It's hard to say exactly when the ukulele suddenly began to be seen as much more than a comedian's prop, kids' toy or Tiny Tim's instrument of torture.
But 1999 is a good bet. That's when Hawaiian musician IZ Kamakawiwo'ole's hit version of Over the Rainbow suddenly made the world look up and see the uke's remarkable versatility.
Since then, its popularity has surged, especially in Australia, where dozens and clubs and countless players can be found in every state.
Proof of this will be seen in Katoomba, west of Sydney, on February 7-9 when the tourist town hosts the 11th annual Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival, the biggest uke festival in the world.
More than 150 acts will perform across 10 stages at the historic Carrington Hotel over the weekend, with thousands of visitors taking in the fun, many them playing the uke for the very first time.
Festival director Steve Roberts said the ukulele is being taken in an huge variety of directions. "The festival includes pop, jazz, classical, latin, music hall, and, of course, the pub rock onslaught of local favourites The Blue MUGs," he said.
Steve said this year's festival includes Hawaiian star Richard Gideon; Simple Souls, a female uke and percussion duo with brilliant voices and a killer set of songs; Marlowe, from LA out of Michigan, whose EP Moments was nominated in Hawaii's 2019 N Hk Hanohano Awards and made the initial cut for the 2020 Grammys; Lady & The All-Star Tramps, headed by a yodelling drag queen "who can really, really sing", alongside a group of superb musicians; and Strumnhum, who include former members of GANGajang and the late Chris Bailey's remarkable nine-year-old son, Ollie Bailey-O'Reilly
The festival is a free event run entirely by volunteers and is renowned for its upbeat and fun vibe. It kicks off with a dinner and show on the Friday night. Saturday is filled with performers and workshops.. Sunday is a day for kicking back with your ukulele and playing along with all the new friends made during the weekend.
All are welcome; non-players will have a smorgasbord of free entertainment (and might even find themselves learning their first song on ukulele), beginners will learn so much and experienced players will be enthused and inspired.
For the full program, click here.
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