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The Strum Shop Newsletter
V OL. 1 ISSUE 3
THE INDIGO ISSUE – “SOMETHING BLUE”
M ARCH 2014
Which Roseville Ukulele Store provides more entertainment than The Strum Shop? Join us in March for two worldrenowned performers – Danielle Anderson and Lil’ Rev. But wait, there’s more – Check out our March Calendar, another
True Life Story, Dani Joy’s Ukulele Ohana and Jion’s Product Reviews – THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT!! Meet a few
more Ukesters in Beyond the Uke and check out a new Song of the Month thanks to Leonard JK. We hear from more of
our Ukes for Schools Uke Clubs. Step into something big in Stu’s World. Oh Boy - this is the best March Issue ever!
Concerts You
Do Not Want
to Miss!!
Danielle Ate The Sandwich
Lil’ Rev Returns with Reverance
Danielle Ate the Sandwich is the stage
name of nationally-recognized independent folk
musician and songwriter Danielle Anderson.
For a fourth straight year, Lil’ Rev returns to
The Strum Shop for a workshop and concert on
Thursday, March 13th. Tickets for Rev’s workshop
and concert are just $20. Such a Deal!
Let’s welcome Danielle to her inaugural
visit at The Strum Shop. Her first-ever concert in
Roseville is Sunday, March 2nd at 4:00 PM. Tickets
are just $10 and they will sell quickly. Get yours
now.
The Denver Post says, "Danielle Anderson
is a tender singer-songwriter, a brazen humorist, a
fearless young woman. Performing as Danielle Ate
the Sandwich, Anderson wields a ukulele, a guitar
and her own words to tell
stories about people." I think
we will agree!!
The Strum Shop
Well known for his ukulele and harmonica
stylings, Lil’ Rev is also an award-winning and
seasoned multi-instrumentalist equally adept at old
time banjo, flat-pick guitar and blues mandolin. His
music is infused with a strong sense of humility
for the common man.
Join us in re-welcoming Lil Rev for more
of his unique story-telling, finger-picking technique
and songs from eras of yore. Always a Treat!
www.thestrumshop.com
More info on Page 5
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The Strum Shop Newsletter - March 2014
Request from the Editor – What’s Your Uke Story?
I’m going to sneak into this area (our monthly calendar page) with a QUESTION for our readers:
What is YOUR Uke Story?
Last month, I reconnected with a longtime member of Uke University, Tom McClelland. Tom is one of
the first people I ever met when I began playing the ukulele a few years ago. At that time, Uke
University members met at McClelland AFB once a month on Friday night. Arthur Hopkins and
others would lead us in song and good fun. On my first visit to one of these events, it was by
happenstance that I sat next to Tom. He was a kindly chap; he shared his music book with me (as good Ukesters do) and
made me feel welcome to the group. Uke U also met at Northridge Music once a month. I would see Tom and his chum
Keith Dumas at the Uke U meetings. They were always kind and ever welcoming. I was feeling my way around the club,
not quite certain where (…or how… or if…) I might fit in so I always appreciated seeing their familiar faces.
During this past year, I had not seen Tom at all. It might have been my schedule; it may have been his schedule… I just
knew that I had not seen him for a while. At a recent Open Strum, I thought I saw him in the back of the room on a
Saturday morning. He stayed only for a couple of songs and then he was gone. Later that day, I sent Tom an email
asking if he had graced us with his presence. Indeed, it was he. I was happy to hear from him again.
Tom mentioned that he had read our first newsletter and, if I were interested, he would be glad to contribute an article
from his personal memoir – his very own true story of “How the Ukulele Changed My Life”. If you read his story in our
last issue, you may recall that Tom used the Ukulele as a topic for a speech class in college. His demonstrative oration
was a great success with his teacher and classmates. The Ukulele cracked his shell of introversion and helped to shape
him into the fine man that he is today.
When Tom offered to share his story, I thought “This will be nice … We’ll get a perspective on the ukulele from somebody
in our community who has been playing for a while. It will be a nice one-page article in our newsletter”. As
Tom mentioned this would be a story from his memoir; I hoped that his story would fit onto just one page
and that I would not need to act as the banshee editor and hack the heck out of it. As it worked out, the
story was perfect – it was engaging, to the point, it had a beginning, middle and end, AND it fit onto one
page. The story was true - The ukulele had, indeed, changed his life. Perfect!
As I read Tom’s story, I related to many parts of it. I appreciated that it was his true story. I loved the title “How the
Ukulele Changed My Life”. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that the ukulele had changed my life
as well. And, as I thought about my uke friends, both at The Strum Shop, in our clubs and meetings, as well as the other
Ukesters I have met and played with in my travels, I realized that the Ukulele had changed many of their lives as well.
Tom’s story was not just Tom’s story – but a story that many Ukesters could surely tell.
