Category Archives: Ukes4Fun

07.18.17
by

Before and After the Summer Break at The Cumberland and The Millstone | @thecumby | @MillstoneSthGos

2017-01-28-cumberland-millstone-composite-600x288-smaller-file
SUMMER BREAK: NO SESSIONS IN AUGUST!

Every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday at The Cumberland Arms 6:00 – 8:00

  • JULY THURSDAY SESSIONS:
  • Thursday 6 July – Ukes4Fun with Dot and Misspent Uke
  • Thursday 13 July – Ukes4Fun New/Old Songs with Denis
  • Thursday 20 July – Ukes4Fun with Dot and Misspent Uke + Dot’s Birthday!
  • Thursday 27 July – NO SESSION
  • SUMMER BREAK: NO SESSIONS IN AUGUST
  • The usual monthly pattern resumes on 7th Sept
  • 1st Thursday – Ukes4Fun with Dot and Misspent Uke
  • 2nd Thursday – Ukes4Fun New/Old Songs with Denis
  • 3rd Thursday – Ukes4Fun with Dot and Misspent Uke
  • 4th & 5th Thursdays – NO SESSION

New/old songs for 2nd Thursday Sessions with Denis:

  • Many thanks for bringing new songs and reviving some old songs that have lain dormant in the Songbooks for a long time!  We now have a stash of these to re-visit in Denis’s sessions on 2nd Thursdays.
  • Please hold on bringing new songs/reviving old songs to Thursday sessions until we have got these ones under our belts.  For the next few Thursday sessions, we would like to rock steady with some familiar tunes plus the new/old ones you have already brought along to Denis’s sessions.

Reminders for everyone for all Thursday sessions, including me!

  • 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.

See this page for more information about Thursday Sessions

Sundays at The Millstone 2:00 – 4:00

  • JULY SUNDAY SESSIONS:
  • July 16th
  • July 30th *Confirmed*
  • SUMMER BREAK: NO SESSIONS IN AUGUST
  • Sept 17th
  • Oct 15th
  • Oct 29th
  • more dates to follow . . .

Please note: the Sunday Sessions are not suitable for “Beginners”.

For more information about Sunday Uke Sessions and The Millstone see: Sunday Uke Sessions @ The Millstone South Gosforth

The Millstone: website

Calendar

For the latest information on dates, times and venues for Thursday and Sunday Sessions, please check the Calendar: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/calendar/

(This message will be deleted when the next dates are posted.)

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05.29.17
by

Hot Jazz and Blues with Del Rey and Adam Franklin! 6 June ’17 | @thecumby

Back by popular demand!

The Fabulous Del Rey returns to Newcastle on her 2017 UK Tour!

“Whilst known for her amazing instrumental skills … it should not be overlooked that Del Rey always provides a very entertaining show, full of variety, drama and humour.”
Blues In Britain

“Del Rey is one of the greatest modern players of the metal-bodied resonator guitar.”
Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“Del Rey is one of the most sublime modern guitarists.“
La Hora del Blues Barcelona

This time with the Amazing Adam Franklin!

“Britain’s best kept secret!”
Steve James, USA

“Like a cross between Robert Johnson and Joe Strummer!”
Two Rivers Folk Festival, Wales.

“Franklin’s exemplary resonator picking and slide playing demonstrates a dedication to the instrument that would be the envy of some of the legends he emulates”
Record Collector Magazine

“Adam knows enough about old-style blues to be worth listening to and is irreverent enough to be exciting.  He’s got the beat, you won’t be bored.” 
Del Rey, USA

Hot Jazz and Blues at The Cumberland Arms

James Place Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 1LD

1. Ukulele Workshop: Hot Jazz Rhythm Picking

Adam Franklin is a fantastic tutor, as anyone who has attended his Workshop on “Hot Jazz Rhythm Picking for Ukulele” will testify!

  • In this workshop you will learn some easily remembered picking patterns and how to use them to provide a solid rhythmic foundation to ANY song in ANY style – not just “hot jazz”!
  • Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player, you will find this technique a very useful tool to add that “extra something” to sing-alongs and jams!
  • Chord charts and Finger-Picking Tabs for “Dr Jazz” will be provided – leave a comment on this post if you have booked a place and would like copies in advance!

2. Guitar Workshop: Moving Bass Lines

After Del Rey’s last performance, guitarists in the audience asked her if she could come back to run a Guitar Workshop. So that is what Del is going to do for us this time, focussing on “Moving Bass Lines”!

