tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89715592231677469632024-03-13T12:27:00.803-04:0030s Uke GirlA place where you can find all things Ukulele. Sites with songs and chords, Local Jams, Ukulele Product Sites, Festivals and Venues 30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-11787756456612137962021-09-18T17:41:00.001-04:002021-09-18T17:41:27.336-04:00The Year that Music Owned!!<p> Hi Boys and Girls, </p><p>It's been a long year my friends. I haven't posted for ages because I couldn't get back into my blog!! YAY, I finally got back in today! Sheesh. I plan many posts going forward plus I need to clean up the links on the blog!! Today I post about how we survived, musically, over the past 18 months!</p><p>The pandemic era has really put a damper on live music, and most of us either lost all our day jobs or our night gigs, or both. I think most of us were fine with that, really, cause no one wanted to get covid nor spread it, right? But, for musicians, it really was a wake up call. </p><p>The best of the best took to the internet and created new ways to display their talents, and bridge the revenue gaps. With sites like patreon, and Go Daddy, YouTube and blogger mediums, we saw amazing stars arise. It was contagious! Everyone jumped on board and the net flooded with tutorials, original music, and covers from professionals all the way to absolute beginners. </p><p>Facebook, for one, really grew musically. It was a way for artists to reach their fans and post links to their sites, enticing with videos, live feeds, and zoom links, etc.! Groups started up and major communities erupted. </p><p>For example, I started a group called Beginner Ukulele Hints and Helps back in 2013. In 2019 we'd reached about 500 members. I was ecstatic about that, lol. Then 2020 happened. The group grew to over 6500 members. It is a group where I invited uke players, beginners and professionals, to mix. I invited professionals to post their web sites, video tutorials and their shows/ festival schedules. I also invited luthiers, brand name manufacturers, and designers of Ukulele to post about new product. I even invited bloggers to post links to their blogs, as long as it was related to the Ukulele. We encouraged beginners to post their video journey as they learned, grew, progressed and we cheered them on. It is a symbiotic group with everyone supporting each other. Win Win! </p><p>I also started a group called Ukulele Women, yes, exclusive for women and femme fatales, where ladies support each other from Beginner to professional. There, I encourage women who have business in the Ukulele realm to give info to the group. So, merch, CD downloads, straps, jewellery, method books, as long as it's Ukulele driven, it's a plus on the page. And oh the wonderful sharing of talent. Women have truly been the driving force behind the uke movement world wide, but most clubs and leaders in Ukulele are dominated by males. No prejudice guy's, jusssst saying that the average woman pursuing an ukulele career are less likely to be taken seriously unless they blow it out of the park. I'm all about emerging artists and delight in promoting and encouraging the new up and comers to take charge of their careers. I often post links to reliable sources like Debbie Z Entertainment who holds workshops in Artist Development, from songwriting, to performing, to the business of music. Ukulele Women is now edging towards 2k. </p><p>I've also seen many other groups pop up and grow relating to Ukulele, and there is no end in sight!! Uke Lab by the fab Sky Richelle, Baritone: Beginner and Beyond, Uke Players, Cynthia Lyn with her 100 day challenges, as well as the older well established groups such as Ukulele Underground! The lone uke player was not alone anymore!! Plenty of new and old groups to draw from!! </p><p>Now things are slowly opening up around the country and we're seeing stadiums fill for sports and music venues realigning entrance protocol to allow crowds in to their venues. But I think this will be in addition to the internet music phenomenon. No one is going to give up the online pursuit!</p><p>Music not only persevered, it in fact became larger than life. I think back to how music exploded during the World Wars, and also how it became all to the 50s and 60s. With each strain on society, music seems to explode around us. The 80s were huge, and then it all went into a steady hum, not so much died, just sort of regulated itself with no leaps. That is until the pandemic. Again, exponential growth, regardless of being shut down. In fact, I really don't think we'd of had this growth if we weren't all stuck home with boredom and loneliness. Right?</p><p>I had experienced covid first hand last year and it took at least 10 months for me to be able to even sing, and then only sitting down. Critical in the hospital close to 3 weeks, flat on my back for 4 months, I didn't miss a beat with music. I personally nurtured and encouraged others to perform and post. I lived my musical life vicariously through fellow musicians and celebrated their successes. And I feel so fulfilled in my small part of the musical explosion!! Even though I've no videos to show my participation. Lol. But oh boy, they are coming, trust me. I've had a year to write more music, hah, and now my voice is back!!</p><p>Upcoming, we, The Mungos/ Reenee and The Rollers, have an outdoor Sip and Strum in October, the annual Getaway in November, Uke It Out 2 Day festival by WMNF Radio in December, plus we are running the Ukulele open mic at the Whistle Stop in Safety Harbor every 4th Thursday. Life is almost back to normal. Now if we can ever get back to the library to run our South Tampa Ukulele jam, that would be heaven. I miss all our peeps!! </p><p>Hopefully I can keep this blog working now. And I can update all links to the festivals around the world and all the web links for artists and sites that I adore!! Also, I'll get back to writing those biographies of 30s, and 40s Ukulele Artists, and catch up with interviews of new artists. It's daunting, trust me!</p><p>Ok, y'all take care out there, be safe and sensible, keep playing your ukuleles, and maybe we'll catch up at one of the festivals!!</p><p>Ever Strumming, Norine Mungo </p><p>Aka 30s Uke Girl!!!</p>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-22114951439184897732020-04-10T22:28:00.000-04:002020-04-10T22:53:46.380-04:00The Ukulele Phenomenon , The Tribe, It’s one and the same!<div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>People often inquire as to what drives the Ukulele phenomenon that is taking place world wide. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>My answer is that it's not the instrument. And yet, it is. The instrument is made affordable by many commercial manufacturer's, lending itself to the masses. There is something for everyone, from the cheapest toy to the 35k “one of a kinds” with inlays and exotic woods. With YouTube and music store lessons, many loner students can achieve high skills in a short time. </i></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>But the biggest thing driving this world event is community. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>It's something that was lost over the last 50 years, the community bonding, and mostly due to technology. I mean, quilting clubs and bingo still gather the senior folks, but the kids, teens, young adults, and mature adults, well, it's all been about TV, computer, iPads, cellphones, notebooks, and social media. Who wants to go outside let alone go to meetings. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>We see it every day, in restaurants where families sit with cell phones and notebooks, never conversing with each other, lost in some world of each ones making. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>But something shifted. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b> We saw some cool people were being videoed holding and playing ukulele. As the idea took shape, first with musicians, adopting the ukulele sound for their style of music, followed by the local musicians gathered in front rooms to jam with fellow musicians, a new desire blossomed amongst the onlookers. And that idea was , "That looks easy and it looks like fun!" Then friends of musicians joined in, some having never played an instrument in their lives. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>As this expanded, over and over, in living rooms across the world wide stage, many began to seek out other players, via ads and meetup and Facebook. Groups began to grow into clubs and some became societies. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>I’ve said, “Going to a uke event is like going to a family reunion, without the drama.” Everyone is happy that you're there, and if you miss one meeting, they are worried about you. When you return, they celebrate! We haven't seen this resurgence of community since the moose and eagle clubs were in vogue. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>For those who continue to scratch their heads over why the little uke creates such passion, from the youngest player to the 80 year old in his rocking chair, one needs look no further than the soul. It's what's been missing, don't you think, for a very long time. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Yes, the soul, the human spirit, it thrives on community, creativity, and music.</b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>From the time of cave dwellers, pounding on logs, music has bound us together, in the best of times and the worst of times. It’s the glue that unites across all continents, and it’s universal regardless of the language, raising us up in our evolutionary journey.</b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>The spirit of Ukulele, Aloha Spirit, certainly has sparked a massive evolution in the world wide community. Via YouTube, Facebook, Meetup, Blogging, as well as performers in media, everyone is inspired and everyone wants to be a part of it. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>To see kids in a circle, thrilled at learning a song together, or a group of senior citizens singing and playing at a farmer's market, or teens in talent shows bolstering their voice with the melodic uke, you'll notice a common denominator. Their eyes are smiling. Eyes are the windows of the soul, they say, and I haven't seen a person yet that doesn't beam when they are playing a uke. Togetherness comes easy with the uke players. And happiness is natural when you're making music. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>So this phenomenon, this movement, is not losing steam. And if anything, it's gathering souls by the thousands, like a soul magnet, and the bigger it gets, the more power it propels as it gains speed. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Since the outbreak of the Covid 19, I’ve noted that ukulele sales are skyrocketing, and beginners are flooding YouTube and Facebook looking for lessons and help. But, even in lockdown and isolation, more than lessons, everyone is looking for ways to be a part of a group, a community, a friendship with others. And this just proves the point, that we’ve been missing this all along. It’s in our nature to seek community and to be “IN” music. The little ukulele, easy to play, easy to buy, no longer viewed as a toy, has heralded a new age. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>I am part of a group that started in a front room. I wasn't there in its beginnings, I was drawn into the vortex about three years later, when that twelve had grown to over two hundred members.</b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>I had always performed with bands, originals and covers, always with guitar, till I discovered the ukulele. And after 6 months of going to events with the original group, Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, I started a beginner session group in MY living room. And from that, I created the South Tampa Ukulele Jam, almost 7years running, the Rock the UKE theme took off, and the community began to grow exponentially! Community! It’s the driving force!</b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b> And now, Tampa Bay Ukulele Society is in its tenth year on meetup, the number has surpassed over 2500 members, from all over the state of Florida, and has members all over the nation who fly in as well as some international friends of our group. Through jams, workshops, open mic's and multiple festivals, and charitable work in the community, the original group that formed in that living room some 12 years ago, created something that has a life of its own. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>So, it’s not the ukulele, and yet, it is. It created a community. <a href="https://www.lunaguitars.com/ukuleles" target="_blank">As Luna will tell you, it’s The Tribe!</a></b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.lunaguitars.com/ukuleles" target="_blank"> It’s the Ukulele AND it’s the Tribe! </a>We can all be a part of one big tribe, together making music and memories, and lift each other up, cause that’s what good mates do! </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b> I know that the universe works in mysterious ways. It seems to me that in a time when we all needed to come together as the human family the most, this little musical sprite has wielded its magic, and is making us whole again. Healthy minds are nurtured by music, and community and belonging. It fills our hearts with love for each other. It quenches our thirst for knowledge. It exercises our cognitive presence, being here in the moment. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>So, next time you see a ukulele, if you've never tried one, pick it up, give it a whirl, and buy yourself the greatest gift you could ever have. Cause if you listen to your heart, it will lead you to a community like ours, and you will never have to be alone. Even if you're the first one in you're group, others will find you. Play it, and they will come. </b></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Ever Strumming, </b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Norine Mungo</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Aka 30’s Uke Girl</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Tampa Bay Ukulele Society BOD</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> Event and Performance Coordinator </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Every Day, It's An Ukulele Day </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Https://www.itsaukuleleday.com</i></b></span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-18381654697531414662020-04-09T01:06:00.000-04:002020-04-09T01:06:18.720-04:00Beginner Ukulele Hints and Helps Group on Facebook<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Hello fellow Ukers, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I finally figured out how to get back into my blog. Not an easy feat apparently, when your computer is on the fritz. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Happy to say, I've figured it out on my phone and next I will try the iPad. Ok, so, you're getting the idea that I'm not a teen, nor young adult. That's right, 30s Uke Girl is ancient in a child's eye, but let me tell you, I'm still pretty savvy. Hahaha. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>My information today is on a group that I started about 6 to 7 years ago, on Facebook, called Beginner Ukulele Hints and Helps. It started out with about 80 folks, mostly local, and was a place for beginners and professional performers to meet and interact. Beginners post questions and videos, then peers and professional instructors give feedback. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Let me tell you about the last 4 months. We've been growing steadily over 6 years till about 5 months ago, when we hit 1k members. I was like, whoah, so happy to see so many artists, luthiers, bloggers, providing so much info, and many many beginners joining and learning. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>In the last 4 months, we've toppled over 2k and daily growth, as of last night, 2300 members. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>It's the quarantine!!! Everyone is buying Ukuleles, and they are eager and hungry for knowledge. And, with so many professionals out of work, festivals canceled, workshops canceled, I'm more than happy to let them post links to their patreon pages, and websites, to generate funds. Even more thrilled at how they are engaging the beginners, with how to's and recommends. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I'm going to be posting a lot more content on this blog now, and cleaning up the site, as far as festival dates e.t.c. and I hope to find and bring you tons of info about great sites, awesome performers, and cool clubs. Heck, we're all under quarantine till who knows when. Right?? So, I've no excuses to not brighten your Ukulele Day!!!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>So, back to the subject at hand, whether you're a professional or a beginner, go check out Beginner Ukulele Hints and Helps on Facebook. You'll be glad you did. Make sure you answer all the questions when you request to be a member. Makes it easier for me as admin. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Ever Strumming,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Norine Mungo</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Aka 30s Uke Girl</i></b></span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-2596446422098081132019-09-10T20:38:00.001-04:002019-09-10T20:38:34.660-04:00Festival Season has Arrived for Tampa BayFestival Season is here and in full swing in Florida!<br />