So, where am I going with this? I intend to keep “True Stories – How the Ukulele Changed My
Life” as one of our regular featured articles. I think many of you would be willing to share a story
about the effect the ukulele has had on you. What’s yours? Are you a teacher and you share your
passion for the Jumping Flea with students in your class? Did you give up a career in a completely different
field to build Ukuleles? Do you aspire to be a performer or song writer and the ukulele is your vehicle to stardom? Do
you play the ukulele every day for fun and excitement and to bring joy into your life? … What’s your story?
So, I’m asking - Please share your story with us. Keep it simple - tell us what you were like before, what happened, and
what you are like now. Maybe you have a picture or two (Stu loves pictures). I would like to publish your story in a future
issue. Currently, our newsletter reaches over 1200 readers each month (I hope I can call them all “readers”). Drop me a
line and let me know your “How the Ukulele Changed My Life” story. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this month’s
tale. I’ll share mine in the coming months. I can’t wait to read yours!
Budd S.
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
The Strum Shop Newsletter – March 2014
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True Story – “How the Ukulele Changed My Life”
Arthur Hopkins
To tell my story, it is necessary to know a few
other stories as well, the first being my father’s. In
2004, my Dad was diagnosed with lymphoma and
it looked like the end of life was immanent. My
sister was in the Army during this time and was
stationed in Mililani, Hawaii on the island of Oahu.
After going through his grueling chemo and
radiation treatments, Dad was invited by my sister
to come out to the islands to relax and recover. To
give him something to do in the empty house all
day she, naturally, bought a ukulele... I mean it IS
Hawaii after all, and it seemed like a good idea to
occupy his thoughts during his recovery.
You probably already guessed it, but my Dad became HOOKED. I was living in
Southern California to be closer to him and help him during his bout with cancer.
When he comes back from Hawaii he was CRAZY about this ukulele thing. You
have to understand that when Dad likes something a lot, he makes it his mission for
everyone around him to like it a lot too. So, here I find myself the new owner of this
silly little instrument that Dad put in my hands. And then, one day, he takes me to this
little furniture store in Huntington Beach where a bunch of folks are sitting around
and playing the Ukulele!
I was amused but also amazed at what this little instrument could do. We sat around
and played a bunch of old tunes (ones that I previously could care less about) and I
found myself having a blast! “Geez, this thing is pretty fun”, I thought, “And easy!
Hey! I can even play Led Zeppelin, and it’s not so bad! This is Cool!”
So I became hooked as well. However, my fascination quickly went deeper than just
having fun making music. I watched my father light up with happiness at the
prospect of learning to make music. I had never seen him get so excited over a hobby
before. He was enthralled with the ukulele, so much so that, you might say, he
“forgot” about being sick. A new social network of other ukulele players grew in his
life, adding to his growing happiness and health.
Inside
Request from
The Editor ............. 2
True Story - “How
the Uke Changed my
Life” ..................... 3
Performer Bios ..... 5
Local Concerts ...... 6
Dani Joy ................ 7
Jion’s Corner......... 8
Uke Club Corner.... 9
Beyond the
Uke ............12 & 13
Stu’s World ......... 14
Song
O’ the Month – .... 16
Bon Voyage ......... 17
CBG Nation ........ 18
Market Place ....... 19
Calendar.............. 21
From the Editor .. 22
Now, we have all heard of the power of prayer, or positive thinking, or positive
visualization, and other terms that all mean “don’t worry, be happy, and you will get
better”. My father’s cancer has been in remission now for nine years (and counting) and I attribute his health
and well-being to the positive influence that the ukulele brought into his life. I found myself experiencing that
same joy – stress disappears when I make music with other people. Plain and simple! When I observed other
folks playing, I could see the same joyful zealousness for the uke all around! This is amazing!
That was my introduction to the Uke. And since then it has taken over my life! In 2009, I moved to
Sacramento to housesit for a couple of years. As I did not immediately find a ukulele group to play with when
The Strum Shop
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Dad came to visit, I just started one! Little did I know that Stu Herreid
was starting a “Ukulele University” on the other side of town! It
wasn’t long before Stu and I joined forces at Northridge Music and
watched as the ukulele club exploded exponentially! What a great
time we had and as you know, Uke U is still going stronger than ever.
In 2011, I moved back to Southern California again but quickly formed
another jam session at the same place that used to be a furniture
store but was now strictly a ukulele store! That former furniture store
is now called The Island Bazaar.
But - here is the thing: Most of my life, I worked in Assisted Living
Communities or Rehabilitation Hospitals and was very involved with
the patients and residents. Whether people were suffering physically
or emotionally, it was my pleasure to try to bring a ray of light to their
life. I am not a stellar player by any means, but I can certainly teach what I know, so I responded to the
requests of people and started giving private lessons and workshops. I started working at the Island Bazaar to
help out, and before I knew it I was STEEPED in the ukulele scene!
