THERE’S more to the ukulele than tip-toeing through the tulips with Tiny Tim, leaning on a lamp post with George Formby or being serenaded by lei-draped Hawaiians.
The instrument is for everyone and spans all types of music, as visitors will see if they are in Newcastle during Newkulele (October 19-21), the city’s annual celebration of all things ukulele.
With free festival performances featuring all styles of music, two ticketed evening concerts and a heap of workshops, visitors will learn more about the instrument than they ever imagined.
Internet sensations Honoka & Azita, who have taken the world by storm with their dynamic and energetic performances. Aged just 20 and 22, respectively, these social media superstars have amassed millions of views and have a growing fan base across the globe.
Headline acts include Manitoba Hall, who hails from Canada but could easily be from the Deep South with his raw mix of swamp, delta, Cajun and zydeco-style blues.
He will play on the Friday night along with another distinctive act, Victoria’s Lucy Wise, who will delight with her blend of folk, chamber, pop music and stories, plus Ukastle Ukestra, The Loveys and Ukulele Death Squad.
The Saturday night features Honoka & Azita. Aged just 20 and 22, respectively, these social media superstars have amassed millions of views and have a growing fan base across the globe. Tyrone & Lesley, The Montgomery Brothers and Coconut Kids will join them on stage.
On both days there will be free performances by solo acts, community groups and schools. Names include Threepence, The Daisy Chains, Jack ’n Jel, Bleeding Gums Murphy, Shelly Brown and more.
There will be 19 workshops covering including from riffing, finger picking, surf rock and singing, some led by the performers themselves. Cost $20; book and pay here. If not sold out online, workshop tickets will be on sale at the festival (cash only); BYOU.
The festival will wrap up with the Sunday afternoon One Song Sing event, in which all join in to learn a song and the sing en masse.
Evening concert tickets are $50/$45/$20. Book and pay here or via Civic Theatre box office; call (02) 4929-1977.
All events will be held at Newcastle City Hall, 290 King Street. Click here for the full program.
Details – newkulelefestival.com
