NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 6 -- It weighs less than two
pounds and is smaller than a violin. But what the ukulele lacks in size, it
more than makes up for in popularity.
Ukulele strummers by the thousands -- all over the world -- happily
play jazz, pop, country, rock, Latin, and even classical music, says Gerry
Long, who has written three music books for ukulele players,
http://www.UkuleleExpert.com.
"You can learn your first two chords on a uke and accompany yourself on
a song in just a couple of hours. And a decent ukulele costs less than
$100," says Long, who also publishes a monthly e-magazine called UKE-TIPS.
Long notes how the uke, as it's known to aficionados, is an
extraordinary social instrument too, with enthusiasts making new friends
and acquaintances through many uke clubs that are springing up worldwide.
With many retirees, ukulele activities have greatly expanded their social
circle.
Uke classes at community centers, social clubs and senior centers are
packed -- and Ukulele festivals are drawing thousands of attendees. Some
3,000 attended a recent festival in New York, while over 2,000 were on hand
for one in Southern California.
As with other instruments, the ukulele world has its celebrities. Names
like Jake Shimabukuro (several million have viewed his performances on
YouTube), Abe Lagrimas, and Canadian performer James Hill have astounded
the music world with their technical skills.
One of the ukulele world's greatest stars, Bill Tapia, just turned 100
on Jan 1, and still continues his 90-year regimen of performing, traveling
and teaching. A professional musician since age 14, (he was a vaudeville
performer), he is believed to be the world's oldest active performing
musician.
"Maybe you played the violin, clarinet, piano through high school, and
gave it up because of professional commitments," Long says. "Apply your
skills to the ukulele, and experience the joy of playing music again.
You'll feel as though you haven't skipped a beat."
For more information, visit http://www.UkuleleExpert.com.