You get to know people after leading ukulele groups for a while. And time after time, I would hear them tell me
how this ukulele thing was helping them through times of great pain and suffering. Whether young or old,
regardless of their different scenarios of discomfort – there was a common denominator of HEALING that
these folks were receiving via the ukulele. This really fascinates me. I have personally struggled with head
injury side effects and damage from decades of drug addiction. I can say with ABSOLUTE CONVICTION that
making music has a unique calming and healing quality that does, in fact, make us better. It makes us happy.
And when we are happy, we are able to heal.
WHATEVER it might be - depression, divorce, stroke, Alzheimer's, physical or mental disability – when I lead
groups, not a week goes by that I don’t hear a comment or full-blown testimony on how the ukulele is
SAVING lives by the happiness that it brings to those who play or listen.
I believe that what we are experiencing is called “MUSICA HUMANA”. So, as of this year, I am teaching
ukulele classes at senior centers, universities, living rooms, or wherever I can. My friends and I have organized
an NPO (non-profit organization) to get ukes in the hands of our soldiers, our students, our seniors, and
other folks all around the world, with the sole intention of bringing the healing happiness of the ukulele to
their lives. Bigger and better events are on the horizon all the time, and I will follow this calling for as long as it
lasts in order to improve the lives of others. It has certainly made a huge difference in my life, in a personal
healing way AND by bringing hundreds of beautiful, wonderful people into my life. All of this contributes to me
being a better person.
Some fundamentals for health and well-being will never change. Diet and exercise, we know, are essential
for optimum health, but I also suggest ANOTHER cornerstone of health and happiness: the Ukulele.
Arthur Hopkins is a Human Being and a Human Doing and a co founder of Ukulele University! His home base is
Huntington Beach, CA. Arthur teaches and facilitates Musica Humana where ever he goes. Thanks for sharing your
story with us, Arthur! Many of us would not be here if it weren’t for you!
The Strum Shop
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Lil’ Rev
Lil’ Rev grew up in Milwaukee, WI where he still resides today. Growing up in the
shadows of American Motors Corp, Briggs N Stratton, and A.O. Smith, he was inspired
by the sights and sounds of an industrial powerhouse in flux. His musical influences
include Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Josh White, Sonny Terry, Cisco Houston,
and Leadbelly
He tours the East each fall and the South and West in the winter months, while also flying around
North America to teach and perform at Ukulele Festivals.
If you're looking to book Lil Rev, he performs for kids, seniors, veterans,
developmentally disabled and anyone who is willing to listen! Rev has over 24
years of music experience, working throughout the community, uplifting,
empowering and entertaining all.
More info at: http://www.lilrev.com/
Contact Lil’ Rev at lilrev@lilrev.com
Danielle Ate the Sandwich
Danielle Anderson has shared the stage and collaborated with acts such as
Pomplamoose, Lauren O’Connell, Leo Kottke and Mumford & Sons. Beginning her
career at small shows and open mic nights in Fort Collins, Colorado, Danielle has toured
nationally since 2009, playing for a loyal fan base of online followers. Her videos on
YouTube have gained millions of combined views and have given Danielle the
opportunity to write and play music full time.
Danielle Ate the Sandwich has recorded four independent albums. Her 2010 release, Two Bedroom
Apartment, reached number 5 on iTunes’ top selling singer/songwriter charts. In June 2012, she
released a new, full-length, studio album, Like A King. Danielle is currently based in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Her musical influences as a songwriter are Paul Simon and Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab
for Cutie), as well as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
More information, musings and music at: http://www.danielleatethesandwich.net/
The Strum Shop
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Local Concert – World Audience
Forrest Reed
LadySmith Black Mambazo – A Benefit for Bridget’s Dream
Hi Bud,
I would like to announce an upcoming event that I encourage you to attend and
support by sharing this with your family and friends. Scott of SBL and I are
collaborating to help this important organization that is doing such good work
in our community. Thanks.
Warmest regards, Forrest
The three-time Grammy Award winning a cappella group Ladysmith
Black Mambazo will perform a benefit concert on March 5 at the Crest
Theatre, 1013 K Street. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Their performance
will benefit the nonprofit Bridget's Dream that is battling sex trafficking
in Sacramento. The South African male choral group, prominently
featured on Paul Simon’s hit album “Graceland,” will
perform selections from their recent Grammy winning Best World Music
album, “Live: Singing For Peace Around The World”. This was their
fourth Grammy and the CD is dedicated to Nelson Mandela and his
message of peace.
Tickets for the benefit concert are on sale at Tickets.com for $30/$35/$45.
More information on Bridget’s Dream is available at: www.bridgetsdream.org.