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Hurricanes be damned, Floridians love their festivals, and the little UKE is holding it’s own in a world of Rock, Blues, Bluegrass and Jazz.<br />
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30s Uke Girl here, and though I post sparingly, I’m going to ramp up the blog cause it’s time to take it to a whole new level! There are so many festivals for ukulele all over the world, and Florida actually has so many that folks are coming from far and wide to experience this epic phenomenon,<br />
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October kicks off with the Pinellas County Country Jubilee, and though not exclusive to uke, it will again feature a beginner uke workshop, and our band, The Mungos, will be kicking off the day at 10am. Yes, with Uke’s! And yes, it’s the same band as Reenee and The Rollers, except this is our originals and it’s country. Lol. October 26th!<br />
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Next is The Getaway, Tampa Bay’s Ukulele Society Fundraiser, bigger, better, and SOLD OUT. Held the 1st weekend in November each year, and for the last five it’s been at the Sirata Beach Resort! This year the headliners for our 10th Anniversary are; Craig Chee and Sarah Jo, Victoria Vox, Ukulele Russ , The Barnkickers, and Luna Artist, Jessica Rose. Our Host is the indomitable Mim! Also featuring jams and workshops with Petey Mack and Devon Scott. This year the festival sports a dual track for workshops, including a beginner track and an intermediate to advanced track. It kicks off Friday November 1st with the wild Rock Costume Theme Party Jam hosted by none other than 30s Uke Girl (aka Norine Mungo) and Vinny Mungo. With our band in tow, this years theme is Sock Hop. The festival ends on Sunday with a luau and music provided by Hawaiian Band Ty Olopai and Maupuana, Bobby, and T J Wedger. Vendors include Loprinzi, UKE Republic, Mainland Uke’s, Gulf Bait and Tackle, and our sponsor, LUNA GUITAR AND UKULELE!<br />
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As if that weren’t enough, December 7th kicks off the 5th Anniversary of WMNF’s UKE IT OUT! This festival is held in downtown St Pete at Cage Brewing, and sees crowds up to 700 ukemaniacs. Beginner workshop , Rock Jam with the Crowd, then over six hours of music by Bands including Junction 27, Reenee and The Rollers (aka 30s Uke Girl Norine Mungo), Tom Hood and the Tropical Sons, a Luna Artist tab, and many more tba. Sponsored by WMNF, Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, Luna Guitar’s and Ukuleles, and vendor Gulf Bait and Tackle. Many IPAs and always great street food! Advance tickets available at WMNF 88.5 Radio, Tampa Bays Community Radio Station.<br />
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Not done Yet! February 2nd is World Ukulele Day, and we celebrate it on the 1st Saturday in February. This year it’s Feb 1st. World Ukulele Day Festival III. Downtown Dunedin, and I do mean downtown! In its third year, this free concert in the park is literally encompassing the whole street, with multiple performances going on simultaneously in the restaurants, clubs, and store fronts up and down Main Street. Starting at 11am, with children’s performance at the railroad museum, and buskers up and down main, till 3pm when clubs and performers gather into a sidewalk flash mob parade up aato Pioneer Park. Then the Dunedin UKE Club will lead a massive Jam followed by Headliners, Ty Olopai Band, Lil Rev, and finale The Super UKE Dance Band. Then the after jam party continues at the Honu Tiki Bar! Lil Rev will conduct 2 workshops at a venue during the day.<br />
Bands so far during the street part are The Mungos, Tom Hood, Junction 27, Luna Artists TBA, and about 30 other acts. Vetting is going on now, so start applying! Sponsored by Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, Luna Guitar’s and Ukuleles, The Downtown Merchants of Dunedin, with vendors Gulf Bait and Tackle, and Replay Guitar Exchange. Food vendors include Bayou Bistro Bites. Others tba.<br />
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But wait, there’s even more!! If that wasn’t enough, activities are planned in venues all week including workshops and concerts throughout Tampa culminating in the UkeApalooza Extravaganza at the Florida State Fair in Tampa Dec 8th! Whaaaaat? Yes, one whole week of a UKE in Tampa Bay Florida!!! Who’s ready for a Florida Vacay??? More to come on artists but headliner is Lil Rev and it’s going to be inside with AC so get ready to have an amazing week long celebration of the Ukulele!<br />
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PS: March will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society ‘s Ukulele Open Mic at the famous Whistle Stop Bar and Grill in Safety Harbour. This will be a night to remember, as Steve Boisen , founder of TBUS, joins The Mungos to cohost this party. This night will start earlier at 5 pm instead of 7. We will be getting EVERYONE up and many surprises as well!<br />
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April marks our annual TBUS Picnic, always well attended, followed by May, National Play you Ukulele Day, in which we incorporate a twist, and party down dudes, another festival, UKE O De Mayo, date tba. Many performers, including Hispanic Ukulele, Art, Crafts, Children’s Performance, Contests, and workshops. Stay tuned!<br />
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I’ll be announcing more as it comes in, like the workshop on Feb 22nd given by, shut the front door, ONSONG CREW!!! YES!<br />
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Ever Strumming,<br />
Norine Mungo (aka 30s Uke Girl)<br />
Tampa Bay Ukulele Society<br />
Board of Directors<br />
Event and Performance Coordinator<br />
Every Day, It’s An Ukulele Day<br />
Https://www.itsaukuleleday.comu<br />
<br />30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-68518914353624438292018-08-26T21:12:00.001-04:002018-08-26T21:15:14.744-04:00Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway 2018<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hey there Dudes and Dudettes!</span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> 30s Uke Girl here aka Norine Mungo, and howdy do we have some fun news about the <a href="http://www.tampabayukulele.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway</a> 2018! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's gonna be a weekend packed full of activity and it is again at the <a href="https://www.sirata.com/" target="_blank">Sirata Beach Resort</a>! Newly remodeled and bigger and better, the Sirata is def an affordable Luxury resort experience that has partnered with TBUS to bring you the best of everything that is Florida and Tropical. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tickets are just about gone, so if you're sitting on the fence, don't get disappointed if you miss getting one. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With an all star line up,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://rachelmanke.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Manke</a> , <a href="https://matthewbriankirkland.com/press-kit" target="_blank">Matthew Kirkland</a> , <a href="https://www.fleamarketmusic.com/ukuleles/about_beloff.asp" target="_blank">Liz and Jim Beloff</a> ,</span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.arichimusic.com/" target="_blank">Ari Chi</a> and many new added activities, this is going to be one jam packed weekend of fun! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Friday, after opening ceremonies, the crowd will move outside to the beach bar for open mic hosted by <a href="https://www.mimsukes.com/" target="_blank">Mim</a> of Mims Ukes. Mim will also be our MC for the weekend and will do a performance on Saturday as well as a SET UP workshop. Now wouldn't you want to know how to take care of and set up your UKES? Though, if you buy from either Mim or from Jim at <a href="http://cargo.ukerepublic.com/" target="_blank">Uke Republic</a> they automatically set up your uke before shipping! Open mic ends about 8pm.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then the Friday night concert jam by Reenee and The Rollers (aka Norine and Vinny Mungo of the South Tampa Ukulele Rock Jam) starts up in the Ballroom about 8pm. This years theme is 60s Folk Rock and Rock. The room will be Hippiefied and attendees are asked to bring their tye dye shirts and flowers in their hair etc. Peace Love Dove Baby!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Then Endless jamming for sure, with a spare room set aside with AC or on the beach, ala natural. Also, there will be some beginner sing and strum sessions on both days by </span><a href="http://www.karenpulferfocht.com/blog/memphisukuleleflashmob" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Pete McCarty</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> of whom you can read about here. From the infamous Memphis Flash Mob, Petey Mack will bring fun and laughter to our crazy weekend. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Other new workshops include Songwriting, taught by Norine Mungo, Nashville songwriter, member of ASCAP , under Norine Mungo Publishing, writer of <a href="https://soundcloud.com/norine-mungo/its-an-ukulele-day" target="_blank">It's An Ukulele Day</a> also recorded by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rOv9a_h80Y" target="_blank">Ukus In Fabula</a>! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An Onsong workshop! Yes, the dreaded beloved OnSong!!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of course there will be the huge Silent Auction again, our biggest fund raiser of the year, chaired by Pat Spera, who is still accepting donations. This has been a highlight of this festival since it's inception. Many folks have walked away with Ponos and Mighty Moes, jewelry, books, art, it is always new each year and our members from all over the world contribute, as this funds the charities that we are involved in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If that isn't enough for you, we raffle off a whole load of Ukuleles as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then on Sunday Mim hosts the Open Mic for groups, 3 or more, and then after the raffle and silent auction, we move out to the beach for a Luau lunch with music from <a href="http://www.tyolopai.com/" target="_blank">Ty Olepai</a> and band. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Did I mention that lunch and dinner are provided on Saturday as well as the Luau lunch on Sunday? All this with the price of your ticket. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So there you have it, a tropical resort vacation with concerts, workshops, great food, epic jams and open mics, in beautiful Florida, the East Coast Hawaii!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I'll be seeing YOU there! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As Always,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ever Strumming, 30s Uke Girl</span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">aka, Norine Mungo , Reenee and The Rollers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-42339116815208374352017-05-26T13:42:00.000-04:002017-05-26T15:38:01.067-04:00South Tampa Ukulele Jam celebrates 2 Year Anniversary at Jan K Platt Library!<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Dear Dudes and Dudettes</i>,</span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/events/nrlsklywjbwb/" target="_blank"><span style="color: cyan;">South Tampa Ukulele Jam</span></a> <i>has been going strong for 4 years, and since moving into the regional library, we're hitting 2 years at</i> <a href="http://hcplc.evanced.info/signup/calendar?&lib=9&ag=all&et=all&kw=%20" target="_blank">Jan Platt, in South Tampa, Florida</a>! </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have covered Rock N Roll Themes every month for 2 years! We've done Elvis, 80s Pop, Monkey's, Traveling Wilbury's, Day of the Dead 1 & 2 (performers who died ), Rock N Roll Christmas, Country Rock Christmas, Doo Wap, Surf, British Invasion, Country Rock, Woodstock, Heartbreakers & CCR, Folk Rock, Rock Musicals, and well, it just gets crazier each month! </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, in June we do our encore for the year, 2 to 3 of the best loved songs from each months theme July 2016 through May 2017. </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, for this July, 2017! Are you Ready??!!!!</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 Year Anniversary at Jan K Platt Library, bring snacks and bottled water/soda cause we're going to the MOVIES!!!! Music that is!</span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Guardians of the Galaxy 1 & 2!!!!"</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">Guardians One:</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hooked on a Feeling-Blue Swede </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Go All the Way-Raspberries</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spirit in the Sky-Norman Greenbaum </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moonage Daydream-David Bowie</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fooled Around and Fell in Love-Elvin Bishop</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm Not in Love-10CC</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I Want You Back-Jackson 5</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Come and Get Your Love-Redbone</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cherry Bomb-The Runnaways</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Escape (The Pina Colada song) -Rupert Holmes</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">O-Oh Child-The Five Stairsteps</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ain't No Mountain High Enough-Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Guardians Two:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra </span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Fox on the Run – Sweet </span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Lake Shore Drive – Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">The Chain – Fleetwood Mac </span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Bring It on Home to Me – Sam Cooke</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Southern Nights – Glen Campbell</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">My Sweet Lord – George Harrison</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) – Looking Glass</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Come a Little Bit Closer – Jay and the Americans</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang – Silver</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Surrender – Cheap Trick</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Father and Son – Cat Stevens.</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Flash Light – Parliament.</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Guardians Inferno – The Sneepers featuring David Hasselhoff</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"> Yes! </span><span style="font-size: small;">We are pulling together all the songs from both movies and let me tell you, just like in Woodstock, where you all came in Hippie garb, lol, everyone is planning to come in the face <span style="color: red;">c</span><span style="color: lime;">o</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">l</span><span style="color: #ea9999;">o</span><span style="color: yellow;">r</span> of your choice, and heck, might even see a Peter Quill or a Drax! </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is REALLY cool music and of course, it's Rock, so, like, Rock On Strummers of little Ukes!!!!! </span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">I say each month that, "This is going to be Awesome!" But I think that I will say that <span style="color: red;">"This month is going to be EPIC!!!"