NRUO backed her during ‘Summertime’ and also performed ‘Lullaby Of Birdland’ which was beautifully garnished with Sharny’s piano.

A great highlight was ‘100 Words’, a band consisting of local 12 year old, Mila Stuart-Long, Sam Sanders and Jack Edmonds who played their 3 original songs during the break. We hope to see more of the group next year. Straight after you could have heard a pin drop during Sharny’s version of Carole Kings ‘You Got A Friend’…. simply stunning. Jono Hillman sang a few tunes with us from the British Invasion book of last month and then did a fine John Kay from Steppenwolf in ‘Born To be Wild’.  Val and Erina did a fine ‘She’s Not There’ by the Zombies. We finished the night with Time After Time which Miss Amber always slays especially with the addition of beautiful harmonies from Sharny and Misty.

Val and Barry won the door prize  – free tickets and somehow convinced Stu that a free bottle of wine was part of the prize. Pete Brosnan took home the poster with the winning number 16. Doesn’t get more fortuitous that. Smiles all round for another fun event in Club Mullum with a bunch of new and familiar faces.

July 2016 – Songs Of The Silver Screen

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Songs Of The Silver Screen

What a wonderful night. The cold kept a few away which didn’t dampen Stu’s spirits at all… the important folks were there. The first few tunes went over well and Miss Amber was in fine form and looking gorgeous. Michael Smith from Gold Coast Ukuleles sang The Lion Kings’ – Can you feel the Love Tonight and a cracking version of ‘ Unchained Melody’, next Tone Uke did ‘Singin’ in The Rain’ and smashed out a ripper version of ‘Time Warp’ with Miss Amber and Stu.

Maria won the the A3 poster for the lucky door Prize and the proceedings commenced with a surprise visit from Phil Barron on musical saw… in ‘As Time Goes By’ and ‘Lara’s Theme’ what a special treat! Good friend Jeremy Jacks then auctioned our two large format posters. Lyn McCarthy silenced the bidding with an opening bid of $100 for the first poster which was promptly sold. The next one had a battle between 3 bidders and finally was won by long time supporter Brad Green. Another tune or two then the amazing Leigh Carriage graced the stage. It was the best birthday present I could have given the Uke Night and myself.

Leigh is an alchemist who can heal you with her vocal delivery. I was immersed in a blissful, joyful calm during her renditions of  ‘I Got Rhythm’ , Que’ Sera and ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’. She then finished of the night on stage joining in with harmonies with Miss Amber. Did I mention Steve Russell was playing Keys all night with us. Next level musicianship from the boys in the band. It was very special way to celebrate 5 years and nearly 60 consecutive uke nights. Thanks to all involved: the wonderful duo of Deb on the door and Luis on sound who have been with us all the way, Rod and Rex the Silver Haired Foxes in the rhythm section and all the great folk who continue to support and enjoy our monthly event. YAY for us!

Christmas Uke-Tacular 2015

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Christmas Uke Tacular 2015

Another very smiley and wonderful evening. The set list was the most fun we’ve ever had with a Christmas show with songs like ‘Christmas in Jail’, ‘Trim Your Tree’ and ‘Boogie Woogie Santa Claus’. Daughter Rosie sang her old standard – ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ (wouldn’t be Christmas without it). Right up until the last week I had no idea Clelia Adams and Kathryn Jones were even in town. What a surprise it was to have the Tinsel Tones back together again for their 3 part harmony versions of ‘Christmas Island’ and ‘Mele Kalikimaka’.

We had new comer Lily Loy from the sandwich shop round the corner join us for her first ever time singing on stage. She has an amazing quality to her voice and blew everyone away with her songs.

That Mae Wilde always brings spontaneity, sass and a wicked sense of humour. Her tune – CW Stoneking’s ‘On A Christmas Day’ was magic, followed by a limbo competition (I want to See Santa Do The Mambo) then the seemingly naughty ‘I Know Just What You Want For Christmas’.We love you Mae. Later Ilona Harker joined us on stage as well and boy do we love her.

Highlight of the evening for me was Steve Passfield practically unannounced showed up as Santa handed out chocolates and made my dream come true of launching into a beautiful version of ‘White Christmas’ complete with a very pretty and flawless solo. Rounded up nicely with the punkabilly ‘Sleigh Bell Rock’ which we played twice it was so much fun then Chuck Berry’s ‘Run Rudolph Run’. Big Christmas Thanks to Rod Coe on Bass and Rex Carter on Drums with Deb on the door and Luis Christia on sound.