Local Concert – Hawaiin Country Folk
Carla Fontanilla
Kua’aina and BraiZin Hussy – March 22 at The Strum Shop
Kua'aina, or “country folk” in Hawaiian, got its start in Elk Grove
when Hawaii-born locals began a Friday night “kanikapila” at the
now-closed and fondly remembered Hawaiian Style Grill. With a
great mutual love for contemporary and traditional Island-style music,
Jody Andagan, Greg Cablayan, Dennis Hanakeawe and Carla
Fontanilla formed Kua’aina.
Besides entertaining for private and public audiences, Kua’aina
hosted Hawaiian Style Grill’s twice-a-year parking lot celebrations.
Music lovers were treated to songs and dances performed by area
ukulele clubs, Polynesian dance studios and Hawaiian Hula halau
(schools).
Opening for Kua’aina is BraiZin Hussy (the band still popularly known as SuBoCa) with an eclectic mix of alt
rock, folk, bayou and Appalachian country, Hawaiian, blues and swing originals and covers.
For bookings and information, contact: Carla (916)769-7208
Facebook: Kua'aina or Kua’aina Sac
The Strum Shop
Email: thekuaainaband@gmail.com
916.787.8786
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My Ukulele Ohana
Dani Joy
How much should you practice?
…If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me this I'd be playing a
KoAloha by now!
It is a question we all ask and the answer is different for everybody. If
learning to play the ukulele is important to you then maybe the better
question is How can I organize my day to include practice? No one
decides how to manage your time but you. If you have some strange
ideas (like I used to) about what you should or shouldn't add to your daily
routine, then it's time to rethink a few things. The first thing to remember is
If it makes you happy, it's worth spending time on.
I had a student confess to me that she only recently felt guilt free in her
ukulele practice. She said "I used to think if it was something I enjoyed
I didn't deserve to waste my time on it." This just broke my heart, not
just for her but for myself because I could relate.
IF YOU TRUELY ENJOY SOMETHING, YOU DESERVE TO SPEND TIME DOING IT!
Q: How much should you practice?
A: On a regular basis
Tip #1: Out of sight, out of mind! If your ukulele is hidden away in a case then there it will remain. Pick up a
ukulele wall mount at The Strum Shop and put one in the living room within arms reach of your favorite spot
at home. Put one next to your bed. Shoot, I've even heard of bathroom wall ukulele hangings!
Tip #2: Have the ukulele in your hands as often as possible, even if you’re not “practicing”. Another student
of mine has been enjoying our California sunshine lately. He laughingly told me he took his uke outside with a
beer and then fell asleep with the uke in his hands. Right on! Although a 30-minute focused practice session
is great and necessary, sometimes you just want to feel the strings on your finger tips. Mess around and
experiment with sounds. PLAY!!!
Tip #3: Make sure your Uke is in tune! Our ears are finely trained to appreciate harmony, and trained to shy
away from disharmony. If you “think” you’re in tune, use a tuner and make sure. Your conscience mind may not
recognize the slight dissonance of notes, but I promise your inner ear will! And your ear will convince you to
put your uke away if it doesn’t like the sounds it is hearing.
Get creative! You're a musician now! Pick up your Uke as often as you can!
Dani Joy
Dani Joy is a Performance Artist and Ukulele instructor at The Strum Shop. Contact Dani for group or private ukulele lessons.
Contact Dani at DaniJoy@theStrumShop.com or visit her on the Web at: www.DaniUkulele.com
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
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Jion’s Corner - Product Review
Jion Jugo
The Bill Tapia Tenor Ukulele
Aloha everyone! This month I’ll share with you the
magic and renowned sound of the
Bill Tapia ukulele. If you are not aware of Bill
Tapia, please go to “Google” or even “Wikipedia”
and type in “Bill Tapia” (great info at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Tapia).
The amount of information will be enough to let you know who this fine man
was. ‘Uncle Bill” (also known as “Tappy”) was the oldest-living ukulele player
until he passed in 2011 at the age of 103. He played the ukulele for more than
95 years. Bill was highly known for his flamboyance and masterful ukulele
playing (www.billtapiaukuleles.com). His style of dress, choice of automobiles,
and instruments really showed who Bill was.
Here at The Strum Shop we carry the Bill Tapia brand tenor sized ukuleles. The look of these ukuleles are
gorgeous. With shiny “Bill Tapia red” coloring for the body, this ukulele will be an eye opener. Another
wonderful aspect of this ukulele is the tortoise shell around the sound hole and binding. With this combination
of looks, this ukulele truly represented Mr. Tapia during his times of performance.
I recently played a Bill Tapia Tenor Ukulele and was very
satisfied with the build as well as sound that came out of this
instrument. A solid spruce top is the wood that makes this ukulele
heard. With laminate mahogany back and sides. this wood provides
a warm tone that will compliment the bright and punchy sound of
the solid spruce top. This ukulele comes with gold tuners that are
sure to catch the eye and a polished bridge that will complete the
look of an elegant ukulele. One aspect of this ukulele that I
personally enjoy is the “action” of the strings. Action is the space
between the strings and fret board. From bar chords to notes
beyond the tenth fret, I felt that there was no challenge for me to play
this ukulele. With this ukulele having “low action”, I would
consider this ukulele to be a perfect ukulele for a beginner all the
way to a professional player.
