American Soundtrack of the 20Th Century

IN A LITTLE HULA HEAVEN

A Tale Of The Ukulele: An Audio-Visual History

In 1995 when The Beatles Anthology documentary was first screened, the ukulele received an unusual amount of visibility. Paul McCartney referred to John Lennon’s mom, who played the uke, and offered, “to this day, if I ever meet grownups who play ukuleles, I love ‘em.” Later on, George Harrison is shown playing “I Will” on a uke as well as a never-recorded tune. All this attention coming from a musical group who made every kid in the world want to play guitar. Could it be possible that, somehow, the ukulele was “cool” again?

For many of its fans, the ukulele has never been out of style. For players and collectors it is the subject of great passion. This audio-visual history brings together the remarkable and colourful story of the humble “jumping flea” that started in the isolated Hawaiian Islands and since then has spread to every corner of the globe.

Response

“A marvellous and informative presentation that gives the listener a whole new appreciation of the unassuming yet highly infectious ukulele. A very worthy and timely tale” Kim Lofts, Co-ordinator Ukulele Retreat Australia

“I found myself captivated by this ripping yarn of fact and fantasy punctuated by moments of beauty and humour” Steve Barnes, Artistic Director Folkworld Fairbridge Festival