"Cool Ukulele" sold at Ukulele Puapua shop
38TH ANNUAL UKULELE
FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2008
The 38th Annual Ukulele Festival was held on Sunday, July 27, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki (near the zoo).
At the festival, there was a free concert, food booths, t-shirts, and many ukuleles.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
The organizers of Roy Sakuma's 38th Annual Ukulele Festival (sponsored by Starbuck's), state that the festival brings together an orchestra of over 800 ukulele players to "demonstrate that the ukulele could be played with sophistication and virtuosity" through well trained musicians, as well as in the traditional Hawaiian music that many have loved throughout the history of Hawaii.
Motivated artists even pick up the ukulele for the first time and play by ear to accompany Hawaiian singing. It is just something about the sound that captivates both the artist and the audience.
If this festival inspires you, then join a group for FREE ukulele lessons at the Ukulele Puapua shop (2490 Kalakaua Ave., 924-2266) located in the Pacific Beach Hotel near the ocean at Waikiki.
I have often walked by this shop on my way to the beach, and see many people having fun there playing the ukulele. Tyler, manager of the Ukulele Puapua shop, says that the free group lessons are at 5:00 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with lessons lasting from 45 minutes to one hour.
You don't need to bring a ukulele nor have any previous experience. Just come on by and join the group for fun and a great new experience. By the end of the first lesson, you will learn to play a song on the ukulele. Also, private lessons are available from different artists according to the style you want to learn (rock, concert, popular, etc.).
You may also buy a ukulele with prices starting from $50 and up. A booth will be at the festival for more information also, as well as DVDs, ukuleles, CDs, books, and also a drawing to win a ukulele.
Ukulele Festival Orchestra
Every July, the Ukulele Festival attracts thousands to enjoy a free two-hour concert of more than 800 students (mostly children) along with national celebrities and Hawaii's best local ukulele players.
In 2004, Roy and Kathy Sakuma established the Ukulele Festival Hawaii, a charitable non-profit organization.
Roy Sakuma had been kicked out of high school at a young age, but when his artistic wisdom connected to the ukulele and mentors, he learned to overcome his difficulties and challenges of life. Music healed him and made him strong.
Since age 16, Roy Sakuma was determined to be the best ukulele player he could be. Later, he decided to help others and share his great love as a teacher and opened a studio in 1974: Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios.
Back of T-Shirt at Festival in 2008
The festival began as a dream. When Roy Sakuma worked as a groundskeeper cleaning the bathrooms in Kapiolani Park, he had a dream of organizing a huge concert in the Park with ukulele players from around the world. He made his dream come true with action and contacted Moroni Medeiros at City Hall, and the City and County of Honolulu sponsored the very first concert. Local musicians helped to make up the first concert, and from then on it grew into the grand festival that you will see on Sunday.
The Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios are located in Kaimuki, Mililani, and Kaneohe: contact by email at lessons @ roysakuma.net and also a studio located in Aiea, contact email at lessons2 @ roysakuma.net.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Many found a great seat by
the creek
where they spread our blankets,
closed their eyes and relaxed
while listening to the
ukulele concert.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Performing artists on stage.
Do you recognize them?
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Performing artist still
having fun
with the ukulele after playing in the concert.
Do you recognize her?
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Those who got there early
found seats
near the stage, and
others brought their own seats.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Food was great as shown by
those willing to wait in long lines.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Many found good spots to sit
back and relax
while listening to the free concert.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
An interesting tree at the festival.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Ironwood trees beautified the Festival
with natural grace.
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Daisy enjoying the festival and singing:
"Hi World News
May The
WisdomPeace Lightforce
Be With You."
Copyright © 2008, Cherie Phillips
Dove enjoying the ukulele
music at the festival, and,
afterwards joined in the celebration at the concession stand.
See you next year!!!
* * * *
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© 2008/5008. All Rights Reserved.
5008 + 1.5 x 10 10 Universal | Chérie Phillips, Editor
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