Uncle Elvis aka Mike Hind was IN THE HOUSE this weekend!!!

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!

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.  

This last weekend was no exception and I can only describe it as awesomeness to the Nth level! I got to catch the whole show, and it was my baptism of Uncle Elvis.  Baptism of FIRE!!!  LOL. 

 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.

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! 

Here is a link to an article about Mike Hind from the local news in Bermuda, The Royal Gazette. 

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.  

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!  The Uncle Elvis Fan Club . And a link to his Facebook page, Mike Hind. Also, here is a link to his Tumblr site, Nice Things.

Lastly, here is a link to his youtube channel.  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

Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway was wild!!!

Boys and Girls, OMG!  Attended my first Ukulele Getaway with TBUS, and it was a wild one!  My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing all weekend.  My fingers hurt from the Workshops that were excellent.  The entertainment/performers were top rated nationally, and the local talent on the Friday concert were just a good!  

I met so many people that I'd become acquainted with on Facebook, and also got to spend the weekend with all the friends and peeps I've made in the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society.  Oh man, and people were there from all over the state as well as from other states.  

We met great people from Pensacola, and from Naples and Fort Meyers, and of course people trekked across  from the "Other" coast, so pretty much most of Florida was represented! 

On top of all that, and adding in the jamming that we all did, we were treated to a Sunday concert and Luau with Ty and his band.  Hawaiian music and lots of the members got up and did the hula!  LOL

Lastly, but most significantly, I, 30s Uke Girl, WON an Ohana!  It is the TK 35G.  Again, OMG!!  I got home today, freshened up, and ran down to our friends house were a nice bbq party was ensuing.  Vinny and I played Ukulele songs for them on the new Acquisition!!  lol.

I will post a video soon of me playing the new Ohana!  Did I mention my cheeks hurt from smiling???  Pictures coming soon!  Ever, 30s Uke Girl, aka Norine Mungo

October is Busy for Ukulele Enthusiasts!

Guys and Gals, October is heating up to be one very cool month of Jams, Festivals and concerts!  Where to start!!!

  http://seatgeek.com/jake-shimabukuro-tickets/  
His tour rages on!  But he is back here in March • Jake Shimabukuro, 7:30 p.m. 

March 19 at Capitol Theatre, Clearwater,
 $39-$49,

 on sale at noon Saturday at the Ruth Eckerd 

Hall box office. Tickets go on sale this week!!!

For all things Jake, click link to his 

website! http://jakeshimabukuro.com/#/home

Kauai's Festival and Event calender is cooking for October!  http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/10/2013/

Full Calender of events is packed full of great concerts and festivals, many with slack key and Ukulele performances!

And if you missed it, they are already planning the 2014 Uketoberfest in Eugene, Oregon!  Here is the link to the website!  

http://uketoberfest.com/

http://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/maui.htm

The Hawaii Ukulele Festival is upon us!  October 13!!

Local Tampa Ukulele Jams are as follows for Tampa Bay Ukulele Society: : http://www.meetup.com/tampabayukes/

Wednesday Night Beginner Sessions South Tampa, hosted by Norine Mungo October 9th.

2nd Saturday Jam in Largo hosted by Jay Nunes October 12th.

Flea Bitten Dawgs concert at Grams Place, Tampa, Mar Deuce hosts Sunday October 13th.

Wednesday Night Beginner Sessions South Tampa, hosted by Norine Mungo October 23rd

Ukulele Open Mic at The Whistle Stop, Safety Harbour, hosted by Steve Boisen  Thurs Oct 24th.

2nd Annual Ladies Picking Weekend at Grams Place Tampa, hosted by Mar Deuce October 25th thru 27th 

South Tampa Jam at Homes of Regency Cove hosted by Norine Mungo October 26th. 

So, lots of activity for your October jaunts.  There were many festivals this month, so check out the sidebar on the left and catch a few!  Happy Strumming and Ever Yours, 30s Uke Girl!