Tag Archives: Stukulele

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

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!

May 2016 – All That Jazz

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All That Jazz _ Thu 26 May

This was the month I promised to do an easy book… then the club tells me it’s ‘Jazz’ month… I could have made the songs easier and in fact I did… the thing is Jazz is a high musical art form and it is not really a beginners night. Strange that it attracted more beginners that we have had in a long time. Any way, with the addition of trumpeter Ben Van-Kleef at the last minute, this was one of the best nights the band has ever had. The Audience enjoyed the music though a lot of folk were finding the chord changes too quick and they weren’t familiar with the names and shapes.

Our young star Misty Henderson was divine, The NRUO were wonderful, specially in ‘Inch Worm’ with our other cool cat guest Jimmy Dowling. Also Patsy Brosnan brought down the house with her original Gypsy Jazz tune. Miss Amber did well. Jazz swing tunes suit her voice wonderfully.

Jimmy Dowling is deadly with a standard and he did a great A capella version of ‘If I only Had A Brain’ from the Wizard of OZ.  Roddy Rod Rod on bass doesn’t mind a jazz tune as does Rex Carter on drums. Great night was had although a few people may have been put of the ukulele  – as really hard instrument. Someone stole my poster so it must have been enjoyed.

 

Brilliant Pics by Lyn McCarthy of Niche Pics

April 2016 – Gone Not Forgotten

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April 2016 Gone Not Forgotten

It’s always great when someone says, “that was the best uke night yet”… (some one always says it.) This Uke Night felt like a big joyful wake, lot’s of warmth and melancholy… less uke playing on many of the songs as the chords were particularly tough this month, though lots of loud singing.

Stu as usual lead the first few tunes and hit a high with Roy Orbisons’ ‘Crying’. It was an extra special night for Miss Amber as it was her Ukulele debut. She did her own version of Amy Winehouse’s ‘You Know I’m No Good’ a great arrangement that was hugely applauded. Members from the N.R.U.O, Madeleine, Jeanti and Terry joined in to play the riff from Nirvana’s ‘Come as You Are’.

This night had the benefit of extra planning time as the concept was originally for March then was moved as our stars Belle Hendrik and John Hill were not available till April. So glad it worked out this way as the set list and charts were fine tuned into what turned out to be a celebration of the great artists who have effected our lives so many ways and now have passed over to the other side. Also, sadly Prince died a week before the show so two of his tunes were added to the set.

John Hill is a consumate performer, singer and piano man and he floored everyone with his version of Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are So Beautiful’ (with the missing 2nd verse) then followed it with the Jamie Cullum inspired version of Jimi Hendix’s ‘The Wind Cried Mary’.

Special surprise guest was the unpredictable maverick Phil Frea. He was very entertaining with his lyrical adaptation of ‘New York New York’ – ‘Newtown Newtown’.  Even the mixed up verse somehow made it even funnier. He then dedicated his next tune to his 6 year old Daughter – ‘I’m Gonna Sit right down and write myself a letter’ with bv’s from Belle and Miss Amber.

Stu lead the Elvis Medley with more BV’s from the gals and it was time for the break with raffle and lucky door prize.

Belle Hendrick is a force of nature. Her versions of Nina Simone’s  ‘Feeling Good’, Edith Piaff’s ‘Non Je Ne Regrette Rien’ and ‘Kozmic Blues’ by Janis Joplin were jaw dropping…. then she belted out AC DC’s Highway To Hell with a version that would have had Bon Scott scared. After John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ the cast fare welled Prince one more time with Purple Rain. There were more than one standing ovation during the night.

Rod Coe on electric Bass and Rex Carter on drums were the incredible as usual, thanks to Luis for gtreat souns and Deb on the Door and the club for having us. Fiona Knight who is still battling cancer came along on the night. Margaret Bell escorted her and it was so great to see them both there.

See All Lyn McCarthy’s pics from the night here (thanks again Lyn)

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.

October 2015 – Stones Night

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This was the third show at out new home in The Ex-Services club. I was worried sick that no one was going to show up. The publicity had a hitch and it was a rainy night. Just as we were to go on stage, the room started filling up and bang… It was a superb evening. The band was cookin’ – a real nice rockin’ sound.

Miss Amber sang well and really enjoyed herself, I think partly because Maria Stratton was back on violin, percussion and BV’s, the pair were like naughty school girls. Our guest vocalists Pete C and Jerry Chambers were just perfect for the evening. Just the right attitude and tattoos. Al Brooker was the man for the job on bass and Rex Carter on drums made a fine Charlie Watts.

Much kudos and respect to Evan Sun who had all the right guitar tones and the licks and solos worked out brilliantly. Went off without a hitch. Some mighty cheers from the crowd and the participation was excellent, with great choir work. Erina Leech got up again for the second consecutive uke night and sang a wonderful version of “As Tears Go By”. Great sound from Luis.

Much gratitude to all who helped including Deb on the door, Luke from the club and Cristine Sharrat. Sista Mary remarked at the end of the evening, Uke Mullum has now made the club it’s home. Could not be happier with how the night went.

Stones

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.

June 2015 – Name Your Poison

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I must have bogarted the joint a little too much last night. I forgot to thank everyone at the end of the 2nd set, which is the best part. Massive thanks to special guests Clelia Adams, Ash Bell and Parissa Bouass who were all fantastic. (Miss Amber and I aspire to be great singers like these guys one day)… Thanks to The Courthouse and the restaurant and thanks to Luis Christia for excellent sound and Deb on the door. Congrats to Donald who took out the raffle (free entry and free meals for two next month + a bottle of wine) and to Erina who won the framed poster (2nd time in a row). Thanks to Lyn from Niche Pics who got to take a few pics before her camera malfunctioned. Rod and Rex the silver haired rhythm section were amazing as usual and special thanks to Rex for charting out the entire drum part for Cheap Wine. (that’s dedication). Although the numbers were down compared to the rest of the year, it was a fun and entertaining evening and we had some new happy faces in the crowd. Mostly, thanks to all of you who made it and joined in the fun. See you next month for our 4th Birthday.

 

May 2015 – Swing That Thing

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Swing That Thing – May Uke Night

I had 2 weeks to put this set together, even though it was a dream that began over 18 months earlier at a soiree at Louis’ place. Belle and I and friend Kellie Knight were sitting around playin’ a few tunes… (in fact the cops came and closed us down… 3 singers and ukulele…) Finally everyone was in the right place at the right time (except for Kellie) to tackle some Andrew Sisters. So we put a swing theme around the main three tunes. When our first choice of singer wasn’t available we had to quickly find a replacement. So there I was a 7 am at the IGA deli asking if Alma would like to join us… we were rehearsing that day at lunch. Luckily she was available and the three ‘Andrew Sisters’ came together and worked very hard to tighten up their harmonies and phrasing. It paid off because it was such a great highlight to the evening. We weren’t sure what we could do to follow the Beatles night and this book was very well received. Mick Buckley is just perfect in his swinging hep cat role and daughters Sarah-Grace and Molly were wonderful doing thier rendition of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

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See Pics from Niche Pictures right here.