Ukulele
Ukulele
This is our resources and links page for all things uke-related. The ukulele is becoming a popular instrument for community groups, probably due to its size, accessibility, price, and versatility.
This page also accompanies our article, "The Little Instrument that Could" (Music Forum Vol. 17 No. 3 Winter) on the resurgence of the ukulele in popular culture. Music Forum articles are available for paid members of the network.
Jake Shimabukuro plays "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Jake Shimabukuro strums monster sounds out of the tiny Hawaiian ukulele, as he plays a cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." A sensational performance from TED2010 -- it'll send shivers down your spine.
Amanda Palmer 'Ninja Gig' at Carriage Works
Amanda Palmer performed a special 'ninja gig' at Sydney's CarriageWorks in February. Art Nation (ABC) was there to capture the gig and interview Palmer. Story broadcast on Art Nation 5pm 20/2/11.
Ukulele in the News
Play the uke and rule the world! What do Warren Buffett, Barack Obama, Tony Blair, Jamie Oliver, Neil Armstrong and Elvis Presley have in common? You might be able to guess...
Show leadership: Pick up that Ukulele and Play. (SMH 6/5/11)
I Love You Baby but not Like I Love my Ukulele (Northern Rivers Echo 5/5/11)
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (The Journal, Edinburgh UK, 5/5/11)
Kamaka Ukulele factory hits all the right notes (San Francisco Chronical, 17/4/11)
Ukulele Clubs to Join
With thanks to the Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society for most of the following links. If you’d like your group listed here please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
QLD
Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society (BUMS)
Sunshine Coast Ukulele Masters (SCUM)
Gold Coast Ukulele Players (G-CUP)
ACT
NSW
North Coast Ukulele Collective (Northern NSW)
Balmain Ukulele Klub (BUK)
Blue Mountains Ukulele Group (Blue-MUG)
Lismore Ukulele Club. For info email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Newcastle Ukestras. Several groups running in and around Newcastle and the Lower Hunter
Parramatta & Hills Ukulele Network (PHUN-sters)
VIC
Melbourne Ukulele Kollective (MUK)
Peninsula Ukulele Kollective (PLUK)
Slightly Eclectic Guildford Ukulele Ensemble (SEGUE)
Yarra Ukulele Mob (YUM)
NT
Darwin Ukulele Kollective (The Dukes)
SA
Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society
TAS
Hobart Ukulele Group (HUG)
WA
Festivals
Cairns Ukulele Festival 1 - 3 July 2011
Melbourne Ukulele Festival 2012 dates tba
Ukulele Picnic 2012 dates tba - Ukulele Picnic is a Japanese festival that attracts over 10,000 people annually. In 2011, for the first time, the festival was located in Hawaii.
Other Resources
Amanda Palmer the site of performance artist and uke aficionado Amanda Palmer. Excellent blog documents her Australia Tour and recent projects.
Dominator Ukulele Tabs. One of the largest collections of Ukulele Tabs for the intermediate to Advanced player.
Des Anthony. Luthiers
Doug Eaton. Doug Eaton is a Qld ukulele maker (Luthiers)
Hula Hips. Imeleta Lia-Norris created Hula Hips to share her love for Hula, which combines hip movements, footwork and hand motions to tell a story. (friends of BUMS)
Play Ukulele By Ear. Jim D’Ville: dedicated to all things geared to learning to play the ukulele by ear
Ukulele Bartt – Links page Lots of great links to other clubs and performers all over the world.
Ukulele Hunt. Great site for all things ukulele – videos, tabs, general info
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Ukulele Safari. Bosko & Honey travel the world playing ukuleles!
