We are fast approaching the Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway weekend festival! Held in Clearwater, it runs from Nov 7 to Nov 9. 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.
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!!
This year we have headliners that include Victoria Vox, Lil' Rev, Uncle Elvis aka Mike Hind, Narciso Lobos, AmandaLynn, Uncle Zac, Colin Coleman,and a special performance by the TBUG Allstars!!
Ty & Mapuana accompanied by Steve Boisen, TJ Wedger & Big Jim Allen will finish the weekend with the Sunday Luau!
On top of all that, the vendors are supreme this year! Uke Republic is back in the house by popular request!! Featured in the Fall issue of Ukulele Magazine, 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!
Vendors also include custom ukulele artists Augustino Lo Prinzi luthiers, need I say more? Then Mim's Ukes, Mainland Ukes, & Dixie Ukuleles 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!!
Rhythm Inlet 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!
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 Jay Nunes 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 The Two Ukes 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!
This jam will be followed by an Open Mic hosted by yet another event leader with Tampa Bay Ukulele Society, Big Jim Allen. 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.
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 AmandaLynn on Youtube or click on her name above under headliners to visit her website and get information on CDs and performance schedule.
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.
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 Ukulele Magazine, 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!!