</span> LOL</span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">See you all there and keep strumming Peeps, it makes me very happy to see YOU happy! </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, if you want music emailed to you from these Rock Sessions we do each month, go to Meetup.com and make sure you join <a href="https://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Ukulele Society</a>, <span style="color: red;">it's free</span>, and it will keep you up to date on ALL the activities around the Tampa Bay Area for ukulele events. Scroll to South Tampa Ukulele Jam and then follow directions for our email mailing list! You will also find on the meet up site for TBUS: Workshops, concerts, jams, lessons, library lending programs, open mics, TBUS has it all! Folks from all over the world have come to Florida for vacation and showed up to jam or play at open mics with us. </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">We also have a festival in November, called <a href="http://www.tampabayukulele.com/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway</a>, a full weekend of music at the infamous <a href="http://www.sirata.com/" target="_blank">Sirata in Clearwater Beach!</a> National and International Artists, Concert and Workshops, Luau, Meet & Greet, Vendors, Auctions, Raffles, non stop music, play your uke at the beach, and leave tired, fulfilled, happy, and thirsting for the next Getaway!!! </span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">OK, that's it for now, been busy, I try to get back here as often as I can, but soon, this is all I will be doing!!! Retirement is on the horizon and then Vinny and I, 30s Uke Girl, AKA Reenee of Reenee & The Rollers, will go on the road with our Ukulele Songs and teach the world to sing and play our original,<a href="https://soundcloud.com/norine-mungo/its-an-ukulele-day" target="_blank"> It's An Ukulele Day!!!! </a></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ever and Always, 30s Uke Girl!!! </span></span></b></span> </span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-48214142374223438892016-11-21T13:54:00.001-05:002016-11-21T13:54:45.388-05:00SongWriting! 101 and 1/2 by Norine Mungo<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>So here is a post I wrote awhile back on my blog, <a href="http://isingfolksongs.blogspot.com/2012/03/song-writing-workshop-follow-up.html" target="_blank">I Sing Folk Songs</a>, about the art of songwriting. I am copying this over from that blog, so, no, this is not plagiarism, lol, cause I wrote it in the first place. Haha. But I get lots of questions about songwriting and I have done many workshops at festivals about this subject, so here is my version, pieced together through the years, of how to write songs. </b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Now, I wrote this for the Folk Writer who, notoriously , writes 20 verses and does two songs an hour. Yeah, that one! I help people narrow the focus of what they are trying to say in their song, and engage the audience into their story. This works for ALL songwriting, so, without further ado: Songwriting 101 and 1/2 by Norine Mungo aka 30s Uke Girl!</b></i></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Welcome
to Songwriting 101 and ½</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Because the hour long songwriting workshop is nowhere near
enough time to do more than inspire you to write, I’ve created this mini book
for you to read after our session today.
</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Your
mentor, Norine Mungo</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So, who am I to be teaching YOU how to write a song. I know what some of you are thinking. LOL.
So, I will give you a little background on how I got here first, before
I dive into this lesson. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve been writing music since I was 16. Was it great music at first? Mostly not! But it was a start, and it is so cool now to
go back to those beginning songs and compare them to what I’ve written over the
past few years. If you see the growth in
your music, you are going in the right direction! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Through the years I have picked up knowledge from so many
sources and applied them to my songwriting. I’ve read books, talked with
mentors, upped my skills on the guitar, and practiced writing something every
day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When
I was performing in our Country Rock Band, Reach For
The Sky, we were the house band at a club in Santa Clara, California,
called
The Horseshoe Club. That is where I met
Joan Baez. She used to come in with her
friends from the Arthur Murray dance studio, and she loved dancing to
western
swing. One night, as I was sitting down
on a break, she turned to me and put her hand on the back of my hand. I
turned to her and said, “Hey Joan!” I mean, it is Shut The Front Door,
Joan Baez
touching my hand and looking directly at me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">She said, “I like your songs. You are one of the most
prolific songwriters I’ve met in a long time.
How many songs have you written?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I said, “Well, about 40 now.” I kept calm but my heart was racing just a
bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">She
then said, “You are killing your voice in these clubs
when you have a skill for writing. You
need to get out of the clubs before you ruin your voice. And, you need
to write every day. Write 300 songs. Once you’ve reached 300 songs.
Nobody can stop you. You’ll be that good!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
not like we became buddies or anything. It was just that one chance
encounter. But I did ask about the 300 songs. I was thinking, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How will I ever get to 300? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">She told me the most important thing I learned about
songwriting. “Every idea for a song should be written down. Once you’ve put any work into that idea, no
matter where you are in the process, it is now considered a song. It might not be complete yet, but it is a song!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It took a life time to get here but, I now have over 350
songs. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Another thing that has helped me in my writing is that I
have been a performer most of my life, from childhood on. Starting with 17 years of dance school, leading
to high school and college musicals, then vocalist for disco bands, rock bands,
country rock bands, jazz standard trio, western swing, and of course, Folk
music. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As a performer, I see the song from two perspectives:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> Can I dance to it?
And, can I sing it? LOL.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Also, as a performer in live shows with bands, I know that
the set list must be diverse enough to keep the audience listening or
dancing. With that in mind, you can see
how it translates to my songwriting. I
write each song with a beat to tap your foot to, or with emotional lines to
deliver an impactful memory. As I write each one, I try to make them different
beats and keys and content so that, once I have enough for a show, the audience
gets a diversity that keeps them excited song after song. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Welcome to my world! It is a chaotic one at best. I can’t even drive to the store without
seeing something that influences me in a way that I want put it down in
writing. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My little pamphlet is created to take you on this journey
and help you think like a well rounded writer! Enjoy!</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">OK, enough about me, on to the mentoring of YOU!!</span></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Where
Do I Start My Song??</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That is like asking, what comes first, the chicken or the
egg? In song writing, I think that you
can approach each song from a different angle, and as long as you eventually
get all the parts going, you will finish
strong. For some, the words come first,
or just the story idea, or poem. For others, they start writing a melody that
leads to a feeling or emotion and the words come after. Like I said, there is no right or wrong on
where you start, but where you finish is the key. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Christopher Cross spoke about his song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Once You Get Stuck Between The Moon and New York City</u></i>, the
theme for the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Arthur.</i> He was flying in over New York to work on the
song for the movie, and they got stalled due to bad weather. Like 3 to 4 hours, hovering above the clouds,
waiting to land. He said he looked out
and saw the moon shining down on the tops of the clouds and he thought, “this
is what it’s like be stuck between the moon and New York City” and once he
thought it, it stuck. He got pen and
paper out and began the song in the air.
I am pretty sure he finished it before they landed. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Your inspiration can take you on a great journey, as you
develop your idea into words and music.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As for me, I view songwriting from multiple vantage
points. The story, the poem, painting
the picture with words, the melody, the lead riffs and musical hooks, and
harmony, all come into play with everything I write. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This is not to say that all songwriters will come at their
songs from so many directions. Many
songwriters are lyricists, and many are strictly composers, dealing only with
one aspect of the song. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I think, though, that in the genre of Folk, Bluegrass,
Celtic, Cajun, and most Americana and Roots music, the artist, like me, does a
bit of everything. Therefore, I will
approach this mini class with the slant on creating the whole package for you. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But, given that, I want to impart to you a love of writing
the story of the song! That is what people expect when you call your music
Folk. If you don’t have any starting point yet, but you
feel you have a song idea. Try to write
down your thoughts first, not even poetically, so it’s just your outline of a
story. You will be amazed at how the
song starts developing from there!</span></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Writing
Formula Story Folk Songs!</span></b></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Why
Formula??</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> It is not a sell out,
regardless of what you’ve been told! There are purists’ out there that say a
formula kills the buzz. I don’t buy
that! You need to think formula as you are creating your work, just like a
painter. He does a sketch, then a base
coat, then layer upon layer of colors until he/she has a masterpiece. They follow a formula! </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Granted, we could take a monkey and hand him a couple of
different paint buckets, and let him slosh it on the canvas. That is cool.
But the attention span of the
viewer will be brief, and the memory of the slosh marks won’t stay in the
viewers mind for very long. Unlike Starry Night or Water Lilies, whose marks and
swirls, make you look at the paintings in depth. These are paintings that have
endured through time because they evoke an emotion. Without all the layers that the master artist
created, they would be nothing more than slosh marks. (Though, at the time they were created, there
were some purists who said Monet and Van Gogh’s paintings were just slosh
marks. LOL)</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I like to compare writing songs to painting
masterpieces. I want to leave something
enduring, and timeless. It takes practice to become a master. If you are serious about writing music, then
you must practice your art every day! A
painter and a novelist will tell you to paint or write everyday! So practice, think
formula and have fun. It is a gift to your audience! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">What
ARE Formulas!!!!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Odd place to start when we are talking about Folk music, but
let’s look at Rock for an example of formula!</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In Rock N Roll, you will find mostly hooky lines and dance
grooves, lots of repeats, and many story lines that are simple themes. Yet, they are very successful! Why? Well,
that’s because they give the listener something to grab onto. When those lines repeat, and are simple, we
tend to sing along, don’t we? That is what makes them memorable.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Also
part of the formula is the chord progression. The absolute basic chord
progression is 3 to
4 chords. Some songs have only two
chords. Some even only one! Experiment
with the different keys and progressions to get diversity in your
portfolio of
songs. Because chord progression in
another whole subject, I will only tell you to learn from some good
books that
teach the number system and how the chords go together. Again, it is
like learning to paint. If you look at a color wheel, there are
certain color families that go well together, and some that look just
awful. The same goes with chord
progressions. Put the wrong ones
together, and it is like nails on a chalk board. LOL. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Like I said, for this pamphlet, we will concentrate on
structure and leave the actual chord selection for another class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rock N Roll!</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Many Rock songs have the simple formula of: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A Lead Intro, 2 verses, a chorus, a lead, 3<sup>rd</sup>
verse, last chorus and lead out with
musical hooks throughout the song. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s take that apart and explain as simply as we can for the novice writer. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
lead intro</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> is something that might stay on your mind after you hear
it. Like<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <u>Smoke On The Water</u></i>, you will hear that guitar line in your
head just from my stating the title of the song! If you are too young, and have
never heard it, go look it up on the net!
That is a quintessential Intro Lead.
Also, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Day Tripper.</u></i> Both of these songs lead intro repeat throughout
the whole song making them the most memorable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Another example of an intro lead line is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Air That I Breath</u></i>. This line NEVER repeats again in the song,
but as soon as you hear it, you know what song it is. One last lead line I can mention is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Surfin’ USA</u></i> . Again, it is played
one time, at the beginning, never repeats again, but was so strong that you
jump up to go dance as soon as it starts.
If you are not familiar with any of these songs, look them up on
YouTube.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, not every folk song is going to get
that type of a lead in. But why not strive to create a memorable line
so that everyone will automatically know the title of the song when you start your riff! This
line can be the same as the melody of the chorus. It can be the melody of the first
line of your song. Or it can be something
that never repeats again in the song. Remember,
this is your starting point that gets the listeners attention.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In rock, there is also something called a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">musical hook</b>. This is a musical line you play on your
instrument that repeats in between your verses.