Bill Tapia –
The Duke of Uke
We have a very limited quantity of the Bill Tapia ukuleles on
hand. Once these ukuleles are hung on the wall, they leave the store quickly. With the ukulele coming with a
hard foam case that has a beautiful Bill Tapia logo on it, I could see why these go so fast! I’ve also provided a
sound sample video on this ukulele, check out the link below! So come on by The Strum Shop, say hello and
check out for yourself why Bill Tapia was known as the “Duke of Uke”.
Jion Jugo is a gifted musician and fan of the Ukulele. Hear Jion review and play the Bill Tapia Tenor
Sound Sample Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuIXd74wknY&list=UUSqukIn3JzaKJFrhqXApGvg&feature=share
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
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Uke Club Corner
We dedicate these pages to our Ukes for Schools clubs
It was my pleasure to visit and play with the Pershing Uke Ratz last month. This group is
lead by Jeff Armstrong, also known at school as “The Art Dude”. The Uke Ratz are a
combination of first and second-year players. Read this excellent first-hand account from a
charming young player, Elizabeth. Now she is a Published Author!! ~ Editor
Pershing Uke Ratz
Orangevale, CA
How The Ukulele Changed My Life
By Elizabeth Maggie Estela McCoy
Student and Ukulele Player
The way the ukulele changed my life is it made me respect music in a
different way. What really affected me most was the music of IZ. When I
heard his version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I was amazed. It
made me want to learn to play the ukulele.
When I joined the Uke Ratz at my school, I thought I would never be able
to learn to play since it hurt my fingers the first time. But my fingers got
stronger and I found that I could just flow with the music. Playing with
other people is lots of fun because you can hear the different types of
ukes all around, tenors,
sopranos and different
styles. And I love that
sound.
It surprised me when my dad bought me my ukulele because
I thought he wanted me to play guitar. He said that he thought
the uke would be a good kick off instrument for me
because my hands are smaller and it sounds cool in a unique
way. When my friend Anthony, who does pin striping for
motorcycles and cars, pinstriped my ukulele it was
indescribably awesome. Now I have the coolest uke around.
If you are afraid of playing a ukulele, don’t be. Take it from me - I’m a ten-year-old girl who thought she would
never be able to play uke and now I know tons of songs and love playing it. That is how the ukulele changed
my life.
Editor’s Note: Thanks for contributing to our newsletter, Elizabeth. You are an inspiration to new Uke players (of
all ages). Also I was very impressed with the detailing on your Ukulele when I saw it. It is a one of a kind! I hope
our readers enjoy the detail and, perhaps, become inspired by your ukulele!
The Strum Shop
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Uke For Schools Uke Club Members
The Strum Shop
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Open Mic at Ginger’s Restaurant
Take your performance skills to the next level and
come by Ginger’s Restaurant in Roseville (corner of North
Sunrise and E. Roseville Parkway) on Monday nights
between 7 and 9 PM.
Sign up to play or just come and listen to some great
music. Hang out with your friends or bust out of your shell
with your best solo, duo or trio performance. Bring your
acoustic guitar or ukulele and sign-up to perform a song or
two. We’ve had Father & Daughter, Siblings (don’t miss
The College Fund Street Band), friends and solo acts play
in a positive and supportive environment. Stu and Dani host
the weekly event.
Ginger’s Restaurant serves good food including full
dinner as well as appetizers and drinks until 9:00 PM and
then they kick us out.
Reno Ukulele Festival 2014
Premium Workshop Passes for our 6th Annual Festival are gone, but there will still be much to do and see
in our free areas so come anyway!
Enjoy entertainment and mini lessons from our festival stage and open mic performances from our
marketplace stage!
Shop our large marketplace
with over 20 ukulele vendors,
clothing & more!
CONCERT TICKETS MAY
STILL BE AVAILABLE!
April 25
Leftover Cuties &
Heidi Swedberg
April 26
Daniel Ho & Gerald Ross
Call 800-648-1177
For Info
The Strum Shop
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Beyond the Ukulele
Hi all!
Kathy Mitchell
I’ll be looking for you at our weekly practices; if you have time after the practice I’d like to
interview you and find out about you “Beyond The Uke”. One of these days I’ll be tapping you on
the shoulder…no one can escape! This month get to know Sue Blair and Dave Wilkinson. Love
can bloom anywhere, especially in the land of ukuleles…. You have been forewarned! ~ Kathy
MEET SUE BLAIR
Sue was born and grew up in Sacramento and
graduated from Encina High School.
For over 19 years Sue worked as a scenic artist
who, working alongside set directors, created scenes
for movies, commercials and theater companies,
among them the Sacramento Theatre Company.