See Photo Album from Lyn at Niche Pics here

November 2014 The Best Of

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UM_November14_A3

November is now traditionally our time to reminisce over the past 10 months and put together our favourite tunes from the year. The band rocked yet again as we had the ‘A-Team’: Warren Earl on guitar, Al Park on Keys, Rex Carter on Drums and Rod Coe on Bass (‘The Kiwi’s’… It became apparent that nearly one third of the room was from NZ on the night – thanks to Rex turning 60 and inviting his family along). Guest vocalist were Fiona Knight who smashed her tunes and Chris Mallory who may need surgery after taking on the Bee Gees Stayin’ Alive again. Rose Eadie made a special appearance with the Lennon & Maisy song.. A life That’s Good. Val Hodgson delivered another mighty version of White Rabbit. Brad Green sadly couldn’t make it as his lady had to go into hospital. Mac did a fine job of leading Brad’s ode to ‘Randy the Rooster’ done to the tune of ‘Take A Walk on The Wild Side’.

The songs that made the list in order were:

Big Rock Candy Mountain – Harry ‘Haywire’ McClintock
Singin’ The Blues – Marty Robbins
A Kind Of Hush – Hermans Hermits
Bird Dog – Everly Brothers
A Life That’s Goood – Lennon & Maisy
Randy The Rooster – Brad Green
All Of Me – Willie Neslon
Where Did Our Love Go – Supremes
Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad – Meatloaf
Can’t Take My Eyes Of You  – The Four Seasons
White Rabbit – Jefferson Airplane
Stupid Cupid – Connie Francis
I Love The Night Life – Alicia Bridges
Better Be Home – Crowded House
Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
Echo Beach – Martha and the Muffins
Queen of Hearts – Juice Newton
On The Road Again – Willie Nelson
Joy To The World – 3 Dog Night
You Shook Me All Night Long – AC DC
Kiss – Prince

with and encore of Johnny Be Goode – Chuck Berry

Thanks for great sound by Luis Christia, Deb on the door and the staff at the Courthouse Hotel.

Uke Master AJ Leonard

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FRESH FROM A TOUR performing across the USA, internationally recognised ukulele master, AJ Leonard and cellist Jenny Rowlands return for their second East Coast tour of Australia. They will be performing at Mullumbimby Bowling Club – Sunday 2 October, 2pm.

Their recent US tour included performances at the New York Ukulele Festival and the Ukulele Academy of North Carolina. He also performed on the West Coast at Santa Cruz (host to the largest ukulele club in the world) and at San Francisco, before appearing at the Monterey Wine Country Ukulele Retreat.

There, AJ was one of a feature group of well-known tutors and ukulele performers including James Hill, Andy Roberts, Del Ray, Brooke Adams and Gerald Moore.

Equally at home playing Beatles classics as he is with popular 40’s and 50’s ukulele standards, AJ Leonard is well known by ukulele devotees around Australia for his amazing dexterity, finely-crafted arrangements and breezy singing style.

“The renaissance of interest in the ukulele in the USA is amazing, and it’s catching on everywhere,” AJ said.

“The highlight of our recent tour however was a meeting in Honolulu with Roy Sakuma, the legendary teacher and organiser of the world’s longest running ukulele festival at Waikiki.”

At the Bowlo, A.J. Leonard will give a one hour workshop then with Jenny Rowlands – an accomplished and polished performer in her own right – will weave their magic in a not-to-be-missed concert.

Workshop – Strumming The American Soundtrack

From Tin Pan Alley and the Hapa Haole songs of the 20’s and 30’s to the contemporary sound of the 60’s and 70’s: from the classic musicals of the 30’s and 40’s to the modern cinema and TV music, this workshop will take you on a nostalgic journey of discovery.

Many examples will be given to show the enormous diversity of the greatest musical catalogue of the 20th century. You are invited to learn some songs from both ends of the spectrum incorporating unique strumming styles learned from someone who had played in the 1920’s and finger picking techniques that A.J. has developed over 30 years.

ENTRY $25 AT THE DOOR.

Mullum Bowlo is on Jubilee Ave. Mullumbimby (past the pool towards the golf club)