Although my job requires working 'til 9:30 most nights, I usually make sure to have my Wednesday nights free to take the train to Queen St E. downtown. Every week at the Dominion Pub, there's a free ukulele workshop and open mic, and the people there are some of the most friendly folks you'll meet.
The first half of the evening, the workshop, is a ton of fun in itself -- no matter what your skill level, you come away from it feeling like you've learned something. I've been playing ukulele for about a year now (wow, time flies...) and while it's definitely one of the least intimidating instruments out there to learn, it's like anything else in that practice and pushing yourself a little harder each time you play is the key to getting really good! The workshop is perfect for that, and since you're playing with lots of other people, if you make mistakes it's not a huge deal.
Every first Wednesday of the month is a theme night, and the next one looks like it'll be a great time, since we're headed to a bowling alley for an Elvis-themed uke and bowl! I think half the fun is gonna be seeing the expression on everyone else's face at the sight of a mass of people with little four-stringed instruments just hanging out in a public place. :) That's a big part of the appeal of the ukulele for me, the amazing power it has to make people happy!
My most recent ukulele purchase was this aNueNue, featuring the adorable U900 ukulele duo (who you can see in action on kerokeroking's Youtube channel). I absolutely love it to pieces, and it has a GREAT sound and build quality for its low price. Ukulele Acquisition Syndrome strikes fast and often though, and having recently discovered this Ohana CK-60 is for sale at a place very near where I live is a dangerous thing indeed... it's so beautiful! I don't know if I can justify the purchase since I already have a nice uke in mahogany, but this one is concert-sized as opposed to soprano, so... maybe that counts for something?
Along with looking forward to the uke theme night coming up, this Monday or Tuesday Amazon's going to be shipping me a copy of the Strokes' new album, Angles, which I'm really really excited for. I knew it was coming up and they've been one of my favourite bands ever since Is This It? came out in 2001, but it was seeing their recent performance on SNL that really got me looking forward to this album. I think their sound has improved and changed with every release, while still being instantly recognisable, and I'm so looking forward to hearing what Angles has to offer.
For anyone in the GTA who might want to check out the Corktown Ukulele Jam, their website is http://www.torontoukes.com. Although their minimum skill page might seem daunting, don't let it bother you -- there are plenty of beginners every week and lots of friendly people who'll help you out :)
Take care!
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