It could be the same as the intro or, preferably, this is a new line
that traverses the verses and choruses.
It acts like a bridge without words. Listen to Chad and Jeremy’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>A Summer Song</u></i>. You will hear the
opening riff repeated throughout the song.
This is a musical hook! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The 1<sup>st</sup>
verse</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> should set up your story.
Like any good story, you need to get the audience’s attention with this
verse. And, even more importantly, the
first line should be the bait! A great example is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Downtown</u></i>. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When you’re alone, and life is making you
lonely, you can always go, Downtown</i>”.
You automatically want to hear more of the verse. Another example is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Aqualung</u></i>. OK, it is harsher,
but think about it. The first line is, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sitting on a park bench, eyeing little girls
with bad intent</i>”. You are hooked
into hearing the rest. One of the best
lines I have heard was from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Eleanor
Rigby</u></i>. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eleanor Rigby, picks up the rice in
the church where a wedding has been, lives in a dream</i>”. Those opening lines make you want to know
more about the person, place or thing in the song.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The rest of the first verse expounds upon
the first lines. Just like the first
paragraph in a good book. You make or
break the connection with the audience in that first verse. Make it strong. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The 2nd
verse</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> goes into more detail about the situation, place or
person. I would compare it to the
frosting on the cake. 1<sup>st</sup>
verse is the cake, 2<sup>nd</sup> verse is the frosting. Don’t you think it is funny how people
remember and sing along with the first verses and choruses of songs, but mumble
the 2<sup>nd</sup> one. That is
why. It is the frosting. Certainly important to the content of the
story, but let’s face it. You can eat cake
without frosting, but you usually don’t sit down and eat bowl of frosting without the cake. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This verse is certainly important
though. Remember, you’ve already opened
strong with a character or statement, and now you want to give some background
on that person or statement. Like in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Come Dancing</u></i> by The Kinks, the first verse talks about the situation when their favorite dance pallor gets mowed down
for a parking lot, and ends with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My
Sister Went There On A Saturday. </i>Then the second verse goes into detail
about the sister and her dates. The
second verse expounds upon his sister
going dancing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> OK, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Chorus</b>! There are many rock songs that repeat the
same melody for the chorus. In fact, Tom
Petty sings <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Run Away Train</u></i> as
the first verse AND the Chorus. But,
essentially, a good chorus will evoke the emotion of the song, and it is a
point of differentiation musically from the verses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The chorus will raise you up with higher
notes and get louder, or bring you down with lower notes and become quieter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It can get a different beat or less instrumentation,
or added instruments! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Bottom line, it is a change point in the
song that keeps the interest going and gives the audience something to grab
onto. It breaks the monotony of too many
verses! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> A
great Rock chorus example is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Stand By
Me</u></i>. The instrumentation is doing
the same 4 chords as the verses, but, the lyrical movement and the melody
change the beat of the song at that moment.
And everyone sings along with
that chorus. Another example is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Pinball Wizard</u></i>. The verses are frantic and draw you into the
energy of a pinball game, but the chorus changes to Attitude, with the beat and
words and melody giving you the vision of someone who is the king of the
pinball game. Go listen to it again, you
will see what I mean. After the chorus,
it goes back to the frantic motion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The 3rd
verse</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">
should give closure to the song. It should resolve the story in some
way. If the gist of the song is , I’m A Loser, then the resolve could
be, But I Am
Going To Get Better, or, I Will Never Be Anything Else, or But So Are
You. See what I mean? Let’s say the gist of the song is about
love. The last verse is going to resolve
whatever you’ve been speaking of in the rest of the song. Just like the
final chapter in the book
reveals the bad guy, or tells of the fairytale ending in a love story,
your
final verse will give the listeners closure and solve the mystery for
them. Etc. Great example of a final verse is from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>You Don’t Know Me</u></i>. The resolve of the song is that he/she walks
away, never knowing that you love them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Many
songs add a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bridge</b> in the
middle or towards the end of the song. A
bridge usually has far less lines in it than the verses and choruses, or it
could be more. It is almost always an
entirely different melody than the rest of the song. The bridge is usually a retrospective moment
in your story. It is a side story to
your story, or an early resolve of the situation
you are speaking about. It is not
something that you will repeat anywhere else in the song. And, not all songs have or need a
bridge!!! But, if it can be effectual to
the purpose of the song material, then develop a bridge! An example of a great
bridge is from a country song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>In My
Dreams.</u></i> It starts with two
verses, the chorus, a verse, then the bridge, then a fourth verse resolving the
story, and a final chorus. It has the
lead in and outro as well. This is a
well placed bridge!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">8.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">last
chorus</b> is usually a repeat word for word of the main chorus. This is what the listener remembers
most. It pounds the message into the
brain as to the gist of the song. Not
all songs end on a chorus, but many do.
Also, many songs will follow the formula but add the first verse after
the last chorus, repeating that introduction to the song. Again, this makes your song more memorable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Another thing to note about a chorus, first
or last, and hopefully both, is if you can repeat a line from one of the verses
in the chorus, you have done what they call in soccer, a Hat Trick. Talk about a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lyrical Hook Line!</b> Also, if
this lyrical hook line is super strong and much repeated in your song, you
might want to make it the title of the song! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">9.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">outro</b> should be a musical figure that takes you out of the
song. It can repeat the chorus or the
verse, acting as a tag at the end and lets the listener know that the song is
over. It is the Ta Dah of your
song. Another way to do your outro is to
tag your last lyrical line of the chorus or verse. So, as in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Goodness
Gracious Great Balls Of Fire</u></i>, you repeat the last line “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Broke My Will, But What A Thrill,
Goodness Gracious Great Balls Of Fire”,</i> twice at the end. That is a perfect
tag. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Standard
Formulas!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ok, so enough about Rock! LOL. Let’s talk more formula. There are many ways to configure your Folk
song. Here are some simple formats to
play with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Intro, 1<sup>st</sup> verse, chorus, 2<sup>nd</sup>
verse, bridge, chorus, repeat the 1<sup>st</sup> verse, tag last line, outro. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Long Intro (going through the melody of your
song musically), chorus, 1<sup>st</sup> verse, 2<sup>nd</sup> verse, chorus,
bridge, chorus, outro.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1<sup>st</sup> verse (starting song with the
words right away), 2<sup>nd</sup> verse, 3<sup>rd</sup> verse, bridge, outro.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Intro, 1<sup>st</sup> verse, bridge, chorus, 2<sup>nd</sup>
verse, lead line (can be a repeat of the verse melody), chorus, 3<sup>rd</sup>
verse, chorus, outro.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Intro, 1<sup>st</sup> verse, 2<sup>nd</sup>
verse, chorus, lead line, 3<sup>rd</sup> verse, chorus, outro with a tag of the
first lyrical line of the song.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chorus, 1<sup>st</sup> verse, Chorus, 2<sup>nd</sup>
verse, Chorus, 3<sup>rd</sup> verse, outro on the Chorus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many more ways to combine your verses and choruses
effectively, but use these as a starting point to refine your direction! You will use these and other formulas you
find to keep your song moving, and making it very interesting for the listener!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So what
defines a Folk Song!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The difference in our genre of music is that we want to tell
a story, or make a statement. Maybe it
is a funny story, or a sad one, or just a good story about a person, place or
thing. Maybe we are passionate about a
cause or a situation out there in our community or the world at large. But what I’ve seen happen, many times, is
that writers in our genre tend to get stuck on the story verses, and never
develop the song into a formula composition that hooks the listener and engages
the audience into participating with the writer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You know what I am talking about. You’ve heard those songs
at the open mic nights, the ones with 20 verses, each one different, that go
on, and on, and well, you might be one of them, so don’t feel bad. This is what this mini crash course is all
about. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So, let’s say you’ve already written that 20 verses. A novelist will tell you that they just write
everything down and then they revise later. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Good advice for a Story Folk Writer. Go ahead, write it all down. Now prepare yourself to let some of them
go. Or incorporate the most important
points from each verse into less verses.
Keep in mind, like a good story should, the bait lines, the frosting,
and the resolve. The choruses can be as
simple as repeating a specific point line from your verse. Take that line, and add more thoughts to it,
creating about 4 lines, or 2 lines, or 3 lines! Or, like the Beatles, Just keep
repeating, I Wanna Hold Your Hand!
LOL. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember, don’t get
hung up on what comes first, the chicken or the egg. I get asked all the time, “Do you start with
a melody or the lyrics, or do you write a poem and put it to music later?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I think that everyone comes up with their own method of putting
the songs together. It isn’t right or
wrong to start with any of those. The
words might come first for you, and
melody develops around the rhythm of the meter of your poem. Or, you might be one who starts humming a
tune and then you develop words to match your melody. It is all good. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">No matter where you start, it’s where you end that
matters! Follow one of the formula’s to
make sure that once you’ve got your words and melody, you will have a viable
finished product that the public would be interested in hearing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The greatest cause in the world, sung without some type of
formula, will fall on deaf ears. People
get bored quickly. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We are in a world of fast pace, remote control change
artists who can’t even sit through a TV show without flipping the channel
constantly. Think of that when you are
singing your song to an audience. Keep
that song flipping for them from interest point to interest point, or they are
off to doing their grocery lists in their heads. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Also, if you are doing a whole show based on your songs,
remember to set up your show list with diverse keys, beats, and subject matter.
Again, you don’t want to have everything
you write sound the same. That is why I
give you so many formulas to choose from.
Practice using a different one for each song you start. That way, you will sound interesting all the
way through your set. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Lastly, concerning the length of your song, a good 2 ½
minutes to 4 minutes, tops, is best.
That is a standard timing for air play on a radio. My friend Jane Gill, author of the book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>A Matter Of Pride, </u></i>once said to
me, “I am always amazed how a songwriter can say in one page of music, what it
takes me 250 pages to say!” Think of
that when you are struggling to give up those 20 verses. A great song will still only be one page of
typed words!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you find your typed song hitting two full pages with
standard font, or worse, going to the third page, I am telling you to cut that
baby down!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As To
My Method</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ok, here it goes. I am consistently starting my songs
differently every time. I have stood in
the keyboard section of Guitar Center, and heard a drum beat that sets my mind
awhirl. The melody or words just start
popping into my mind, and next thing you know, I am running to the counter
asking for pen and paper. I write a few
of my thoughts down, and then when I get home, I fiddle with those thoughts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Another time, I will see something in the news, or hear a
story about someone we know, that makes me think deeper about the person, place
or thing. I fiddle with the story a bit,
fleshing it out and then start working on a melody line or lyrics. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But mostly, I like to start with a story. I push myself to come up with new stories
that I have totally made up in my head.
Like my song, Mrs. Edna Pomeroe.
She doesn’t exist. I put myself
through writing exercises all the time.
I thought of writing something about all the women I knew who were now
alone, having outlived their husbands.
From that exercise came one of my most requested songs!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
It’s Your Turn!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So here goes, your exercise for your brain muscle! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Write down possible story lines every single
day. Get a journal and keep jogging down
your thoughts as they hit you. If you
are at work or in a situation where you can’t write in your journal, see if
your phone has a recording section to speak your thought into it. My android has something called rich
text. OMG, it has saved my mind. I get a thought and I grab my phone and write
myself a message. If you are driving and
you have hands free, you can call yourself and leave yourself a voice
message. LOL. Yes, I have done that!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Every day, take a look at those thoughts in your
journal, and pick one to work on. If you
have a computer, and you have Word Document, it is awesome cause you can play
with the story, developing the
thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have all these mini stories just floating
around waiting to gain my attention.
That is why, even if you are working on some songs already, keep
revisiting that journal as well. What
only slightly drew your attention before, might later become a passionate thing
that you want to write about. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Every good story needs a person, place or thing!
In a novel, you need a protagonist. It can be a static or dynamic character. Dynamic meaning growth! In my
song, Jacque, the character is dynamic in that he crumbles from what once were
great dreams and ambitions to being a chalk artist on the street. In other words, there is movement in the
characters life, for better or for worse.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In Will McLean’s songs, he developed his
characters from real life personalities and places from Florida History. Your character could be a Lake, or a
Mountain, or your character could be The Boy Next Door, or The Girl At The Soda
Shop. Your character could be Single
Moms, or The Fight To Save X, Y, Z Place.