Sue has two sons and a 12 year old granddaughter,
Maggie, who received a ukulele for Christmas.
Sue sews period costumes for Renaissance Fairs and has
volunteered as a docent for Fort Sutter historical special events.
She also made a shirt for her other half Dave (see next profile)
for Christmas.
Sue began playing guitar in the 7th grade and learned to play the
drums in junior high. She has been playing the ukulele for
about three years and owns 9-10 ukes. Her favorite was a Kamoa tenor uke, until she was recently seduced
and became the proud owner of a new KoAloha Tenor ukulele. In addition to the ukulele, Sue also plays other
percussion instruments including the cajone, which is a type of beat box. She can be heard on Saturday
mornings helping the rest of us keep the beat during practice. At home, Sue plays the ukulele and enjoys
jamming with other musicians.
Sue played with the River City Ukes when it started out at Northridge Music and then followed Stu to The
Strum Shop. She describes RCU as family and says “my best friends are in RCU.” Sue also regularly plays
with the San Francisco Ukulele Rebellion and developed a close friendship with Dave Wilkinson as they
traveled back and forth to
San Francisco.
The Strum Shop
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Beyond the Ukulele
Kathy Mitchell
MEET DAVE WILKINSON
Born and raised in Sacramento, Dave is the son of a native Sacramentan,
and the oldest of seven siblings, most of who still live in the area. Dave
graduated from Encina High but never crossed paths with Sue Blair. After
he graduated, Sue came in as a freshman the following year.
Dave is an industrial maintenance engineer with Bimbo Bakery located in
Oak Park. He is responsible for keeping the equipment in good working
order so that the bread and all the other goodies Bimbo makes keep
rolling off the assembly line.
Dave has played the guitar for 30 years. He lost some of his guitars after
a fire swept through the apartment complex in which he was living.
However, as every dark cloud has that proverbial silver lining Dave, soon
after, purchased his first ukulele - and was bitten by the Ukulele
Acquisition Syndrome (UAS), an international disease for which there is no known cure. Dave currently owns
8-9 ukuleles (actually rather a lightweight number for someone with UAS) and his green Kamoa tenor uke is
his “go to” uke. Recently Dave acquired a brand new soprano Dominator ukulele. It’s the first uke the
Dominator has offered in a retail setting and it lasted all of one day on the Strum Shop’s wall o’ ukes. So
watch out beautiful green Kamoa, you may be getting replaced but not forgotten.
Dave likes the social aspect of the ukulele and notes, “it’s not an instrument that you play alone”. He travels
and plays with the SF Ukulele Rebellion (with Sue) as well as The Sons of the Beach in Santa Cruz. He and
Sue are planning a trip to Hawaii in August with an eye to acquiring another uke.
What Dave likes best about RCU is the work they are doing for Ukes for
Schools. He also likes performing and sharing the ukulele with
others. Although Dave doesn’t sing yet (he’s concentrating on the playing
part) he’s working on that aspect of performing and hopes to sing and
play some day.
How can we get to know you better? How were you
introduced to the Ukulele? What other instruments do you
play? What other neat things can we know about you?
Share your story. Kathy Mitchell is a River City Ukester
and Quilter. Kathy can be reached at
tobyquilts@sbcglobal.net
The Strum Shop
So Happy Together - Dave & Sue
916.787.8786
14
Stu’s World
Stu Herreid
Beginning TAB – The Pink Panther
This month we start a new “Tablature Of The Month” feature.
There are literally 1,000’s of useful, fun and easy tab’s available out there on
the internet, and I’ve made a “career” out of finding tab’s that I can learn to
play and teach to my students.
The first thing you have to do (in measures 1, 5 and 8) is use your first finger
on the C string (3rd string) to slide from the first fret to the 2nd fret, then use
your 2nd finger on fret 3, and end up with your 3rd finger on the 4th fret. That
sets you up for an Em chord, which is strummed all at once . After that, just
play it out like it’s written, it’s really just that simple!
I’ll be bringing a one page simple tab each month with the intent of helping
you to improve your playing abilities and give you some songs that can really
make you shine.
You in?
Stu
Stu Herreid is an ultra handsome man who has been involved with music his entire life. As a professional sound engineer
for more than 20 years, he worked with acts such as Merle Haggard, David Gates and Bread, America, BB King, and Ray
Charles. Stu is a full service instructor who teaches ukulele, banjo, guitar and mandolin full time and organizes all of the
concerts and workshops at The Strum Shop in Roseville, CA.
Stu can be reached by email at:
stu@thestrumshop.com
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
The Strum Shop
15
916.787.8786
16
Song of the Month
Leonard JK
Leonard JK is a writer and music enthusiast who lives in Lincoln, CA. Leonard can be reached at
rareoldukefan@gmail.com
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
17
Safe Travels and Best Wishes
Our strum groups are full of wonderful people who
join us week after week. We are blessed to have such
a supportive community of folks who regularly show up
and play with us at The Strum Shop. One of our
favorite couples travels all the way from Reno, NV to
share their Saturday mornings with us. We recently
learned of their future plans.
