We have many happy memories of George and owe him so much. We would not be here without his initiative, his love of the ukulele and his delight in encouraging everyone to learn to play and perform – and to have fun doing it.
If you have any memories or photos that you would like to share, please reply with them and I will include them in a tribute to George on the website.
Best wishes, Lizzie
Some ancient history photos – the first ones from 2005 and 2006, before my time with the Allstars.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays every month 1pm – 3pm The Cumberland Arms
James Place Street
Byker
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 1LD
Please ignore any reference to Sunday Sessions elsewhere on the website – we are now meeting on Tuesdays only.
Reminders for everyone for all sessions
Leading songs: If you are going to lead a song, make sure that you have practiced playing and singing it before you get to the session
Song arrangements: The simpler the song arrangement, the more likely it is “work” as a “session song”. We have some very good players who are capable of adding all sorts of finesse and flourishes to a song. We love hearing these played but they work better as an occasional “solo spot”. If you are playing at this level then you can probably work out a simpler arrangement so that most people can play along with you. There are some good tips here: http://ukuleleinthedark.com/ud52-trimming-away-how-to-simplify-song-sheets/
Play it again, Sam! Dot has a good ear for the sort of songs that are likely to become popular in sessions. If you get the nod from Dot that it is a “good song”, take the hint and give it a run at another session asap!
Practice makes perfect: It might take a few sessions before everyone is familiar enough with a new song for it to settle in and “work”. This applies just as much to well-known songs (when everyone might have a different version playing in their heads) as to less well known songs (when perhaps only the the song leader “knows how it goes”).
Give us a clue! You can use the email list to send links to YouTube videos, audio files on SoundCloud, etc. to help familiarise everyone with a new song that you are going to introduce (it helps even more if the recording is in the same key that you are going to use but that is not always possible)
Song sheets: You can also use the email list to send song sheets to everyone – but please still bring at least 10 copies on paper when you are introducing a song for the first time.
If the song is already in our Song Books – and is in the same key – then everyone should have access to it already: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/songsheets/
See the the tips on that page about creating new song sheets
For the latest information on dates, times and venues for Thursday and Sunday Sessions, please check the Calendar: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/calendar/
“Shout-Up” Campaign at The Cumberland Arms
Update: 31 August 2018
Message from Dot
Hello Everyone,
The Cumberland has become part of a campaign called “Shout Up”. This was set up initially to protect women from harassment in bars throughout Newcastle.
This is a “heads up” to anyone who attends our sessions.
We play in the Cumberland so we need to be aware of and sensitive to what they consider to be appropriate behaviour.
Dot
What to do if there are any problems
Staff at the Cumberland Arms have been trained to deal with sexual harassment as part of this Campaign.
If you experience or witness sexual harassment, the purpose of this Campaign is to encourage you to alert Bar Staff so that they can deal with the problem promptly and effectively. You do not have to literally “shout” – the point is immediacy of action, not volume.
3rd Set includes Sing-Along and Play-Along Songs: Even some Xmas Songs!
If anyone who is not in the Band wants to lead a song during the “play-along” session, please have a word with Dot in one of the breaks.
Our first Ukulele Xmas Party at The Globe!
“Misspent Uke” – not your average ukulele band!
We are a multi-instrument band of singers and musicians. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, performing in Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, Co Durham, Cumbria and Teesside since 2007.
Band members also lead and provide the “musical backbone” of “Ukes4Fun” ukulele sessions at The Cumberland Arms, Byker/Ouseburn.
“The Attic Band” is an integral part of “Misspent Uke” gigs.
Always entertaining, we are happiest when everyone is having as good a time as us!
See our videos to get an idea – we showcase music and songs from a wide range of genres across the ages, both familiar and delightfully unexpected!
Come along to The Globe on Sunday 10 September – join in with the “Sing-Along and Play-Along Songs in the 3rd Sets” if the mood takes you!
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Children and young people under 16 years old may attend events accompanied by an adult (age over 18). They are not allowed to enter the premises after 9pm and they must leave the premises by midnight. Under 16s are not allowed to purchase soft drinks, but they may consume soft drinks bought for them by their accompanying adult.
16 and 17 year olds are allowed to attend events unaccompanied by an adult and they may purchase soft drinks. They must leave the premises by midnight.
LOCATION
The Globe
11 Railway Street, Newcastle NE4 7AD
Very close to Newcastle Arena
Newcastle Central Station & Metro: about 10 minutes walk
Buses: no 22 and 32 stop by Newcastle Motorcycles (Honda) on Scotswood Road, a very short walk to the Globe
Parking: On-street free parking on Railway Street. The Times Square multi-storey car park is nearby
UKES @ THE GLOBE
Information on The Globe website about “Ukes @ The Globe” and the next band due to play:
Leading songs: If you are going to lead a song, make sure that you have practiced playing and singing it before you get to the session
Song arrangements: The simpler the song arrangement, the more likely it is “work” as a “session song”. We have some very good players who are capable of adding all sorts of finesse and flourishes to a song. We love hearing these played but they work better as an occasional “solo spot”. If you are playing at this level then you can probably work out a simpler arrangement so that most people can play along with you. There are some good tips here: http://ukuleleinthedark.com/ud52-trimming-away-how-to-simplify-song-sheets/
Play it again, Sam! Dot has a good ear for the sort of songs that are likely to become popular in sessions. If you get the nod from Dot that it is a “good song”, take the hint and give it a run at another session asap!