It could be a past President, or a War Hero. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Your
person, place, or thing is the key element to your story song. If it is fictional, be as creative as you’d
like with your character. But if it is
about a real person, or a real place, then get all your facts, do the research
and paint that picture as accurately as you can. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Willie Nelson once said, “I never write my new
song down until I can remember it from day to day. If I
can’t remember it, no one else is gonna remember it either!” I liked that.
That is why I just write down thoughts.
When I am starting to create the
meat of the song, I many times just play the guitar and start playing with
words and let the whole thing sort of develop for a couple of verses. I am not going to lose the theme as it’s been
jogged down, but as to the content of the actual song, I wait an hour before I
even start writing the words on paper.
When I come back to it in an hour, if I still have the melody and words
in my head, I know I am on to something that others will remember too. This is just a method that I use personally
to judge the metal of the song. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You might think, NO WAY, and write down
every rhyme that comes into your mind. That is fine too, and if that works for
you, then use it. But if you find that
your songs get boring to you, or to those that are listening, then you might
want to resist that way and follow Willies!
I can say that I became a much better writer after learning this
discipline! </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Feedback! Humble yourself to accept feedback
from friends, foes, peers etc! Tell your
friends though that you want honest feedback!
When I am writing my novels, I get certain friends and family to read my
works as I go. I get great feedback that
helps me stay on target with my story, and to keep the reader engaged and
invested in the saga. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You need to do the same thing with your
songs before you go public. Now, not
everyone is going to like what you wrote.
But if the majority of your proofers like what you did, then add it to
your show. If you get the soft shoe
shuffle from your friends, get them to tell you why. Did you write too many verses? Did your song
stay on theme throughout, or did it stray to too many thoughts that confused
the listener as to what the main subject was about. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ask them to sing the chorus with you. If they can kinda repeat that chorus, this is
a very good thing. When you are done
singing to them, ask THEM what the song was about, don’t YOU tell them. This is very important as you will learn
quickly whether you have something interesting that caught their attention. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that you’ve written your song, and you’ve proofed
it with friends and peers, and you’ve done it in front of strangers, and
everyone loves it, and you go running to your home recording studio, and you
make your own CDs, and everyone loves it, and some national company hears it
and decides they want to go to the Real Studio, get ready to rewrite your song!
Producers will notoriously change many things about your song. They may change your intros and outros and
the leads and hooks in between. They may
ask you to rewrite the chorus, or change and tweak the melody. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Now this is where you decide whether doing
what the producer wants is going to make you feel like a crazy sell out! If you have doubts about that producers ideas,
ask them to show you some before and after work that they’ve done and make your
decision based on whether or not you think that they actually improved the
artists songs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember too, that if they make major
changes in your song, they will own part of the song as a co-writer! It is one thing for a producer to arrange the
song for you, adding other instruments etc, but to change words and melody gets
into copy write issues. Be aware of what
you are giving up!</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">You may be one who wants total artistic
control of your work. You may feel
better about just doing your own CD’s, booking your own gigs and staying local,
or small touring of small events. That
is great. Just know and be true to
yourself. You want to be a happy
artist. But if you feel you have a
really big message to give the world, then you will probably have to work with
a producer that will want to influence the direction of the song. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Take heart though, cause YOUR song might be
so good, and complete that they don’t want to change a thing! But in reality,
that usually never happens. LOL. </span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Last
Thoughts</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I know this is a short recipe on how to write a song, but I
hope it inspires you to create better songs going forward. If I’ve influenced you and motivated you to
get out there and start writing, I hope you will email me and let me know of
your journey and your successes. Nothing
would please me more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In parting, when I was in my 20’s, a band mate recommended a
book to me. It was called, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If
They Ask You, You Can Write A Song</i></b>”.
It was all about formulas and it changed my direction for the better. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I also became a better writer when I learned to play my
guitar better. Learning to play more
than those 5 basic chords is real handy! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">So moral of the story:
Don’t be resistant to knowledge and skill! Develop both and you will increase your happy
factor and your credibility with the music industry as a whole. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
you need to spend 70,000 dollars on a college degree to
be great songwriter? Well, Will McLean certainly didn’t! Does theory
help. Yes, it certainly can. But the most important thing in
songwriting
is. . . . Can you be creative???? I know
that my mother in law can play the piano like she is in a symphony, but
she has
stated many times, if the song isn’t written down, she can’t play it.
And as to writing her own material, she said
that she had never even attempted it.
So, you see, her theory didn’t produce a songwriter in her! It made her
a great musician! Theory can’t replace creative thought. But <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">theory
can take creative thought to the next level!</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What I want to you think about is this. Am I a creative person? Can I play an instrument to show other
musicians what I am hearing in my head. Can I write a formula song that the
listener is drawn to. Do I wax poetic?
Do I like telling stories?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">If you answered the creative part with a positive, that is
the chef in you. The instrument is the
pot in which you are going to cook. The formula is the recipe. The poetic is
the ingredients. The telling story’s is
the serving of your dish! Now get
cooking!!! Writing!!! You know what I
mean!!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ever Yours, Norine Mungo </span><a href="mailto:southtampaukulelejam@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">southtampaukulelejam</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook me! Norine Mungo, The Mungos, Reenee And The
Rollers, and my Ukulele Facebook page is Norine Marie Mungo</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hear our tunes at <a href="https://soundcloud.com/norine-mungo">Sound Cloud</a><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">And for some of my cool original recipes, for actual
cooking, I have a blog called Mama Mungos Soup Kitchen on Blogspot.com</span></div>
30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-50328658164515435822016-11-16T16:56:00.001-05:002016-11-16T16:56:55.185-05:00It's A Ukulele Day now on Soundcloud, music and lyrics by Norine Mungo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34hYePc8-TA/WCzVbLvvgFI/AAAAAAAACBE/kC5K0pzZbQ0cVdiO9PpBjIkHH2tNc0EnQCLcB/s640/0001%2BSouth%2BTampa%2BUkulele%2BJam%2BPhoto.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Tampa Ukulele Jam<br />hosted by Norine and Vinny Mungo<br />with their live Ukulele Band<br />Reenee & The Rollers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/norine-mungo/its-an-ukulele-day" target="_blank">It's A Ukulele Day</a><br />
<br />
Here you go peeps from around the world, I'm posting It's A Ukulele Day, music and lyrics by Norine Mungo and performed by Norine aka 30s Uke Girl and also aka Reenee of Reenee and The Rollers. We performed this at the Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway on both Friday night to Kick Off the weekend and on Sunday with Ty and his Hawaiian Group to Close the Festival. <br />
<br />
Thank you all for your overwhelming response and requests for this song. I will love knowing that y'all are performing this song at your clubs around the world! My motto, "No Nukes! Play Ukes!" <br />
<br />
For those that heard the beginnings of this song several years ago, when I first wrote it as It's World Ukulele Day, yes, this is the same song, but revised to reflect that, heck EVERY DAY is A Ukulele Day, not just once a year! So, have fun, and please let me know if you are doing this song at YOUR clubs, and also, keep us in mind if you ever want to have us at YOUR festivals and workshops! <br />
<br />
Later Dudes, Dudettes, and to all my peeps, Blessings in Abundance are wished for you and yours!<br />
Ever and Always, 30s Uke Girl!!!30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-39173528507834900702016-10-20T13:49:00.000-04:002016-10-20T13:49:20.682-04:00Catching Up on all the events!Holy Moly, Peeps, I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. Wow! It's been a very busy year for our band and our ongoing very successful jam session, South Tampa Ukulele Jam. Festival Season has come up fast for our group, and we are performing every month through Feb 2017. This Saturday is the Country Jubilee Festival at Heritage Village, Largo, where our band performs at 11 am on the main bandstand. The Gazebo for those who know the place. LOL And, this will be the first year that Tampa Bay Ukulele Society has been honored to host two workshops at the festival, for beginner and advanced beginner!! Go to Tampa Bay Ukulele Society Meet Up for more information!!<br />
<br />
Also, Vinny and I, Norine, AKA Reenee, will host the open mic at The Whistle Stop in Safety Harbour, this month of Oct on the 27th. Format is that we do one song with the members, then start the open mic, get up a few folks, then Vinny and I will lead y'all in another song. Etc and so forth through out the night! Bring your Ukes even if you don't plan on getting up!!!<br />
<br />
Next, The Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway is FAST approaching! Nov 4th thru 6th! Guess what PEEPS??? Vinny and I will host the open jam on the opening night of the Getaway! How cool is that?? So everything you expect from the South Tampa Ukulele Jam you can expect on Friday at the Getaway! Yes, it is Rock Rock Rock as we lead you with a live band, percussion, bass, amped and loaded! Be ready to bring your outdoor Voices, cause we're gonna SING OUT!!! <br />
<br />
December 3rd is the 2nd Annual Uke It Out Fest hosted by WMNF 88.5 and our band is included for a 2nd year. This year it will be at Cage Brewery in St Pete. We are booked for this one as Reenee and The Rollers. <br />
<br />
The South Tampa Ukulele Jam is back at Fendig Library in Nov, always the 3rd Saturday of the month, and Nov's Rock Theme is . . .. Woodstock!!!!! YES!!! Dec will be back at Jan Platt for our Holiday Jam, called Rock N Roll Christmas II . Then in Jan 2017, back at Jan Platt, for dot dot dot The White Album!!! Don't miss this one!!! Get there early!!<br />
<br />
Also in January, The Pinellas County Folk Festival will be held at Heritage Village and we are assuming that our band will be back for our 4th year! I'll keep you posted on that one!!<br />
<br />
That's it for the moment. I will try to post some pics soon. We are recording albums, working the day jobs and playing every night! Woot. Life is good! And I will work on the blog to clean up the sites making sure links are still good. I will also hunt down the uke fests across the world and get them posted and updated on the left side of the blog. Something for everyone!!! Later Peeps! Love ya as always!! 30s Uke Girl<br />
<br />30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-18304500959570506762015-11-10T18:02:00.001-05:002015-11-10T18:21:09.715-05:00Tampa Bay Ukulele Society's Annual Getaway Festival<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway has come and gone. What a weekend! What a line up! What a concert!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.cheemaisel.com/" target="_blank">Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel</a> This was sweet, jazzy, and harmonies were ethereal! I must say I teared up at the lyrics, the vocals and the exceptional playing of the Ukulele. The workshop they gave was so awesome for all levels. I found myself practicing much of what they taught throughout the days following the session! They filled in at the last minute for a cancellation of performer, Hal Manitoba! We were all thrilled that they were able to swing by and be a part of this festival again!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.stufuchs.com/" target="_blank">Stuart Fuchs</a> What can I say? Stuart Fuchs has become a dear friend of mine. The versatility of this performer is mind boggling! Running the gamut from Jazz, Gypsy, Formby, Vamp, Rock A Billy, he kept us guessing as to what he would do next! The Brazilian/Latin pieces were exquisite! Classically, there is none to compare, but pair that with a spiritual take on performing and throw in Didgeridoo, and you have an experience bordering on ZenErgy! That is a word I made up to explain Stu to all my peeps!! ZenErgy!!! His workshop is still being talked about today on Facebook. Everyone LOVED this workshop!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.danielleatethesandwich.net/" target="_blank">Danielle Ate The Sandwich</a> Then! OMG! LOL. This girl of whom I honestly didn't know a great deal about, just stole our hearts! Her lyrics were honest and soul searching, and irreverent at times! I LOVED IT! Here we have someone who seems so natural and confident, and funny and sure and true, AND, what a vocalist and ukest! I honestly didn't know what to expect but I am SO glad I got to experience her workshop and performance in person! She is also very delightful in person, with a relaxed demeanor, and upon meeting her, you feel like you've known her and have been friends all your lives. Def want to see this performer again!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ukuleleunderground.com/" target="_blank">Aldrine Guerrero</a> Shut The Door!!!! What a go give spirit this guy has! And to top off his humble soft spoken personality, add the driven expertise of a heavy metal Shimabukuro looping monster talented Uke-Al-Alien! Aldy G blew the roof off of the Concert with a feverish build up to a finale that NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET! His hand was moving so fast at the end, that I literally couldn't see it anymore! He had about 20 (or so it seemed) amazing loops going together that had us standing and screaming at the end when he raised his hands and just let all that music sink in as it played on without him! O. M. G. Workshop was awesome with finger exercises, (that we were so happy to do, lol, cause that didn't hurt or stretch our hands at all, no, no, it was so kind to show us that we needed to do this every time we are going to practice! LOL), and again, referring to Ukulele Underground, we can continue to build and grow our skills! