Tag Archives: Courthouse Hotel

March 2016 – Intimate Requests

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Originally the plan was to have the month off as Stu had an operation on his nose and was advised he’d need time to recover. One week later and Stu was feeling fine and completely bored so ‘Intimate Requests’ was the order of the day.

Since moving to the Ex-Services, comments had been made that UKE NIGHT was not as intimate as it used to be back in the Courthouse Hotel. So the band set up on the floor at the front of the stage and used a smaller vocal PA. The Ukers could hear themselves, like the Tumbulgum Uke Nights of old.

We also put the entire Uke Mullum song list online for the month so people could request their favourite songs, and if they chose, could lead them. Stu also did up 5 new charts for songs that were not in the list of nearly 1000 tunes. Neil McInnes, Graham Richardson, Erina Leech, Bettina and Melissa (The Moyle Sisters), Tone Uke, Almer Asha and Val Hodgson got up and slayed ’em. All very different moods and styles with great performances all round and cheered on by the supportive crowd.

The Band Comprised Mr Rod Coe on Double Bass, Warren Earl on guitar and Steel, Evan Sun on Mandolin and Guitar and percussion. We also had Clelia Adams smashing 5 tunes and a visit from Kathryn Jones plus our UKE NIGHT darling Misty Henderson (with Young Safron) who at the time of writing this is headed to Italy as part of the Mullum high school exchange program.

Thanks to all who came along, Deb on the Door and a special thanks to Luke from the Mullum Ex-Services Club who helped out with the TV monitor. It was a great format and will definitely be happening again.

July 2015 – Uke Mullum Turns 4

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It was our 4th Birthday and also the last UKE NIGHT at The Courthouse Hotel after 4 years and 47 almost consecutive uke nights. We did it with TV Themes… with many memorable highlights, most of all, the theme from Laverne and Shirley with 3 Little Sisters who have all grown up. Cecilia Brandolini is now an accomplished singing star and still in year 12. Such a thrill to have the girls along… real talent is such a tangible and wondrous thing to behold.

Then there was of course Azo Bell… a master ukulelist and musician who enthralled everyone with his brief set. Some of the happy throng would prefer to be playing along of course though wasn’t not really an option. The N.R.U.O. acquitted themselves with aplomb and no music to be seen… (makes a certain Stu very proud). Glenn Campbell from the Raise The Roof Gospel Choir rose to the challenge and did a particularly good version of the theme from America’s Greatest Hero – ‘Believe It Or Not’.

Great crowd, great night with Rex Carter on drums charting his parts for 4 of the tunes. Massive effort also from Rod Coe also especially in the N.R.U.O’s TV mash up which is not for the lighthearted. Thanks as always to Luis Christia on sound and Deb on the door.

Big thanks to Laurie and Craig and all the staff from The Courthouse and Pete and staff from the Restaurant. We will always look back fondly at our time in the pub. Who knows we may come crawling back with our legs between our tails. Most of all thanks to you the ukers and Uke Night supporters who showed up and made the night so memorable just by coming together in song.

See pics from the night thanks to Lyn at Niche Picture here.

Soul Motown Disco October 2014

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I know it’s hard to believe… every night we have done this year has been better than the last. They have all been amazing though last night was so big on energy and the performances were stunning It’s going to be hard to top.

Great work to Val and Brad for leading us in Stand By Me and Mustang Sally respectively… Brad found his mojo very early into song and cherished being backed by such a great sounding band.

Special guests Soulman O’Gaia who always raises the roof was out-fro’d by Miss Amber though no one can can outshine this great performers bright soul. We are so blessed to have such talent in our home town. Fiona Dell is a great singer as is Fiona Knight, completely different styles and yet bring them together with Miss Amber and you have a whole lotta magic sista harmony action. Eyes were sparkling!

Big thanks to Chris Mallory who popped up for falsetto duties on Stayin’ Alive and nailed it… the song and the look. Al Park (Sir Cliff Richard’s M.D.) graced the stage with his oh so wonderful keyboards. What a gem of a man and to have the ‘glue’ of organ piano and even marimba and horns made for some sweet sounds. Al commented that he loved playing at the volume the uke night band do. You’re welcome back anytime Mr. Park.

Together Rex Carter on Drums and Rod Coe on bass are an unbeatable rhythm section… there was beautiful solid grooves from woe to go. Thanks to Luis for great sound as usual and the lovely Deb on the door. Big thanks to The Courthouse Hotel for hosting the event every month and for donating a lovely bottle of organic red wine for the raffle.

Most of all thanks to the fans in the audience who turned up in droves… all our old friends and lots of new faces. It would mean nothing without you and we love you for all your support.