Practice makes perfect: It might take a few sessions before everyone is familiar enough with a new song for it to settle in and “work”. This applies just as much to well-known songs (when everyone might have a different version playing in their heads) as to less well known songs (when perhaps only the the song leader “knows how it goes”).
Give us a clue! You can use the email list to send links to YouTube videos, audio files on SoundCloud, etc. to help familiarise everyone with a new song that you are going to introduce (it helps even more if the recording is in the same key that you are going to use but that is not always possible)
Song sheets: You can also use the email list to send song sheets to everyone – but please still bring at least 10 copies on paper when you are introducing a song for the first time.
If the song is already in our Song Books – and is in the same key – then everyone should have access to it already: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/songsheets/
See the the tips on that page about creating new song sheets
For the latest information on dates, times and venues for Thursday and Sunday Sessions, please check the Calendar: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/calendar/
“Shout-Up” Campaign at The Cumberland Arms
Update: 31 August 2018
Message from Dot
Hello Everyone,
The Cumberland has become part of a campaign called “Shout Up”. This was set up initially to protect women from harassment in bars throughout Newcastle.
This is a “heads up” to anyone who attends our sessions.
We play in the Cumberland so we need to be aware of and sensitive to what they consider to be appropriate behaviour.
Dot
What to do if there are any problems
Staff at the Cumberland Arms have been trained to deal with sexual harassment as part of this Campaign.
If you experience or witness sexual harassment, the purpose of this Campaign is to encourage you to alert Bar Staff so that they can deal with the problem promptly and effectively. You do not have to literally “shout” – the point is immediacy of action, not volume :-)
Calendar
For the latest information on dates, times and venues for Thursday and Sunday Sessions, please check the Calendar: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/calendar
Many thanks to members of the audience who filmed some of our songs on Sunday when we played Ukes@The Globe!
Misspent Uke @ The Globe, Newcastle upon Tyne
It was an unusual gig! A huge digger down the street had cut through the electricity cables – luckily a couple of band members had brought along battery-powered amps “just in case” – then there were the noisy road diggers right outside the door and torrential rain pounding down!
Lack of light stopped play after the second set – but it really was a great gig!
A good time was had by all and they have invited us back to play again on 10 Dec!
Three sets with 5/10 mins break between each set, followed by a “play-along” session where everyone is invited to join in.
Play-Along Session: If anyone who is not in the Band wants to lead a song during the “play-along” session, please have a word with Dot in one of the breaks.
A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
“Misspent Uke” – not your average ukulele band!
We are a multi-instrument band of singers and musicians. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, performing in Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, Co Durham, Cumbria and Teesside since 2007.
Band members also lead and provide the “musical backbone” of “Ukes4Fun” ukulele sessions at The Cumberland Arms, Byker/Ouseburn.
“The Attic Band” is an integral part of “Misspent Uke” gigs.
Always entertaining, we are happiest when everyone is having as good a time as us!
See our videos to get an idea – we showcase music and songs from a wide range of genres across the ages, both familiar and delightfully unexpected!
Come along to The Globe on Sunday 10 September – join in with the “Play-along session” after the gig or feel free to just listen, the choice is yours.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Children and young people under 16 years old may attend events accompanied by an adult (age over 18). They are not allowed to enter the premises after 9pm and they must leave the premises by midnight. Under 16s are not allowed to purchase soft drinks, but they may consume soft drinks bought for them by their accompanying adult.
16 and 17 year olds are allowed to attend events unaccompanied by an adult and they may purchase soft drinks. They must leave the premises by midnight.
LOCATION
The Globe
11 Railway Street, Newcastle NE4 7AD
Very close to Newcastle Arena
Newcastle Central Station & Metro: about 10 minutes walk
Buses: no 22 and 32 stop by Newcastle Motorcycles (Honda) on Scotswood Road, a very short walk to the Globe
Parking: On-street free parking on Railway Street. The Times Square multi-storey car park is nearby
UKES @ THE GLOBE
Information on The Globe website about “Ukes @ The Globe” and the next band due to play:
The format for sessions is the same as when we met on Thursdays:
1st Tuesday – Ukes4Fun with Dot and Misspent Uke
2nd Tuesday – NO SESSION
3rd Tuesday – Ukes4Fun New/Old Songs with Denis
4th & 5th Tuesday – NO SESSION
Reminders for everyone for all Tuesday sessions
Leading songs: If you are going to lead a song, make sure that you have practiced playing and singing it before you get to the session
Song arrangements: The simpler the song arrangement, the more likely it is “work” as a “session song”. We have some very good players who are capable of adding all sorts of finesse and flourishes to a song. We love hearing these played but they work better as an occasional “solo spot”. If you are playing at this level then you can probably work out a simpler arrangement so that most people can play along with you. There are some good tips here: http://ukuleleinthedark.com/ud52-trimming-away-how-to-simplify-song-sheets/
Play it again, Sam! Dot has a good ear for the sort of songs that are likely to become popular in sessions. If you get the nod from Dot that it is a “good song”, take the hint and give it a run at another session asap!