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Overall, it was a spectacular weekend, with the exclamation point on awesome fun being Mike Hind, the MC for Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway! More on him and his unbelievable journey on another post! Needless to say, don't know what it would be without him! He is so very much a part of this festival, and this Bermudian is one heck of a Floridian!! LOL</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A big thanks to all the volunteers and the committee for all the hard work and planning that went into giving us the Super Sized Fun Weekend of a lifetime! Jay Nunes and the whole committee are to be applauded for this fantastic line up and a seamless three days that will be memorable for all who attended!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Also, the vendors this year as always, they Brought IT! <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perfect selection and blends from each vendor, </span></span><a href="http://www.augustinoloprinzi.com/" target="_blank">Augustino LoPrinzi</a> , <a href="http://www.ukerepublic.com/" target="_blank">Uke Republic</a> , <a href="http://www.mainlandukuleles.com/" target="_blank">Mainland Ukulele</a> , <a href="http://rhythminlet.com/ukulele.html" target="_blank">Rhythm Inlet Ukulele</a> , <a href="http://ukulele.mx/" target="_blank">Dixie Ukulele</a> and none other than <a href="http://mimsukes.com/" target="_blank">Mim's Ukes<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A bi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">g thank you to all the vendors and your family and friends who came and helped everyone take home new babies, and helped with set ups and strap <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pegs etc. Also for all the donations for the raffles! So many happy ticket holders!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next years plans are already in the works and TBUG is going to the BEACH! YAY!!!! More on THAT later too! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ever Yours, 30s Uke Girl, Norine Mungo</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-51984234396392893762015-06-18T23:58:00.000-04:002015-06-18T23:58:05.593-04:00South Tampa Ukulele Jam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/events/223344820/" target="_blank">South Tampa Ukulele Jam</a> starts in 1 month! Jan Platt Library has opened its doors and arms to embrace the Ukulele! Starting on July 18th, at 1:30 pm, South Tampa Jam re-ignites its engines and rolls out music every 3rd Saturday! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just like before, STJ will always have a theme each month, and per tradition, will have a mic and a P A set up so that invited performers can also perform for the group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the past, we've had some amazing performances from the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society members. I am looking forward to this new journey within the library system, and hope that all of the members love the new venue too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are rolling out the first jam at Jan Platt with the theme, "Elvis is IN THE HOUSE"! 23 songs, 12 are in the key of C, many are three to four chords and some are challenging. There will be something for every level of player. We might even have a power point to put the music up on a screen. Now that would be cool! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I will be hosting the jam with my band mates, Vinny Mungo, Rick Alley and Pete Spera. Our ukulele band is called Reenee and The Rollers. Reenee comes from my name, NoREEN, (actually spelled Norine, but for the sake of pronunciation, I give you the traditional spelling. Reen, Reenee! We play originals and rock n roll with Tenor Ukes, Baritone Uke, Bass Uke, and Cajoun! Well practiced, we are working hard to make your jams seamless and energetic! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">See you all in a month! The countdown starts now! Ever yours, 30s Uke Girl, Norine Mungo</span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-33859056733206982092015-05-16T05:15:00.000-04:002015-05-16T05:15:50.112-04:00Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway lineup announced!Holy Cow! The line up for the 2015 Getaway is Stupendous! I'll post videos from the various artists as time permits. The tickets will disappear the moment they open the gates on July 1st Midnight! Manitoba Hal, Stuart Fuchs, Danielle Ate The Sandwich, Aldrine Guerrero, and MC Mike Hind will perform concerts and conduct workshops in the November extravaganza! I can hardly wait. I'll post when I get done with all my events. Lots of great bios on the <a href="http://www.tampabayukulele.com/" target="_blank">TBUG</a> Site!!! Ever, 30s Uke Girl.30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-49826161819259061282015-05-16T04:58:00.000-04:002015-05-16T05:07:08.268-04:00Tampa Bay Ukulele Society Library Lending Program rolling out May 26th 2015<br />
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That's right boys and girls, the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society has been growing exponentially over the last two years and now tips over the 800 member mark. People from all over the continental USA as well as those from Europe and beyond are joining up with Florida's West Coast Ukulele group. Based in the Tampa Bay Area, with events just about every week in many parts of 4 counties, TBUS has made an impact in the community and is ready to Give Back!<br />
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The Library Lending program is just another example of the TBUS non profit outreach to those who might not either have the funds to buy and learn the ukulele, or might think that they wouldn't be able to play the instrument. The program includes workshops at a multitude of libraries spanning the counties of Hillsborough and Pinellas. Dignitaries and news media plan to attend the first workshops which will be held on May 30th at two libraries in each county. The workshop for the trainers will be held on May 26th in Clearwater and you can get information from the site on the locations. <a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/" target="_blank">The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society</a> link will take you to the meetup.com site where events are posted for the membership. <br />
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The society is still taking donations of Ukuleles and funds to buy Ukuleles to place in the libraries with books, tuners, and gig bag. The workshops will have multiple ukuleles on hand for the attendees and the workshops are free to the public. The format will be simple and easy for the beginner who might not have ever picked up any instrument in their life. This is amazing folks! So, if you are of a mind to help out, or you have so many ukuleles that you might want to part with some that would help others out, please contact the society and they will welcome your generosity as will the libraries. Organizers to contact are <a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/members/12807870/" target="_blank">Jay Nunes</a>, <a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/members/22407601/" target="_blank">Cosmo Sagristano</a>, and <a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/members/9349519/" target="_blank">Tom Hood</a>.<br />
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This is such a go give moment and we hope that our example and those of other ukulele groups who have rolled out these programs to the libraries, will catch fire across the country. If you are reading this from afar, you might want to find out how to roll this out in YOUR neck of the woods. <br />
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As always, Happy Strumming and all that, 30s Uke Girl30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-91771160977123863742014-10-31T00:38:00.000-04:002014-10-31T00:57:47.165-04:00Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway! Almost Here!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.tampabayukulele.com/uploads/4/3/7/2/4372503/3678169.jpg?565" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tampabayukulele.com/uploads/4/3/7/2/4372503/3678169.jpg?565" height="320" width="258" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are fast approaching the Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway weekend festival! Held in Clearwater, it runs from Nov 7 to Nov 9. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Everyone is bristling with excitement, anticipating one of the best weekends ever for Ukulele Fests here in the Bay Area. Not only are there great performers for the Saturday night concert, but most of these amazing performers also will be conducting workshops on Saturday, as well as participating in the "Jam" that goes on throughout the weekend in various spots all over the hotel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> That is the big draw and a big reason why the tickets sell out in hours for this getaway. To be up close and intimate with these National and International performers, well, it's Priceless!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> This year we have headliners that include <a href="http://www.victoriavox.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Vox</a>, <a href="http://www.lilrev.com/" target="_blank">Lil' Rev</a>, <a href="http://uncleelvis.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Uncle Elvis aka Mike Hind</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/seeso" target="_blank">Narciso Lobos</a>, <a href="http://www.amandalynnsings.com/" target="_blank">AmandaLynn</a>, <a href="http://www.unclezac.com/UncleZac/Home.html" target="_blank">Uncle Zac</a>, <a href="http://colmesuke.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Colin Coleman</a>,and a special performance by the TBUG Allstars!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.pacificrhythmsfl.com/Kahanuala.html" target="_blank">Ty & Mapuana</a> accompanied by <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/steveboisen" target="_blank">Steve Boisen</a>, <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/tjweger" target="_blank">TJ Wedger</a> & <a href="http://bigjimallen.com/" target="_blank">Big Jim Allen</a> will finish the weekend with the Sunday Luau! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On top of all that, the vendors are supreme this year! <a href="http://www.ukerepublic.com/" target="_blank">Uke Republic</a> is back in the house by popular request!! Featured in the <a href="http://www.ukulelemag.com/magazine/fall-2014" target="_blank">Fall issue of Ukulele Magazine</a>, this power house out of Atlanta has quite the story, from it's humble beginnings to the speed of light transformation that has become a household name in Ukulele circles around the globe! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Vendors also include custom ukulele artists <a href="http://www.augustinoloprinzi.com/" target="_blank">Augustino Lo Prinzi</a> luthiers, need I say more? Then <a href="http://mimsukes.com/" target="_blank">Mim's Ukes</a>, <a href="http://www.mainlandukuleles.com/" target="_blank">Mainland Ukes</a>, & <a href="http://ukulele.mx/" target="_blank">Dixie Ukuleles</a> are also major favorites and represent a large portion of all the major brands of ukuleles. Mim loves to set up your ukulele and has all the tools right there at the event!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.rhythminlet.com/ukulele.html" target="_blank">Rhythm Inlet</a> returns again this year to bring sunshine from the Venice Sarasota area. They have built a huge following in our Southern counties of Tampa Bay in all things percussive! From that foundation, they began with a humble selection of Ukuleles, and now have expanded their efforts to supply the Sarasota and all surrounding areas with the happy little fleas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On Friday, the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society members gather together for a Mini Concert given by the TBUG AllStars, followed by a huge jam led by <a href="http://ukulelejay.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Jay Nunes</a> who not only hosts a monthly jam event in Clearwater/Largo area for Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, but also gives Private Lessons, and has a serious following of ADDICTED Ukulele enthusiasts who can attest to his dedication to all things Ukulele and his amazing teaching style! Jay also performs with Todd Hughes as<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheTwoUkes" target="_blank"> The Two Ukes</a> here in the Tampa Bay Area! Fun, eclectic music from many generations that everyone loves to sing and dance to, performed, of course, on the Blessed Ukulele! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> This jam will be followed by an Open Mic hosted by yet another event leader with Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, <a href="http://ukulelewedding.com/" target="_blank">Big Jim Allen</a>. Allen performs in many groups around Tampa Bay as well as solo, and is the founder and performer of Ukulele Weddings! Getting married on the Beach? Coming to Florida for your Wedding? Contact Big Jim Allen for classy beach ukulele music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of our own talented performers here in Tampa Bay, if you haven't checked out AmandaLynn yet, oh man, you better do it quick, so you can say, "I knew her when!" Her voice and lyrics, well, talk about floating on a pink sunset cloud of trills and content that speaks to the heart and soul, I am amazed with each impactful session she produces! You can catch more of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7AIvbK2-fqan5isR6DRl5g" target="_blank">AmandaLynn</a> on Youtube or click on her name above under headliners to visit her website and get information on CDs and performance schedule. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The weekend moves on with workshops and concerts by the headliners on Saturday, and then on Sunday, more mega jams, raffle giveaways of amazing Ukuleles and merchandise, and a Luau with Hawaiian music and great buffet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Really, who could ask for more?? As always, I will be showing many of the event leaders from other parts of the state and outlying areas my transitional chording technique that is helping many first timers move quickly into jamming with the groups. Since the article came out about our happy crazy 3rd largest uke group in the nation in <a href="http://www.ukulelemag.com/stories/news/the-tampa-bay-ukulele-society-knows-how-to-host-a-jam-session" target="_blank">Ukulele Magazine</a>, I've had many inquiries from these other leaders as to what I am teaching at the Beginner Sessions. Just watch for me as I will be there all weekend. Happy to share with you! Ever yours, 30s Uke Girl, Norine Mungo!! </span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-72366200022217729012014-09-03T23:41:00.001-04:002014-09-03T23:42:31.922-04:00UKETABS.COM One Great Site!So, about a year ago, I think I went to this site and loved that I could get my Ukulele tuned there. I saw chord charts and thought, "Nice Site!"<br />
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What I didn't realize was the massive song file they have there, and not only can you print it out or save it with your log in, but you can transpose it to your key! <br />
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I spent the last couple of days, on my free hours, previewing the songs from the vast list of artists on the site. Truly amazing folks! We had some fun tonight with ABBA and The Beatles, as well as some other rock. It makes it easier for us event leaders when someone else has done all the work for us, and all we have to do is print it out for the jammers and beginners. <br />
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Please give this site a look or, if you haven't been there in a while, like me, please give it a 2nd look! So much help and information on this one web page, you could be there for days!! Again that is <a href="http://www.ukulele-tabs.com/" target="_blank">UKETABS.COM</a> Tell em 30s Uke Girl sent ya!!! Enjoy!!30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-54138641970964663002014-08-19T21:08:00.000-04:002014-08-19T21:08:20.540-04:00Andi Zack Country Singer Songwriter and Ukulele Artist<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">New discovery! I asked a friend in Nashville if she knew of any country artists that were using the Ukulele as a main instrument. With all the surge in Rock and other genres, I was curious to see if there were those among us who delved into the Country scene with the little tyke in hand! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10354996_667982539946412_5801093433110172442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10354996_667982539946412_5801093433110172442_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andi Zack</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My friend stated that I should look up Andi Zack! Very first song I click on in the youtube format is a song called OH! Written by </span><br />