  • Want to play like a pianist? Walking and boogie-woogie bass lines for fingerstyle guitar! Learn the positions where you can find both chords and  moving bass.
  • Intermediate-Advanced Level.  Standard tuning. Recording permitted.
  • Skills Needed:–
    • You will need to be comfortable holding partial chords while moving a bass line, and with switching fingers to maintain a position.
    • No barre chords involved.
  • Who will benefit from this Workshop:
    • Any guitarist with these skills who would like to expand their sound in blues and jazz will learn useful vocabulary and ways of using chords they already know.
    • Fingerpickers and players with good fret-hand strength will get the most benefit.

3. Hot Jazz and Blues Concert

Del Rey and Adam Franklin Resonate! Jazz and Blues Duets, swapping instruments and vocals!

 

Hot Jazz and Blues Evening

Del and Adam often run workshops and perform together in the South of England when Del is in the UK.  We are so pleased to bring them up to the North East to run Guitar and Ukulele Workshops and perform for us in concert!

Timings

6:00 – 6:05 Doors Ukulele Workshop (Max. attendance 30)

6:05 – 6:55 Ukulele Workshop – Adam Franklin

7:00 – 7:15 Doors Guitar Workshop (Max. attendance 30)

7:15 – 8:15 Guitar Workshop – Del Rey

8:30 – 8:45 Doors Concert

8:45 – 9:45 Concert (Del Rey and Adam Franklin

10:30 – 10:45 RAFFLE

10:15 / 10:30 – END

 

Tickets – NO Booking Fees!

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/ELFDJJ

Prices:

  • £10: Concert OR One Workshop (Guitar or Ukulele)
  • £20: Concert + One Workshop (Guitar or Ukulele)
  • £30: Concert +  Both Workshops

Venue:

The Cumberland Arms
James Place Street
Byker/Ouseburn Valley
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 1LD

Access:

  • The Workshops and Concert are in the upstairs Function Room.
  • There is a wheelchair-accessible ramp.
  • The toilets are on the Ground Floor and are not officially wheelchair accessible.
  • The Public Bar is on the Ground Floor.

Notes:

  • There are separate admission times for each event.
  • If you are attending the Ukulele Workshop and then the Concert, you will be able to relax in the Music Room or Saloon Bar downstairs while the Guitar Workshop is running upstairs.
  • Refreshments are not included in the Ticket Price.

Links:

Del Rey: http://delreyplays.com
Adam Franklin: http://www.adamfranklinblues.com
The Cumberland Arms: http://www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk
This Event on Facebook:  Hot Jazz and Blues Evening with Del Rey and Adam Franklin 

Video Playlists:

YouTube Playlist: Del Rey (Ukulele) Plays and Teaches Ukulele

YouTube Playlist: Del Rey (Guitar) Plays and Teaches Guitar

YouTube Playlist: Del Rey and Adam Franklin

YouTube Playlist: Adam Franklin (Ukulele) Plays and Teaches Ukulele

Print-friendly Poster and Fliers!

 

There are links to download PDF file versions for printing below.

Put them on your fridge, your noticeboard, etc. or pass on to friends who might be interested in coming along!

PDF file A4 poster: Hot Jazz and blues poster – A4

PDF file A5 flier x 2: Hot Jazz and blues poster 1/2 size x 2

PDF file A6 flier x 4: Hot Jazz and blues poster 1/4 size x 4

—–

TicketSource referral link (if you sell tickets and use this link to sign up to Ticket Source then we get a “referral reward” from Ticket Source): www.ticketsource.co.uk/signup/8262

 

05.29.17
by

Ukulele Sessions in June at The Cumberland and The Millstone | @thecumby | @MillstoneSthGos

2017-01-28-cumberland-millstone-composite-600x288-smaller-file

Every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursday at The Cumberland Arms 6:00 – 8:00

  • 1st Thursdays – Ukes4Fun with Dot and Misspent Uke
  • 2nd Thursdays – Ukes4Fun New/Old Songs with Denis
  • 3rd Thursdays – Ukes4Fun with Dot and Misspent Uke
  • 4th & 5th Thursdays – NO SESSION

New/old songs for 2nd Thursday Sessions with Denis:

  • Many thanks for bringing new songs and reviving some old songs that have lain dormant in the Songbooks for a long time!  We now have a stash of these to re-visit in Denis’s sessions on 2nd Thursdays.
  • Please hold on bringing new songs/reviving old songs to Thursday sessions until we have got these ones under our belts.  For the next few Thursday sessions, we would like to rock steady with some familiar tunes plus the new/old ones you have already brought along to Denis’s sessions.

Reminders for everyone for all Thursday sessions, including me!

  • 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.

See this page for more information about Thursday Sessions

Sundays at The Millstone 2:00 – 4:00

  • 4th June
  • 25th June
  • more dates to follow . . .

Please note: the Sunday Sessions are not suitable for “Beginners”.

