July 23, 2024
Ukestra’s Mission Statement: To gather people of all ages, abilities and walks of life to enjoy playing ukuleles and singing together in a welcoming and joyful atmosphere.
Ukulele players of all skill levels play together in Ukestra.
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in person at one of Spokane County Library facilities, Spokane Public Library facilities, or another location, depending on availability. Libraries can only be scheduled during their open hours. Emails go out with details go out during the week prior to meetings to announce the place and time. Or you can take a look at this blog!
We’re on Facebook: Ukestra Spokane Community.
We use Liz and Jim Beloff’s, The Daily Ukulele books, volumes 1 and 2–yellow and blue. These are also available on Amazon as downloads. Some members use tablets instead of printed books. We also use the H.U.G. Book, available as a free download on the Halifax Ukulele Gang’s website. For the budget way to make a paper H.U.G. Book, the Spokane County Libraries allow 80 free copies per person per week. You need a library card with them to use the computers. There are over 200 pages in the H.U.G. Book, so it would take you 3 weeks to do it that way. You can then take your printed music to Office Depot, Staples or similar, and get them bound for less than $10. Some people punch the pages or put the pages in plastic sleeves to put in a binder. Others like to download it to a tablet computer and use it that way. You can also email it to Office Depot, Staples, etc., have them print and bind it for a fee.
People sometimes bring music they have found from other sources—copies for everyone, usually 20-25 or so. (FYI: the Spokane County Libraries allow people to make 80 free copies per week. You don’t need a library card for the copier but do for computers.) We’ll tackle anything. Mostly we play ukuleles, sing and laugh a lot. There are no dues.
We have played at retirement homes, picnics and private events and the Fall Folk Festival. Last summer, we played for a Senior Activity Center’s picnic and at the South Perry Street Fair. We play every year at Street Music Week in June, to raise money for the food bank. This year Ukestra raised $192. We’ve also had a couple of workshops with a well-know ukulele player.
You’re welcome to take part in as much or as little as you like. Notices and reminders are sent out a few days prior to the event.
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We are starting a new way of getting information out. This is where you’ll find what’s going on! Changes in format may happen from time to time–we are still under construction!
Why are we doing this? People are being occasionally and randomly dropped here and there from Ukestra group emails, even though their email is still listed as a contact. And, Facebook isn’t for everyone. Emails will be continued at this time or you can check out this blog for Ukestra news.
Here’s the latest:
The Ukestra Jam is this Saturday, July 27, 10:30-12:30, at the Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald. Theme: the” Summer of Love” and/or folk songs. You’ll need your ukulele, music, music stand and snacks to share (optional).
The intermediate workshop is 9:30-10:15:
July 27—Alternate Chord Positions— with Rich
- Requirements: know the shape of first position for chords A, Bb, C, D, Em, F, G
- Recommended: know some or all of these chords: Am, A7, Bm, B7, Cm, C7, Dm, D7, E7, F, Fm, Gm, G7
- In this workshop we’ll go over second and third positions of chords. We’ll also go over a progression technique. Players will also get a fun worksheet tool.
Upcoming Jams and events
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Saturday, July 27, Spokane Valley Library, 10:30-12:30
Theme: Return to the “Summer of Love” and/or folk songs
Intermediate workshop 9:30-10:15, Alternate Chord Positions with Rich
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Annual Picnic, July 28, 10 am-1 pm
Millwood Park
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Saturday, August 10, Spokane Valley Library, 10:30-12:30
Beginner’s focus for the first hour
Beginner’s workshop, 9:30-10:15
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Saturday, August 24, Spokane Valley Library, 10:30-12:30
Theme: Beatles, Boy Bands and the Rat Pack
Intermediate workshop, 9:30-10:15, Playing Tunes and Tabs with Roseanne
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Until next time–Brenda