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)