For more information about Sunday Uke Sessions and The Millstone see: Sunday Uke Sessions @ The Millstone South Gosforth

The Millstone: website

Calendar

For the latest information on dates, times and venues for Thursday and Sunday Sessions, please check the Calendar: https://ukes4fun.org.uk/calendar/

(This message will be deleted when the next dates are posted.)

04.23.17
by

Hot Jazz and Blues with Del Rey and Adam Franklin! 6 June ’17 @thecumby

Back by popular demand! 

The Fabulous Del Rey returns to Newcastle on her 2017 UK Tour!

This time with the Amazing Adam Franklin!

Hot Jazz and Blues at The Cumberland Arms

James Place Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 1LD

1. Ukulele Workshop: Hot Jazz Rhythm Picking

Adam Franklin is a fantastic tutor, as anyone who has attended his Workshop on “Hot Jazz Rhythm Picking for Ukulele” will testify!

  • In this workshop you will learn some easily remembered picking patterns and how to use them to provide a solid rhythmic foundation to ANY song in ANY style – not just “hot jazz”!
  • Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player, you will find this technique a very useful tool to add that “extra something” to sing-alongs and jams!

2. Guitar Workshop: Moving Bass Lines

After Del Rey’s last performance, guitarists in the audience asked her if she could come back to run a Guitar Workshop. So that is what Del is going to do for us this time, focussing on “Moving Bass Lines”!

  • Want to play like a pianist? Walking and boogie-woogie bass lines for fingerstyle guitar! Learn the positions where you can find both chords and  moving bass.
  • Intermediate-Advanced Level.  Standard tuning. Recording permitted.

3. Hot Jazz and Blues Concert

Del Rey and Adam Franklin Resonate! Jazz and Blues Duets!

Hot Jazz and Blues Evening

Del and Adam often run workshops and perform together in the South of England when Del is in the UK.  We are so pleased to bring them up to the North East to run Guitar and Ukulele Workshops and perform for us in concert!

Timings – Updated 5 May!

6:00 – 6:05 Doors Ukulele Workshop (Max. attendance 30)

6:05 – 6:55 Ukulele Workshop – Adam Franklin

7:00 – 7:15 Doors Guitar Workshop (Max. attendance 30)

7:15 – 8:15 Guitar Workshop – Del Rey

8:30 – 8:45 Doors Concert

8:45 – 9:45 Concert (Del Rey and Adam Franklin

10:30 – 10:45 RAFFLE

10:15 / 10:30 – END

Timings updated on 5 May as follows:

– Ukulele Workshop: now 50 mins (was 30 mins)

– Concert: now one set of 60 mins (was two sets with a break)

– Event ends at 10:15 / 10:30 (was 10:45)

Tickets – NO Booking Fees!

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/ELFDJJ

There are four tickets to choose from.

1. Concert + Both Workshops (Guitar and Ukulele):  £30

2. Concert + Guitar Workshop: £20

3. Concert + Ukulele Workshop: £20

4. Concert Only (does NOT include Workshop Attendance): £10

Venue:

The Cumberland Arms
James Place Street
Byker/Ouseburn Valley
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 1LD

Access:

  • The Workshops and Concert are in the upstairs Function Room.
  • There is a wheelchair-accessible ramp.
  • The toilets are on the Ground Floor and are not officially wheelchair accessible.
  • The Public Bar is on the Ground Floor.

Notes:

  • There are separate admission times for each event.
  • If you are attending the Ukulele Workshop and then the Concert, you will be able to relax in the Music Room or Saloon Bar downstairs while the Guitar Workshop is running upstairs.
  • Refreshments are not included in the Ticket Price.

Links:

Del Rey: http://delreyplays.com
Adam Franklin: http://www.adamfranklinblues.com
The Cumberland Arms: http://www.thecumberlandarms.co.uk

This Event on Facebook:  Hot Jazz and Blues Evening with Del Rey and Adam Franklin 

TicketSource referral link (if you sell tickets and use this link to sign up to Ticket Source then we get a “referral reward” from Ticket Source): www.ticketsource.co.uk/signup/8262

UPDATE: Print-friendly Poster and Fliers!

Many thanks to Aaron Tucker for producing these lovely posters! There are links to download PDF file versions for printing below.

Put them on your fridge, your noticeboard, etc. or pass on to friends who might be interested in coming along!

PDF file A4 poster: Hot Jazz and blues poster

PDF file A5 flier x 2: Hot Jazz and blues poster x 2

PDF file A6 flier x 4: Hot Jazz and blues poster x 4

 

03.25.17
by

Stay One More Night – Marie Little!

One of our favourite songs!

Marie Little introduced us to this great song by Martin Francis a while ago and it has been a firm favourite ever since. Dot often starts off our Thursday sessions leading it.

