I didn't intend to abandon this blog, it just happened!  That is what all wanna-be bloggers say, right?  Though I will admit I completely forgot about it until I logged in to Google + to figure out how to add a profile photo.  Far too complicated for my own taste.

Anyway, I've haven't been playing much Ukulele lately.  We are about a month away from closing on our first house and that by far has consumed my entire extracurricular time these days.  In addition to that, we have the worst neighbors in the townhouse next to us who are loud and obnoxious and basically make me never want to be in the apartment, let alone upstairs in the office/music room.  In our new house we will make sure we have a place we both can plan anything we want, whenever want.

I dream of a creative space.  One where I can play music, sew, read, write and generally be productive. I don't have that here.  My dining room table while listening to the Tony's to cover up the neighbors bass just isn't cutting it any more.

My creative space will be a light yellow.  A happy color.  bright white trim and wood floors.  I don't know which room it will be yet.  It will be which ever one Brett doesn't take for his office.

Dusting Off the Cobwebs

Hello out there!  Is anyone still here?  It's been a very very long time and I find that my motivation to play Uke is waning.  I really need to find a teacher and fast.  I've kind of lost my way in my musical experience since I stopped taking voice lessons.   I want to play, I want to sing and I would love to write my own songs.  Ambitious, I know.

So I'm putting it out there for everyone to see.  If anyone knows who can teach me a few things on the uke, please let me know!  I can only go so far with YouTube videos and books.  Besides, with YouTube lessons, I don't have the motivation to actually practice because there is no deadline.  Having a teacher will definitely motivate me and encourage me to really try new things.

I've been dying to take a Saturday beginning Ukulele class in New York City but I just haven't been able to justify the expense quit yet.  It would run about $400 for 8 weeks, plus the cost of weekly travel to NYC.  Still thinking about it though because it would be a great experience.

NYC Uke Fest 2011!!!

...Is this thing still on??



Brett and I hopped a train to NYC on Saturday, May 7th to experience our first ever Ukulele Festival!  I do believe it was the best $300 bucks I've spent (tickets and hotel) and it was an eye opening experience.  First of all, to be in the company of so many other ukulele enthusiasts is worth it alone.  To be able to participate in workshops with the performing artists (much like a master class from my old music school days) was worth the price of admission alone.






I learned at least two new chords!! And, learned to visualize breathing in a whole new way, that is remarkably simple.  I got to play a banjo-uke (banjolele).  Brett got to go on stage with a band (I have video proof! and he did awesome).  I've emerged with an entirely new motivation to really learn to master the instrument.  I've discovered new artists and we made a couple new friends!


Khabu and Elena performed for us in the first workshop and led a lively discussion on playing with rhythm and melody.  I think I gained some insight into developing the freedom to play with the music to make it my own.  They also touched on improvising and communicating with other musicians as you are playing with them.

Tripping Lily- An acoustic group from Cape Cod, lead a workshop where they taught the group how to play one of their songs "Getting Good."  They have a very simple style using ukulele, mandolin and base.  But they showed how they add complexity to their songs with harmonies.  This is also where I learned a new favorite chord Gm in not one, but two voicings!  During their set later on that evening, Brett and a couple of the other group members went on stage to play it with them!  They were really very nice people and I hope we get to see them in concert soon.

Victoria Vox also performed and she is one of my newest favorite artists of the last year.  She really puts on a good show and her songs are quirky and fun.  I made sure to pick up a copy of her second song book.

Following the concert we headed back to our cheap hotel completely and utterly exhausted.  But not first without stopping at Columbus Circle at night.








The next day after a nice breakfast at Columbus Circle, we headed to Central Park where we wandered and stopped to sit on a bench and play our ukes.   I played 3 chords, and Brett improvised and we just made stuff up.   This is what I aspire to do all the time when I become proficient enough.  Just sit down anywhere and play my uke, preferably with Brett by my side plucking along with me!








24 hours in NYC felt like a week!  I don't now how that happens.  We hopped on the 11:45 train to Poughkeepsie and were home in time for Mother's Day dinner.  Over all it was one of the better weekends I have had lately by far.  And I am already toying with the idea of going to the Tampa Uke fest in November, or maybe the entire NYC Uke Fest next year (all 3 days!).  I think my little Uke habit is going to get expensive.

Did I mention I want to add a banjolele to my collection?

I am still alive and so is the uke!

I know it's been quiet around here as I haven't posted since December.  Over the last three months I've gone through a love/hate relationship with the uke and all things music.   It may be love/hate, but it's mostly love.  I am still playing and I am still trying to teach my self new things all the time.  My work ethic when it comes to practicing is where I lack the patience for it.

In Ukulele News:  Eddie Vedder is releasing a album called Ukulele Songs in May.  I CANNOT wait!  Here is the single released so far: "Longing to Belong"

My concert uke got new strings last week and is a much happy camper.  The thing won't stay in tune longer than 30 seconds, but I've been told that's normal.  I will be playing one song with Brett as he closes out his 30 minute set at Gaffney's on Wednesday, April 6th.  

So things are still happening.  I'm still playing and will keep on.  

Song in progress...

God Bless Victoria Vox for publishing a song book (vol. 1) of her songs in a simple to understand manner.  I swear this is the reason I keep these ukes around.  She has a song called "Christmas with You" which is super cute and super simple, and I'm determined to learn it by Christmas! Squeaky voice be damned.

Now that I've got the bulk of my Christmas shopping done and shipped, I can finally relax a bit and spend some time practicing.  Maybe this will last into the New Year???

Musical Schizophrenia....

I'm pretty sure that's me.  I sort of taught myself two songs tonight, enough to make my fingers numb.  I don't know what's wrong with me sometimes.  Even so, music makes me sad.