John Hodgman: "If the Guitar is a Novel...

...the ukulele is the book of fake trivia." And here I thought it was the thinking man's violin. Link

More Uke Toting Actors

Add Billy Connolly, Jack Black, and Emily Blunt to your list of actors who strum. Link

Liverpool Ukulele Ceilidh 2009

Just can't get away from the Beatles references this morning. But this Liverpool is across the pond from the Fab 4's home town. Nova Scotia, to be precise. It's the 3rd Annual International Ukulele Ceilidh, October 22-25, 2009. Link

every Beatles song to be performed on ukulele in Brooklyn - BrooklynVegan

Roger and Dave are at it again. This time around their Beatles Complete on Ukulele Festival will be for the benefit of Yoko Ono. The festival promises 16 hours, 185 songs, 60 singers, 40 musicians, and 16 Yokos. (If Mrs. Lennon appears herself, what kind of uke would she play? A Maccaferri, natch.)

December 5th and 6th, 2009. Be there, or be Sutcliffe.

Link

Zombie Boogie!

Check out the new EP of Halloween themed uke-abilly music from Mad Tea Party! (And check out Ami's new uke-playing skeleton tattoo...) Link

Uke Player Cookbook

Rose Turtle Ertler has compiled a book of recipes submitted by uke players around the world. Looks primarily vegetarian, with vegan alternatives. I'm certain it's meaty, nonetheless. Link

Elvis Presley for Ukulele

When you're All Shook Up and find yourself Crying in the Chapel next door to Heartbreak Hotel because some Hound Dog stepped on your Blue Suede Shoes and Suspicious Minds are Too Much, turn to this new Elvis Presley songbook from Jumpin' Jim. We're sure you Can't Help Falling in Love with it. Link

Original Warren Buffett Autographed DQ Ukulele Up for Auction

If you missed your chance to buy the Dairy Queen Ukulele the first time around, get out your checkbook.

The first and original Warren Buffett DQ Uke designed by me and lovingly crafted by luthier extraordinaire Dave Talsma is up for auction.

As you may recall, the Dairy Queen Ukulele was auctioned off to benefit the Children's Miracle Network, and was purchased by the online casino GoldenPalace.com for over $11,000.

(About a month after the auction, I got a call from Mr. B's assistant. He liked the uke so much he asked if we'd make him one to keep. That second--and last--version is now in his personal collection.)

Don't be fooled by the kitschy appearance. This is fine instrument and an outstanding player in the true Talsma fashion. I'm tempted to bid on it myself.

(In case you're curious, the autograph reads "Warren Five Fingers Buffett".)

Absentee bidding in open now. Live auction on November 7, 2009. Link

Vote for Janet Klein...and Ian Whitcomb

Janet Klein sez vote for her to return to Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club in 2010. Ian Whitcomb is on the ballot, too, so click for 'em both!

As they say in Chicago: vote early, and vote often! Link

Mary J. Martin Accompanies "The Lost World"

Stop-motion classic accompanies by electric ukulele? Who has more info on this? Leave a comment! Link

...and she can whistle too!

Alison Losik from Eugene Oregon. Nice jazzy style, nice jazzy tunes. Gotta appreciate a girl who can whistle this good.

her site

The French Connection

Lionel Hubert, the organizer for the Paris Uke Fest, and Antoine Ladoue, percussionist extraordinaire, comprise the duo U.K.E. Their mini-tour of the east coast of the United States starts October 8th in Brooklyn, NY:
"The annual Paris Uke Fest has showcased an international array of ukulele superstars—including some of Brooklyn’s most talented players of this 4-stringed little instrument. On October 8, the Paris Uke Fest in Brooklyn will feature performances by local and international ukulele stars (coming from as close as Park Slope and as far as Australia!), Paris Uke Fest alums, French-themed music, and a special appearance by Paris Uke Fest founder Lionel Hubert with his experimental duo U.K.E. Hosted by the incomparable Sweet Soubrette at the charmingest venue in Brooklyn, Red Hook’s Jalopy Theatre. Comme c’est magnifique!"


On October 13th the lucky duo will travel to Boston to be part of a very special Ukulele Noir: (link)


and then off to Cape Cod, Orleans to be precise:
"On Thursday Oct 15th (just after your Noir!), Lionel and Antoine will perform on the Cape at the Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans at 7:00. Tim Sweeney will open for them."

oops! forgot one: