The January WikiWiki Jam @ West Seattle is cancelled

The WikiWiki Jam @ West Seattle scheduled for January 2nd is cancelled due to the New Year holiday. Have a safe, sane. and Happy New Year.

Join us in some ukulele Christmas Caroling.

Come one come all..... it's cold, it's exciting, it's pretty and it's singing Christmas Carols on Green Lake with your ukulele.

Here's the invite I received from SUPA (see below). Did I mention to dress very warmly.... but remember those fingerless gloves if you want to play.... or just come along and sing.

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Green Lake Pathway of Lights

We received the information from Seattle Parks Dept., and SUPA will be

performing across from the Community Center (where we have been every year) from

6:30-6:55pm on Saturday, December 11. Please check the SUPA home page

(http://www.seattleukulele.org) for more details as well as a link to the SUPA

2008 Holiday Songbook, which we will use for the performance. We will post the

specific song list to the Yahoo Groups this coming Wednesday after we meet to

discuss the songs, do some timing, etc. for the performance.

Remember to wear very warm clothes. Being right on the lake drops the

temperature by at least 10 degrees. SUPA will bring pocket warmers to help out.

Also, we will not have a bass player that night (all our known bass players have

prior commitments), so we'll need everybody's help in "staying together" on the

songs!

Nov/Dec Holiday Song books

For November I have stolen from my dear friends 3 great songs for Halloween - The 'Addams Family Theme', 'Purple People Eater' and that goulish love song... 'Spooky'. Look for 'HalloweenWiki-wooHoo'. Can you think of others for next year?

And December we'll sing a whole bunch of Christmas Holiday songs, ripped from the cold frozen hands of seven SUPA members.

Note: The Holiday Song book I posted was full of errors. I have posted a new book of 10 songs, called "Wiki-Supa 10 Christmas Songs". I will have copies at the next WikiWiki.

So get over to the download page and start decking your halls.

Special Request --
A special prize for anyone that knows a Thanksgiving Song or songs. I knew a young couple years ago came from a family of primary grade school teachers... they knew two songs... which of course I've forgotten. Any one have a turkey song they would like to share?

UKEtoberfest Crazy Poster

UKEtoberfest is getting close Oct 15-16.... and only 5 hrs drive away....you don't want to miss it.

This is so worth selling that old Martin in the closet for.

October songs and other important musings...

Good News..

It's time for the new songs. For October we have two fun songs --

'Hidden In The Sand' -

A Tally hall song I fell in love with when I heard Molly Lewis (aka Sweetafton23) of YouTube fame sing it in her special way. This song is only 4 very easy barre chords. You'll love it, it's so easy. And we'll play it along with Molly as she sings it for us.

'Sweet Someone' -

This is our hapa haole song for the month... I call this the ultimate sweet love song. I found a vid of Bill Tapia doing a solo so we can all join in.

You'll find these new songs and all the other song sheets/books on our download page.... Take a Look!.

Now for the Better News...

The UketoberFest is just around the corner. October 15-16 in Eugene Oregon.

Is it worth the drive, the sleeping in a strange bed, the jamming all night till way past mid-night and then getting up the next day for an 8 am workshop... by James Hill, or Del Rey, or Gerald Ross, or Craig Chee or several others? You bet your Kamaka it is, believe me this is one of the best Ukefests on this coast.

Any level player can find something of interest here. I encourage you to join me at the UketoberFest in Eugene... and yes I will be driving back Saturday night or Sunday morning to be at my WikiWiki @ Ballard Sunday. I may be tired, but I will be there.

Here's a link to the UketoberFest web site.

Enjoy and keep on uke'n

( 0 )==::

September Songs YEah!

August was a long month, but September is almost here and it's time for two new WikiWiki songs.

I'm trying to feature at least one Hawaiian or Hapa Haole song and we have a good one this month --

• Israel's version of 'Take Me Home Country Roads'

Followed by a great love song by Leonard Cohen. SUPA has it in the key of 'E'... I did it in 'D'. Let's see how it goes... have fun with Leonard's --

• 'Dance Me To The End Of Love' in D

Come to either of our Wiki's, Ballard or West Seattle and help me sing 'Take Me Home...'. I almost killed it at the SUPA picnic.

You'll find them both on our downloads page... Take a Look!

Keep Strum'n

Ukulele News feed....

I just love blogs and what others are doing with them.

One of our fellow ukers Brian Soergel, turned me on to his great Ukulele news blog. Brian is a SUPA member... and follower of our Wiki Blog. So go check it out.... 'Ukulele-Examiner'

Some of Brians's stories:

You can join in on Bill Tapia's upcoming live CD... Bill will be 102 or is already.. hard to keep up with that legend.

Brian gives you a bit of insight on how to play that fantastic little ditty from those Subaru Ads you've been hearing... the song "Before I Knew" by Basia Bulat.

Ohhhh there is so much more.... now you go take a look.

SUPA Annual picnic... Invite!

Yup! It's time for the SUPA Annual Picnic August 8th (second Sunday), at Woodland Park.

And we're all invited! HOw CoOl is dat!???

I'll be there, so bring your Wiki Books and the SUPA 2010 book (if you have one). If not just peek over my shoulder when we jam.