Practice makes perfect: It might take a few sessions before everyone is familiar enough with a new song for it to settle in and “work”. This applies just as much to well-known songs (when everyone might have a different version playing in their heads) as to less well known songs (when perhaps only the the song leader “knows how it goes”).
Give us a clue! You can use the email list to send links to YouTube videos, audio files on SoundCloud, etc. to help familiarise everyone with a new song that you are going to introduce (it helps even more if the recording is in the same key that you are going to use but that is not always possible)
Song sheets: You can also use the email list to send song sheets to everyone – but please still bring at least 10 copies on paper when you are introducing a song for the first time.
If the song is already in our Song Books – and is in the same key – then everyone should have access to it already: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/songsheets/
See the the tips on that page about creating new song sheets
For the latest information on dates, times and venues for Thursday and Sunday Sessions, please check the Calendar: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/calendar/
“Shout-Up” Campaign at The Cumberland Arms
Update: 31 August 2018
Message from Dot
Hello Everyone,
The Cumberland has become part of a campaign called “Shout Up”. This was set up initially to protect women from harassment in bars throughout Newcastle.
This is a “heads up” to anyone who attends our sessions.
We play in the Cumberland so we need to be aware of and sensitive to what they consider to be appropriate behaviour.
Dot
What to do if there are any problems
Staff at the Cumberland Arms have been trained to deal with sexual harassment as part of this Campaign.
If you experience or witness sexual harassment, the purpose of this Campaign is to encourage you to alert Bar Staff so that they can deal with the problem promptly and effectively. You do not have to literally “shout” – the point is immediacy of action, not volume :-)
It was a dark and stormy night . . . and the ukulele players were gathered around a blazing hearth in The Cumberland Arms, Byker . . . outside, fireworks lit up the sky . . . it was November 5th 2009 . . . and ukuleles had come back to the music room at The Cumby!
The ukulele players said, “Dot! What key is it in?!”
Dot said . . .
Keith said, “Interval !!”
Over the last ten years . . .
. . . we have seen friends come and go. We remember those who have moved away or passed on with fondness and have been delighted to welcome new friends joining us every year.
“Misspent Uke“, our musical backbone, have gone from strength to strength and members of The Attic Band add that extra pizzazz to sessions!
So many people to thank!
Many thanks to Dot Kirton and Dennis Bostock for leading sessions, to Dot and Chris Bostock for organising our wonderful weekends away, to star ukulele player Keith Perry, to Fiona Buckley and Karl Barlow for keeping us in time on the bass, to those who bring other instruments with their ukuleles to enliven sessions: Andy Seagroatt on fiddle, Fiona on Mandolin, Lucy Falkenau on banjo and tin whistle, John on Saxophone, our occasional harmonica and swanee whistle players and, last but by no means least, Dot and Megs Johnson on kazoo trumpets!
To all our singers who bring and lead songs, a huge thank you for making the sessions so varied – and for making it impossible to answer the question, “What sort of music do you play?”
To EVERYONE who comes along on Thursdays and Sundays, plays along and makes the sessions so friendly and enjoyable, Happy 10th Birthday and THANK YOU!
Lizzie
ps. Our next Thursday Session is 7th November – bring some nibbles for a little birthday party in the Break!
pps. On Tuesday November 5th The Cumberland Arms has a free Bonfire Night Event!
I will be adding this info the the post about what to expect at Sessions:
Message from Dot
Hello Everyone,
I hope you have all enjoyed the Summer Break and are looking forward, as l am, to resuming our sessions at the Cumberland and the Millstone.
The Cumberland has become part of a campaign called “Shout Up”. This was set up initially to protect women from harassment in bars throughout Newcastle.
This is a “heads up” to anyone who attends our sessions.
We play in the Cumberland so we need to be aware of and sensitive to what they consider to be appropriate behaviour.
Look forward to seeing you all soon,
Dot
What to do if there are any problems
Staff at the Cumberland Arms have been trained to deal with sexual harassment as part of this Campaign.
If you experience or witness sexual harassment, the purpose of this Campaign is to encourage you to alert Bar Staff so that they can deal with the problem promptly and effectively. You do not have to literally “shout” – the point is immediacy of action, not volume :-)
Ukes4Fun 