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<span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="OH! Andi Zack, Karyn Williams and Jennifer Zuffinetti"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Andi Zack, Karyn Williams and Jennifer Zuffinetti</span></span></h1>
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<span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="OH! Andi Zack, Karyn Williams and Jennifer Zuffinetti"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope to get some history on Andi and how she came to play the Ukulele and a little about her journey! So until then, here is a link to her Facebook Page,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndiZack"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://www.facebook.com/AndiZack</span></a> , <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: -0.03em;">and below is the video of OH. Please check out her other videos and like her page! We need MORE Ukulele in Country Music!!! Ever, 30s Uke Girl, Norine Mungo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://youtu.be/fsxB6XGtmss">http://youtu.be/fsxB6XGtmss</a> </span></div>
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<span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="OH! Andi Zack, Karyn Williams and Jennifer Zuffinetti"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 0.9em; letter-spacing: -0.03em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="OH! Andi Zack, Karyn Williams and Jennifer Zuffinetti"><br /></span></div>
30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-91401580488089449222014-08-11T18:41:00.000-04:002014-08-11T18:41:22.702-04:00The Story Of Stax Records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a video journal from Youtube on the Story of Stax Records. I have interjected some tidbits from the history but hope that you watch all the videos as well. </div>
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As we are doing songs from the STAX catalog this Saturday here at South Tampa Jam, I wanted the members of Tampa Bay Ukulele Society to learn about this great story!</div>
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There are 8 videos. If you prefer to just watch them in order, scroll down to each one and watch. </div>
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They follow each other in order from 1 through 8.</div>
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I have placed some photo history and little snippets of memories from the Stax History in between the photos and the videos. </div>
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Enjoy this walk with the Kings and Queens of Soul.</div>
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And, if you are ever in Memphis, go see the Academy and the Museum. Tell them I sent ya!!! </div>
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Story Of Stax Records Video 01</div>
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Stax began in 1957 as Satellite Records, originally to produce Country music from Jim's garage. Sister Estelle became financially involved in 58. They eventually moved to Brunswick where Stewart met Chips Moman and he became acquainted with R & B. At the urging of Chips, the business moved back to Memphis. Siblings, Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton changed the name to STAX in 1961 when they combined their names STewart and AXton. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estelle Axton and Jim Stewart</td></tr>
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In that neighborhood and area of Tennessee, the video tells of a time when White and Black did not mix together in any form of business or otherwise, and so, the enigma of STAX was an amazing miracle that became legend!<br />
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I don't think the original vision that Jim Stewart had for his little label was missed at all. As he became more enamoured with R & B, and as Estelles astute ear for danceable rhythm continued to influence the records, the two gained the respect and loyalty of all those who worked with them. <br />
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The Story of Stax Records 02</div>
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The whole surreal environment happend in a racially tense time in Memphis. White and Black staff members and musicians, all coexisting together in harmony, producing the most memorable songs from Soul and Funk that we still recognize today!<br />
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By 1962, STAX had turned the tide from being a well known regional label into</div>
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a Nationally recognized R & B label, along side Motown and Atlantic!</div>
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Story Of Stax Records Video 03</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52Oy8w_ved0/U-k-XzzsZII/AAAAAAAAB48/334N2eZ7Qdw/s1600/stax-records-headquarters-in-memphis-tennessee-e28094-image-byc2a0bill-carrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52Oy8w_ved0/U-k-XzzsZII/AAAAAAAAB48/334N2eZ7Qdw/s1600/stax-records-headquarters-in-memphis-tennessee-e28094-image-byc2a0bill-carrier.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a>926 E McLemore Ave, South Memphis, Summer of 1962! STAX Records moves into the old theater and rolls out hit after hit! The neighborhood rallies around the building and there is dancing in the street from the speaker placed outside the record shop attached to the recording studio! <br />
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Hits like Gee Whiz, Green Onions, Barefootin, Last Night,<br />
Knock On Wood, Midnight Hour, Mr. Big Stuff, Hold On I'm Coming, Land Of A 1000 Dances, Soul Man, Sweet Soul Music, Dock Of The Bay, well, it is almost countless, it goes on and on, hit after hit. <br />
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The Story Of Stax Records 04<br />
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STAX draws the known and the unknown,<br />
who became known to the world!<br />
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The whole history of Stax Records spans from 1957 to the present day, as it has resurfaced on the hallowed ground from whence this phoenix rose, burned and rose again!<br />
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New records, young talented inner city kids, old masters of soul, all coming together to create a new phenomenon in the halls of STAX, and the attached academy.<br />
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Now a Museum and school, rising out of the ashes to burn bright once more, STAX goes on, and is influencing music into decades beyond 2014!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Story Of Stax Records Video 05</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mar-Keys</td></tr>
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The Mar-Keys were originally signed as The Royal Spades. They were a local band with horns and a soul sound. They were white, and upon entering the studio, everyone embraced them in, and they became a significant power for the label.<br />
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Their hit, Last Night, soared and crossed genres!<br />
They eventually melted into and teamed with Booker T becoming Booker T and the M.Gs. <br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Story Of Stax Records Video 06</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSdEv_nBbsw/U-k1A6_cnmI/AAAAAAAAB4g/jlnstTQ0cuk/s1600/Estelle-Axton-Nice-2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSdEv_nBbsw/U-k1A6_cnmI/AAAAAAAAB4g/jlnstTQ0cuk/s1600/Estelle-Axton-Nice-2008.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estelle Axton</td></tr>
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The record shop next to the theater was established by Estelle, in the cinema's old foyer where refreshments had been served. <br />
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In a time when the youth of the area had to go over a long route to get to Sears to buy a record, this little record shop ignited the neighborhood into a dancing frenzy! <br />
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This also allowed Estelle to judge what the kids likes and what they didn't like so well, allowing her to influence the types of songs the label produced!<br />
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The little shop employed local youth, and gave a place for young hopefuls to listen and learn. It also helped with cash flow for the recording studio, as they struggled in the beginning to create their sound.<br />
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Many a writer undervalued Estelle and her contributions to STAX, but a recent writer, Robert Gordon, brought to light all of the accomplishments that Estelle was known for. He also wrote about the love and respect that all the performers and staff had for this woman of soul!!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Story Of Stax Records Video 07</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfibKMaXDmo/U-k4UDEEe_I/AAAAAAAAB4s/5EA-YFRakKQ/s1600/booker-t-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfibKMaXDmo/U-k4UDEEe_I/AAAAAAAAB4s/5EA-YFRakKQ/s1600/booker-t-1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Steve Cropper replaced Chips Moman as A & R director, and also played guitar on sessions. The house band varied but constant session players were the likes of: Lewie Steinberg on Bass, Curtis Green on Drums, and on Horns were Floyd Newman, Gene Miller and Gilbert Caple!<br />
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Booker T. Jones, pianist and multi instrumentalist, became a session player by 1962 as well. He was joined by Cropper, Steinberg and drummer, Al Jackson Jr to form Booker T and the M.G.s<br />
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Story Of Stax Records Video 08</div>
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Eventually, as is expounded upon in the videos, Stax was no more, but not for long. As I stated earlier, this company of American Soul resurfaced many times/ </div>
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Though the original building was torn down, and nothing left but an empty lot, the dream of STAX compelled many to come together and form a unified front to get grants and donations from private patrons, until, once again, a vision unheard of before, emerged as a new dream.</div>
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STAX is once again on McLemore Ave. It is now a thriving museum and a charter school for inner city kids. This music school graduates senior classes that are 100 % accepted to colleges and universities across the country. Many are accepted to the Berklee College of Music. They work hand in hand with the Stax Music Academy to produce and influence some of the great musical minds of our future! </div>
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Here is a link to a site which combines both together! <a href="http://berkleecitymusicnetwork.org/bcmnconference2013" target="_blank">Berklee City Music Network</a></div>
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Enjoy the journey to the Soul Side and let your heart soar! Ever, 30s Uke Girl, aka Norine Mungo </div>
30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-78182917050143877872014-07-30T02:31:00.001-04:002014-08-04T18:45:44.395-04:00South Tampa Jam goes to the STAX CATALOG!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STAX LOGO</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">This Month, South Tampa Jam goes STAX! Held the 3rd Saturday of the month, the South Tampa Jam leans on themes each month to keep it fun and moving! So far this year we have done Broadway, Love Songs, Elvis, Billy Joel, TV Theme Songs, Rock N Roll, Country, and now, for August, STAX. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Yes, you CAN do stax with Ukulele! This month we will have Baritones, Tenors, Concerts, Sopranos, Kala Bass, and Cajoun Percussion. This is going to be one heck of a jam! I am also allowing Acoustic Guitar from our members, and any one who wants to play horns, BRING it!! For more information as the song list rolls out, check the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society site for more information! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Tampa Bay, this is your time to kick the end of Summer into high gear, get loud and proud and sing out with the awesome Stax catalog! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">We of course wouldn't dare do this jam without the quintessential Otis Redding! Dock Of The Bay will start the day off! See you all there! Ever, 30s Uke Girl!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Here is a link to the <a href="http://www.staxmuseum.com/about/history/" target="_blank">STAX Museum!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-5345947485141856342014-07-20T15:16:00.000-04:002014-07-20T15:16:47.123-04:00Transitional Chording!Hi Boys and Girls,<br />
Well, the article came out in Ukulele Magazine and requests have poured in from across the country as to what I am teaching in regards to Transitional Chording! As this is a unique terminology, (I looked it up on the net, and lo and behold, it is a word I must have made up to explain what it is I do!), I thought it best to add a page to the blog and begin to produce some video on it! I will also begin the production of a DVD on the technique for those who wish to view it as a workshop. <br />
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Thank you to Ukulele Magazine for the nice write up about our Tampa Bay Ukulele Society and all that we have to offer for the Ukulele Enthusiasts! Happy Strumming and Ever Yours, Norine Mungo aka 30s Uke Girl!!!30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-63903469812051918162014-06-08T22:53:00.000-04:002014-06-08T22:53:08.110-04:00Found some Great Sites with Ukulele Charts you can print!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hello Boys and Girls, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">30s Uke Girl here with another great find. I have been printing charts for my students in the past, but they were adults and the charts were a bit more complicated. Now I have some youth students taking Ukulele and Voice so I've been on the hunt again for great sites that cater to small fingers with big minds! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The newest site I have found that allows you to copy the image if you need to, is <a href="http://www.ukulele-chords.com/" target="_blank">Ukulele Chords . Com King Of The Charts! </a> You can browse through every chord that exists and on top of that, it shows VARIATIONS of those chords all the way up the neck! This comes in handy later when you are playing some of those jazzier tunes where several of the chords are on upper frets! Why not play all the chords of the song in the same vicinity??? Less Finger movement equals faster chord changes!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is also a site that coexists with the one mentioned above. It is a called <a href="http://www.ukulelescales.com/" target="_blank">Ukulele Scales Improvisation and Solos!</a> Wow! I have to tell you that I am finally able to run through some finger picking now, AND I can finally read and play tablature. So, adding these two sites to my treasure stash as well as continuing the journey of all things Ukulele, I am now enjoying music more than I ever have in my whole life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And Boys and Girls, it's been a very long life!!! Why, I feel like I am the Grandma Moses of Music!! Ok, I'm not THAT ancient, but I'm just saying! If I can take on this project in my later adult years, then so can YOU!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I know that, at first, even the simplest chords can seem confusing. But just stick with it. Learn a simple song first, by heart! Learn those two or three basic chords thoroughly! Learn several strum patterns to that song in those same chords. Keep at it till your strums are clear and bright. Learn to lift those knuckles up off the fret board and allow the strings under your hand to freely ring out. It takes a little time to do this, but soon, it is like a light turns on and you GOT it! Then, the next song takes a little less time, and the next, until, after a few months of doing that, you can just pick up a song and follow along nicely, without too much effort! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am always rooting for you! I'd love to see the whole world go UKE crazy! Wouldn't that be something?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ok, I have to run, I am planning my next lessons! You all take care and let me know how you are doing! I look forward to hearing from Ukulele enthusiasts from all over the world!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ever Yours, 30s Uke Girl!</span>30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-84929243002296921732014-05-14T04:05:00.000-04:002014-05-14T04:05:22.756-04:00Scary Virus Action has Ukegirl all Boggled Up!!!Hey there Boys and Girls,<br />