Our friends Sarah and George Thomas will be soon
be off for new adventures in the Southwest US. At a
recent River City Uke Orchestra practice, Sarah
shared that she and George are hitting the road. They
are moving (back) to New Mexico where they once
lived over 40 years ago just outside of Albuquerque.
Since then, they have lived in England and Reno. They
have two adult sons – one who lives in New York and the other, conveniently, in New Mexico. While Sarah
assures Stu that he can “drop by anytime” when he is in the neighborhood, George asserts they will “probably
be very busy that day”.
Sarah and George are an elegant couple who have shared their love of the ukulele with our community for the
past few years. It has been a pleasure for us to get to know them through festivals, strums, concerts,
workshops and lunches. We hate to say good-bye so, for now, we say “Au revoir and Bon Voyage” - until we
meet again. Drop us a line when you get settled. You always have a seat at The Strum Shop.
What’s Hot @ The Strum Shop – Ukulele Fakebook
Ukulele Fake Book – by Hal Leonard Corp.
This collection is nearly bigger than your uke!
Over 400 songs packed into one convenient songbook that lets you play all the
songs you've ever wanted to, including: All Shook Up * California Dreamin' * Don't
Worry, Be Happy * Edelweiss * Hallelujah * Hotel California * Imagine * Kokomo *
Lean on Me * Margaritaville * Over the Rainbow * Proud Mary * Que Sera, Sera *
Rolling in the Deep *Ukulele Lady * Viva La Vida * What a Wonderful World *
Your Cheatin' Heart and hundreds more!
Includes chord grids for soprano, concert and tenor ukuleles. 6-1/2 x 8-1/2
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
18
Cigar Box Nation
Cigar Box Nation Meets Again!!
If you missed it, you missed it! The Cigar Box Nation (the
“CBG in California” chapter) showed up in force on February
16 to show, tell and play some of their creations. This event,
coordinated by Will King, drew 2 dozen members and curious
onlookers.
“The skill level is incredible” said Will, “Everybody has their own
method of building and it makes for a lot of unique creations.”
Stu Herreid, of The Strum Shop, also commented: “You can
see the passion of the builders and their enthusiasm in every
build. We enjoy having this group come to The Strum Shop.
You never know what you’re going to find here.”
A raffle was held. A well-crafted Cigar Box Amp (that’s
right, CBG is not just about guitars and Ukes) was
donated and The Strum Shop also donated an
instrument
cable.
Through the sales of empty cigar box (every cigar box has the
potential to become something) and the raffle donation, this
meeting of the Cigar Box Nation raised over $100 for Ukes
for Schools. And for that – We Thank You!!
Raffle Winners – A Cigar Box Amp and
Instrument Cord
“Enough yakkin’… let’s play!!”
…And music was made!
Check out more creations of The Cigar Box Nation: www. CigarBoxNation.
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
19
MARKET PLACE ~ Advertisements & Services
Have a business – Large or Small? We can help you to spread the word. Ad Space is now available in our newsletter.
Make a donation to Ukes for Schools (any amount)… we’ll include a business card ad each month.
Our newest contributor to Ukes for Schools –
Thanks Coral!
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
20
Help Wanted
The following positions are open and available.
Please contact Budd or Stu for details.
These are newly created positions that will help us to
grow our Uke University, River City Ukes and Ukes for
Schools organizations.
Ukes for School Fundraising Committee –
Work with Uke for Schools Board of Directors to
organize and coordinate Uke for Schools fund
raising activities. This will involve many people and
many positions. Please let us know if
you can help. We need:
Fundraiser Committee
Coordinator (2 openings)
All positions are voluntary … Pro Bono work… ….
“nada dinero” for payroll. Did I mention this would
involve some of your free time?
Volunteer Coordinator (2
openings)
Terms last for CY 2014. We envision that 1-3 people will
work together to manage positions as
needed (to help reduce any pressure one
might feel to complete all assignments by
themselves… really, this needs to be fun).
Strum Shop Monthly Newsletter
Contributor – Have an idea for a NL
article? Strap on your writing gloves and
put fingers to keyboard!! There are so many
interesting things and people that are part of our
community. Interview a local luthier or performer
and write about them. Attend a concert and let us
know that it rocked the house! Get to know the
instructors at the Strum Shop. Write an article about
a River City Uke performance. Please have a
creative mind.
Community Liaison (2 openings)
Ukes for Schools Coordinator
All-around Super Helper (many
openings)
Requirements: please be committed to help us
develop our fledgling non-profit organization into a
good-for-something organization.
