Led Kaapana Receives NEA National Heritage Fellowships

Congratulations to Ledward Kaapana, who was just named a National Heritage Fellow by the NEA.

"Ledward "Led" Kaapana is a master of the two leading string instruments in Hawaii: the Hawaiian ukulele and ki ho'alu, the slack key guitar, a finger-style guitar art form that originated in Hawaii. This talent, combined with his vocal skills in the baritone and leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) range, have made him a legendary performer who has been entertaining audiences in Hawaii and abroad for more than 40 years."

Link

Eddie Vedder on David Letterman

You can't cross the street these days without stumbling over some article about Eddie Vedder's new CD Ukulele Songs. So we haven't been too anxious to repost them all here. This, however, is pretty special. EV was on Letterman last night. He's playing a Mya-Moe uke made for him by Aaron Keim. E Street Band fans will notice something else about EV's uke. Sweet. Link

Dhani Harrison Playing Dad's Ukes

George Harrison left his son Dhani some 40 ukuleles. Now Dhani and his band are recording with them. Link

This IS just a movie...right?

Central Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a hub of bub most evenings. Weekend evenings there is a crowd of colorful club-goers ebbing and flowing all over the street.

I like the night there best right after a warm rain. But then, I would, wouldn't I?

come to the All Asia Cafe in Central Square on Sunday June 26th and see how dark swirls of color can be transformed into music...

‪BlueDeanCarcione: You've Got a Friend in Me‬‏

I love Randy Newman's music. And I've always wondered if one could do justice to his unique chord structures on the uke. I wonder no more, and marvel at BlueDean Carcione's arrangement of "You've Got a Friend in Me." If anyone can help us out with a tab, you'd earn our undying gratitude. Link‬‏

Vedder Talks to the Star Advertiser

Eddie Vedder reveals himself to be a humble and insightful man in this interview with the Star Advertiser. There are tons of articles around on the release of his Ukulele Songs. This one is truly worth a read. Link

Have Ukuleles Become Too Popular?

Across the Pond, Steven Sproat sez p'rhaps. Link