Here is Marie leading us in her version at the “sing around” at our weekend away last November in Wooler, accompanied by The Attic Band and Keith Perry on lead ukulele:

Martin Francis’s original version has more verses than this. Also, over the years that Marie has been covering it, the lyrics have shifted and morphed a bit too. I think that means it is a proper Folk Song!

Many thanks to Marie for permission to upload this video to YouTube so we can use it for practice between sessions.

Song Sheet

“Stay One More Night”: Marie Little Version – Songsheet PDF file

If there are any errors in the Song Sheet, or in the chords and lyrics in the video subtitles, they are my mistakes not Marie’s!

Liz Panton

Links:

Marie Little: http://www.marielittle.co.uk/

Martin Francis: http://martinfrancisfolk.com/

The Attic Band: http://www.atticband.co.uk/

 

02.15.17
by

The League of Ukulele Gentlemen – Cumberland Arms – Wed 22 Feb | @thecumby

2017-02-22-league-of-ukulele-gentlemen-cumberland-arms-bw-border

Download this flier as pdf file: League of Ukulele Gentlemen – Cumberland Flier

“If you want to witness some top quality musicianship, hear some much acclaimed original compositions as well as your favourite classical music and rock/pop songs performed with a Ukulele twist, then this is an act not to be missed!”

The League of Ukulele Gentlemen

“An evening of original, classical and popular music. All performed in their unique style with laughs along the way.”

Wed 22 February 2017

The Cumberland Arms
Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LD

Concert: 7:00 – 8:30

Doors: 6:30

Tickets: £6 on the door on the night
Links:

Website: http://leagueofukulelegentlemen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leagueofukulelegentlemen/

Showreel – YouTube:

The League of Ukulele Gentlemen
are
Matt Warnes, Jerry King and Andy Webster

league-of-ukulele-gentlemen

 

“I was lucky enough to see The League of Ukulele Gentlemen perform a fantastic concert at St George’s Church, Cullercoats. Highly recommended for an evening of stunning music and great entertainment! I am so pleased to be able to get them back in the North East again so soon!” 

Liz Panton

02.12.17
by

Allen Sanderson R.I.P. “The Archivist”

Allen Sanderson

We were very sad to learn on Thursday that Allen had passed away and offer our sincere condolences to Allen’s widow, Fiona.

Although he was very ill, Allen still attended sessions up until a few months ago, kindly chauffeured by Mick or Derek.  More recently, Dot, Maggie and other members visited Allen at home and in hospital. He sorely missed playing the ukulele and seeing everyone at sessions. So Chris and Denis made a video of a Sunday Session at The Millstone, where we made sure to include some of Allen’s favourite songs.

Memories

Allen will be very much missed and we have many happy memories.  Dot remembers that when Allen first started attending that he had never played ukulele before but was determined to master the instrument. Allen practiced relentlessly at home, becoming one of our most accomplished players.

Many of us will remember Allen as “The Archivist”, called on to produce long-forgotten song sheets instantly from his bulging file. Allen’s secret trick to accessing his song sheets so quickly was that he filed them in sections according to who usually led a song. By the time the mic had reached its destination, Allen had his file open at the right section, all ready to retrieve a songsheet. This was usually for the benefit of his “neighbours” as Allen knew most of the songs by heart.

Allen sat quietly smiling by the piano during sessions at The Cumberland Arms. He could rarely be persuaded to lead a song, preferring instead to contribute alternative chord voicings and to pick “finger style” through songs.  However, there were the very occasional, and very memorable, forays into song, when Allen duetted with Maggie or Andy.

My favourite memory of Allen is his surprising me by asking me if I would learn, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”, confessing that he was a big fan of Crystal Gayle. Dusty Springfield we already knew about, from Allen’s duets with Maggie. Crystal Gayle must have had a special place in Allen’s heart though, as he also gave “Somebody Loves You” to Terri for her to sing.

Allen was an artist and he generously made and gave “Ukes4Fun” and general ukulele T-Shirts, badges and mugs to other members.  So many of us have happy memories of Allen from ukulele sessions over the last eight or nine years.  His presence has been much missed and he will be remembered with affection.

Funeral arrangements

  • Dot will be bringing a card for us to sign on Thursday 16th and will be making a collection.
  • If you are not attending Allen’s funeral and would like to contribute something to the collection, we understand that Allen’s family will be giving donations to a palliative care charity.
  • If you will be going to The Foxcover afterwards, please could you let Dot know on Thursday or send an email? This is so that Dot can give an estimate of numbers attending for catering purposes.

Allen Sanderson: Wednesday 22 February 11:30

Cowpen Crematorium
Cowpen Road
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 5SZ
Tel: 01670 620405
Email: blyth.crematorium@northumberland.gov.uk

Afterwards:

The Foxcover
Freeman Way/Newbiggin Road
North Seaton
Ashington
Northumberland
NE63 0YB

Best wishes,

Lizzie