Requirements: Monthly meeting with NL Editor to
discuss article topics and ideas. Must be able to
write a few paragraphs and meet deadline.
River City Uke Event Coordinators – The River
City Ukes Event Coordinators will
develop relationships with small
venues in the community and make
arrangements for River City Uke
Performances throughout the year.
Our goal is to try for at least one
performance each quarter (6-10 performances each
year would be ideal).
Requirements: Must be outgoing and able to
develop and manage relationships with
performance venues. Work with Stu or Budd to
develop approach and strategy for playing venues.
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
21
Strum Shop Calendar of Events
Sunday
2
Danielle Ate
The Sandwich!
4:00 PM
$10.00
9
March 2014
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
3
4
5
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
6
7
8
Ginger’s
Restaurant
Open Mic
Roseville
Acoustic Guitar
Club
Uke University
Open Strum
Uke University
Open Strum
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 9:00 PM
10:00 AM –
12:00 PM
13
14
15
10
11
12
Ginger’s
Restaurant
Open Mic
Lil Rev is
IN THE HOUSE!!!
UKE U.
River City Ukes
Practice
Workshop &
Concert
7:00 PM
10:00 AM
6 PM
16
17
18
19
Ginger’s
Restaurant
Open Mic
20
21
Irish Slow Jam
6:00 PM
22
Concert 6 PM
Kua’ aina w/
Brazzin Hussy
7:00 PM
Island Music at its
finest!! $10.00
RCUO Practice
10 AM
23
24
Ginger’s
Restaurant
Open Mic
25
26
27
28
Bluegrass Jam
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
30
29
5
Th
Saturday Jam
10:00 A.M
Acoustic Instruments
Welcome
Just plain FUN!
31
Ginger’s
Restaurant
Open Mic
7:00 PM
River City Ukulele Orchestra Performance**
Saturday, March 22nd 2:30 PM
Eskaton Village, Roseville
Saturday, March 29 1:30 PM (Quintet Only)
Sierra Pointe Residential Living, Roseville
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786
22
Back Page – From the Editor
Budd S
Welcome to our March Strum Shop Newsletter. We’re glad to have you back.
Have we got a month planned for you!! As we say at the shop…”Are you in?”.
People who play the uke are fun people. It matters not what you do outside of
playing the ukulele... if you’re unemployed, underemployed, over-employed… those
things just aren’t that important when we’re playing. Personally, I would rather not
know. Those are just details that serve to separate us.
The results of fun-seeking efforts often lead to new friendships, relationships, an
expanding Ohana, and frequent gatherings. I often meet parents at schools or in
the shop who pick up the uke to play with their kids or grandkids. The truth is, the
ukulele has been around for a long time and we are part of its resurgence. Uke sales
have increased by 100% in the past four years.
My Sweet Lovey taught me something many years ago - "Language is acquired, not learned", she said. I
disagreed at the time because, hey, we can all "learn" a language. But, the more I thought about it, the more it
became apparent to me that true learning occurs when we are immersed in that thing we are learning about.
Whether a culture, a new environment, academics, or a musical instrument, you “acquire” knowledge and skills
about that "thing" by surrounding yourself with it.
For the brief time that I have been part of the Uke world, I have acquired so many things from so many different
people. If it is from a concert, a workshop or just jamming with my friends... all these events are part of my
immersion, part of my acquisition. I have acquired skills and techniques from being part of this community. If the
uke is something you do just for fun then keep with it. As Dani Joy stated in her column – keep the uke handy,
“play” with it every day. It is a fun little instrument that can take you many places. If you aspire for more - by
taking lessons, attending workshops, playing with others - you are on your way to acquiring the body of
knowledge that encompasses the ukulele. Keep going!
You can take the Uke anywhere. You can jam with anybody who plays music. You can meet famous people
who play the uke. You can take vacations and play the uke. In the coming year, the Reno Ukefest and the
Northern California Uke Fest (both in April), the West Coast Uke Retreat (May), the Napa Wine Country
Uke Fest are all going to attract 100% fun-seeking people. Are there more than just Uke Festivals? Why
yes, there are: Uke Retreats, Uke Days, World Fests, home concerts, monthly jams, pick-up Jams, Fifth
Saturday Jams. Looking for fun? So are a lot of other people (and their friends and families). Look around you.
As always, I am grateful to all those who contribute to our little newsletter. If you have something you would like
to write and submit to publication, then please contact me and I’ll add it to our newsletter. In parting, please
keep in mind, those sagely words spoken by 10-year-old Uke player Elizabeth, "If you're afraid of playing a
ukulele, don't be."
As always – please remain calm and strum on… and thanks for being part of my community.
Budd Snell is co founder and current Director of Ukes for Schools, Inc. He is a shorts
wearing, right handed Strum Shop Strumbassador who enjoys frolicking, fun, and Ukulele!
Bring it!!
The Strum Shop
916.787.8786

T h e

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