This last two weeks has been a real eye opener as the internet virus continues to attack!! Just for safety, I have had to go in and change MANY passwords! Our internet here at the Mungos went down to a crawl! We've got experts working on it, and we are being cautious! I have lots of work to produce for the TBUS Beginner Sessions and the South Tampa Jam, as well as recently taking on some private students for Vocal lessons and Ukulele. <br />
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All I can say is, DARN you hackers! Why don't you just leave us alone??? The greatest thing to happen to us is all the community networking over the last 10 years. I've connected with family and friends that I'd lost touch with through moves and outdated address books. I don't want to lose that! Plus, being able to Skype and see you in person has been such a blessing!<br />
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Hang in there my friends! Hopefully security systems will kick in and clear it all up! In the meantime, I am deleting all my emails on all my google sites. They say that Yahoo has really been hacked up, so if you have that email, get in there and clear it out and set new passwords!<br />
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I know this wasn't about Ukulele, but, I don't want to lose touch with y'all, so I am just laying it out there and telling you to keep your pc clean and DON'T open ANY attachments no matter how much you love your mother or friend, it might not be them who sent it!!! <br />
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See you all soon at the events! Ever yours, 30s Uke Girl Norine Mungo30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-31856747982525579952014-02-24T00:03:00.001-05:002014-02-24T00:43:03.402-05:00Uncle Elvis aka Mike Hind was IN THE HOUSE this weekend!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bamiFOWerWY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-size: x-large;">Uncle Elvis aka Mike Hind was here in Tampa this weekend with the Flea Bitten Dawgs finishing up a tour and man was it a finish! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I didn't get to catch his set when he was here for the Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway but was fortunate enough to get to jam with him that November weekend. I fell in love with his energy and go give spirit as I watched him laugh and jam with new players, sage players and National Acts, treating everyone the same. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This last weekend was no exception and I can only describe it as awesomeness to the Nth level!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I got to catch the whole show, and it was my baptism of Uncle Elvis. Baptism of FIRE!!! LOL. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> This "Elvis" got up after the Dawgs, and I swear, he played about 2 hours non stop! His originals were poignant, moving, and some were very direct! Haha. His covers were spot on! The energy coming off the stage was magnetic. The humorous innuendos were delivered with the precision of a comedic engineer. My face hurt about halfway through his show, just from laughing and smiling. My cheeks were numb by the end of the two hours! And after the show, we all jammed till the wee hours. That was then followed by a Sunday at Sam Ash for a three part workshop with Uncle Elvis going over Beginner Open Mic strategies! Even I, a professional performer for over 40 years took some notes, it was that good! And, he got 4 people up out of the workshop that had fear and sweaty fingers and got them to perform to rousing applause. Amazing. I don't know that anyone else could have convinced those souls to get up. He drew a performance out of each of them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1tX9EdQSjE/UwrNTSRoy6I/AAAAAAAAB1M/-YbJ4spKk2c/s1600/uncle+elvis+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1tX9EdQSjE/UwrNTSRoy6I/AAAAAAAAB1M/-YbJ4spKk2c/s1600/uncle+elvis+2.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, let me warn you, at some of his shows, depending on the crowd (age and venu) his show/schtick can include comedic dissertation that quite frankly could be a little, well. . . ADULT. But, for most of his shows, the humor is tame and family oriented, so, just enjoy the tongue in cheek because, ha ha ha, in between the humor, he belts out tremendous high voltage vocals and whisper soft ballads that will make your heart weep! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is a link to an article about Mike Hind from the local news in Bermuda, </span><a href="http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20130716/ISLAND/707169999" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">The Royal Gazette</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Giving a little background on his Ukulele journey! You will find that it is not unlike most of our stories. This infectious little flea just gets under your skin and worms it's way right to your heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is a link to his fan page! LOL, created by his biggest fan, Himself, it is a place to stay in touch with Elvis and be on top of all his events! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/177298865673381/" target="_blank">The Uncle Elvis Fan Club</a> . And a link to his Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mike.hind" target="_blank">Mike Hind.</a> Also, here is a link to his Tumblr site, <a href="http://uncleelvis.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Nice Things.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lastly, here is a link to </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/UncleElvis" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">his youtube channel</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. He does a lot of tutorial vids and just many funny moments and shows. I hope you catch the Elvis bug and join in the fun with us fantazimatic ukulele enthusiasts and begin following this kind and spectacular human being who decided to make us all part of his show! Ever Yours, 30s Uke Girl aka Norine Mungo</span></div>
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30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-73140944755260376212014-02-02T00:22:00.001-05:002014-02-02T00:22:13.482-05:00OK, 30s Uke Girl is back on it! New Videos coming and lots of news on Ukulele Surge!!!Hey there boys and girls from all over the world! It looks like the phenomenon of the Ukulele surge is not slowing down one bit. It is exciting to see all the buzz in the news lately about all the clubs and festivals and the surge in Ukulele sales over the last year. It is only getting better and bigger and that is great for all of us enthusiasts!<br />
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I just finished a festival last weekend and was so thrilled to see people turning around from far away points and making their way over to the stage area when they heard the music. People were smiling and tapping their feet to the music, and they not only commented on the original songs afterward, but that they loved the ukulele! This was not an Ukulele festival, but a Folk Festival. So, you can imagine that I was really happy to hear all the great comments. <br />
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I did a lot of shout outs for our Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, and for Ukulele playing in general. Hey, I am by no means extremely talented on picking but I do write great songs and now that I am comfortable playing them on Baritone and Tenor, well, it just adds to the songs appeal. <br />
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I will be posting some videos on here for a couple of different groups. One is for the Girls Picking Party and that is songs that we will all work on through the year via video. The other group is for my peeps here in Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, and that will be all originals and some instructional on some cover tunes for Beginner Sessions and South Tampa Jam!<br />
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So, here is a video of an original I wrote called Nothing Lasts Forever, a love song, lol, and forgive the quality of sound, as I am new at this recording with the pc cam. I will get better! Enjoy and stay tuned in and turned on as there are many events coming up over the next two months that will rock your hula girl socks right off! Ever, 30s Uke Girl aka Norine Mungo<br />
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30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-30893892582708620622013-12-09T02:06:00.000-05:002013-12-09T02:06:07.326-05:00Events for December in Tampa Bay!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Ukulele Society</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">December Events for TBUS are listed below with links to each event. To become a member, it's free, just click on the link above to go to the home page!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Events to plan for are:</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">December 14th .</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">2nd Saturday Jam this month is the</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/events/139116572/" target="_blank">3rd Annual Christmas Jam</a>,</span> </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">from 1 PM to about 5 PM, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">hosted by <a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/members/12807870/" target="_blank">Jay Nunes</a> and members of TBUS. This is a must for the best and hottest jam going out there in the St Petersburg/Largo area. There will be a potluck social from about 1 to 2 pm, with jam following. Dress in Holiday Spirit for this one if you like! Lots of PHOTO ops!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The song lists for the December Jams are at the following links:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://files.meetup.com/1357624/Kent%27s%20Christmas%20Songs.pdf" target="_blank">Kents Christmas Songs</a></span><br />
<a href="http://files.meetup.com/1357624/Christmas%20Uke%20Songs%201.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Christmas Songs 1</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://files.meetup.com/1357624/Christmas%20Uke%20songs%202.pdf" target="_blank">Christmas Songs 2</a></span><br />
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A big thank you to Jay and Kent for putting those together for the Society. We will be using those songs throughout the December activities!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/events/qvdwtgyrqbxb/" target="_blank">Beginner Sessions</a> <span style="color: red;">on Wednesday, December 18th, starts at 7 pm. Hosted by </span><a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/members/13318224/" target="_blank">30s Uke Girl, Norine Mungo</a> <span style="color: red;">We will go over more Holiday songs that you can use at your activities and events. TBUS site has the details! For this event, there are certain preparations that you need to do in order to be ready to learn. See the requirement list on the page. Also, print the songs from the three links above as they will be used on this session. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/events/144021062/" target="_blank">Open Mic Ukulele Jam at The Whistle Stop</a> <span style="color: lime;">December 19th on Thursday. This is in Safety Harbour and runs from 7 pm to about 10 pm. The host, and leader of Tampa Bay Ukulele Society,</span> <a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/members/6136480/" target="_blank">Steve Boisen</a>, <span style="color: lime;">does a set of music and then calls up the ukulele performers who have signed up on the list for that evening. Make sure you bring your ukulele even if you don't want to get up for the crowd. There is always a jam along after the open mic and we play songs from the Daily Ukulele books. It is great fun when the whole restaurant whips out ukuleles and everyone plays along!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/events/139116602/" target="_blank">South Tampa Jam Holiday Extravaganza! </a><span style="color: red;"> Saturday, December 21st! This will run from 1 pm to about 5 pm. Social time till everyone gets in and settled. Wear holiday colors, bring cookies, cupcakes and treats, and we will do the Christmas songs from the three lists above. The stage is set beautifully for Christmas, and we will have many members getting up to perform for the jam. This is a jam along, and as members sing on the stage, you will be playing along with them. After the jam, there will be caroling in our park community, so if any of you would like to form a group and carol for the over 55ers, just let me know. I think it would be uber cool to take our ukes and walk a street! LOL. This jam is hosted by, ME</span>, <a href="https://soundcloud.com/search?q=norine%20mungo" target="_blank">30s Uke Girl</a>. <span style="color: red;"> I will provide a hot cider punch at the jam. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That is it for December! Lot's of stuff coming up next month too! Keep checking in! Until then. . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime;">Happy</span> <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Kah</span><span style="color: red;">Mas</span><span style="color: orange;">Zaa</span> and <span style="color: lime;">Merry New Year</span>! (covers Hanuk<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">KAH, </span>Christ<span style="color: red;">MAS, </span>and Kwan<span style="color: orange;">ZAA</span>) <span style="color: magenta;"> I hope it catches on! I made it up about 3 years ago and you are welcome to copy paste it to your facebooks and blogs. May it go viral, may there be cards with it going out to friends and family, and maybe, just maybe, we can love our neighbors, Aye? And as Miss Congeniality says, May we all work toward world peace! It starts with YOU!!! Ever yours, 30s Uke Girl!</span></span><br />
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<br />30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8971559223167746963.post-15497219926515771622013-11-03T22:59:00.000-05:002013-11-03T22:59:22.162-05:00Another great site for Ukulele Chords for songs!BTW, was looking for lyrics and chords for the Wednesday Beginner Sessions, and came across a nice site with Ukulele friendly Rock N Roll and other fun songs. We will be doing Drift Away this Wednesday. Here is a link to the site and I hope you enjoy yet another discovery of a treasure trove of songs! <br />
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Here is the link! <a href="http://www.kanikapila.us/lyrics.html" target="_blank">Kanikapila (To gather and make music together)</a><br />
Just go to the music page! And a big thanks to the admins of the Kanikapila site. Great work and thanks for sharing!!!! 30s Uke Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364081477806449195noreply@blogger.com1