Here's the info in official Flyer form.

See you there.......

August Songs... are jump'n

Finally the August songs are ready and waiting.

Just mosey on over to our download page on the WikiWiki web site where you'll find our 3-chord song for the month -- "E Huli Makou"... a wonderfully fast Hawaiian mele.

Next is something I stole from Casy MacGill.... a fancy and fun swing tune... "At the Codfish Ball"

Remember, if you're new to the WikiWiki group be sure to download all the files on the download page, 'Starter Song Book' and all the months. You want to have a comple song book to join in all the fun.

July 2010 Songs.

The July songs are ready to download.

Our first song is the ever popular Everly Brothers hit "Let It Be Me".

Then a simple 3-chord folk song "Down in The Valley" in 3/4 time. This is an easy month.

You'll find the downloads on our WikiWiki web site's download page.

If you're new to the WikiWiki be sure to download all the files, "Starter Song Book" and all the months, so you have a complete song book.

1st Sunday WikiWiki West Seattle Canceled

Do to the 4th of July holiday I have cancelled the 1st Sunday WikiWiki at West Seattle for the month of July. Please take this time to eat some good Bar-B-Q with family members and then play some good ukulele.

See you the 1st Sunday of August!

Enjoy...

Ballard -- Downloads for June.

Make sure you download and print out all the songs/Books you need.

If you will be a first timer, look under 'Downloads' on the right, then download and print out:

• Grabbing the Chords with ease
• UWW Song Book UNO
• Songs for March, April, May and June

If you are returning:

• You may just have to download Junes songs.
• But, make sure you have all the rest too.

See you in Ballard

Ukuleles on NPR

There was a wonderful broadcast about the ukulele on NPR.... if you go to the NPR site. above the picture of Jake is a "Listen Now" linkable to hear it in it's entirety.

The Mighty Uke movie is also playing at Dusty Strings during the Uke Fest.

opps! Remember to download... the Wiki book

Remember to download the Wiki book as well. It's on you left, on top of the sidebar.

Some of you are having trouble with a few of the files.... let me know via email... and I'll send the file directly to you.

Patk

West Seattle Wiki... and SUPA song books.

Just to let you know I will have a few copies of the 'SUPA Song Book 2010' available for sale at the Wiki jam in West Seattle this Sunday the 6th.

It can also be purchased at the Ave Copy Center, 4141 University Way NE... 206 633-1837.

Just call them and they can set the book up anyway you like. I ordered my books to be printed double-sided, and spiral bound.. to be consistent with SUPA get the lime-green cover. Price $12.50.

Remember the doors open at 1:45p... we start at 2:00p and end at 4:00p

See you all there......

Patk

Dusty Strings 2010 Uke Fest - June 25th - 27th

If you haven't experienced a Uke Fest.. you are missing loads of fun. Here's your chance to spend the whole weekend immersed in ukulele. When: June 25th - 27th.

Uke Fest general info.

Uke Fest Workshops.

Dusty Strings always has a great showing of some of the best ukulele teachers/players around. Don't let being a beginner stop you from joining in.

If nothing at all... I strongly encourage you to come to the Uke Fest Concert on Saturday at 7:30.

Jim D'Ville's Friday warm-up work shop... teaches you how to use your ear.. when playing... hearing those chord progressions.

Ralph Shaw from BC... is not only fun to watch... but his strumming techniques says for the intermediate.. but I think what I showed you back in May... this will just add to that.

Other great locals are Casey McGill.... he is the master of the swing era. Jere Canote.... more strums from a folk song angle. Matt Dahlberg... is another local guy... with some fine techniques to share.

For imported talent you can't beat James Hill.... I believe one of the best ukulele players, dare I say in the world... but he's still able to take a subject and bring it down to all levels. He's a master... and all say 'one of the best teachers to learn from'.

Also, Kimo Hussy is the Hawaiian connection... a soft speaking man of immense talent... and the ability to convey what he knows in a clear manner. A master of easy chord progressions.

Welcome West Seattle

Are you ready for the first UKULELE-WikiWiki in West Seattle? I hope so.

It's Sunday the 6th of June and the doors open around 1:45p. We'll start playing at 2:00p until 4:00p.

Remember to bring your SUPA 2010 song books and download all of the files below:

• Wiki song book --- UWW Song Book Uno.
• Songs for March, April, May and June

That way you'll have a complete book.

All the downloads are right on top within the sidebar on the left. You'll also find a map if you need to find your way.

I hope to see a bunch of you on Sunday.

Keep Strumming

( O )==::

June Wiki - two new songs for two Wiki's

If you haven't heard the WikiWiki has expanded. Not only do we have our ongoing and popular Ballard WikiWiki for beginners --- the third (3rd) Sunday of each month. We just this month added a WikiWiki in West Seattle on the first (1st) Sunday --- for all levels of player, even the beginner,

That's right... the 'first' Sunday in West Seattle... that's next Sunday the 6th. Don't miss it.

As a beginner, you might feel intimidated... well don't be. Our main book will be the WikiWiki song book you already have, we'll also play from the SUPA 2010 book.... so come on out to West Seattle and join in on the fun. If nothing else you play air ukulele or mute the strings and play rhythm.

For more information about our two WikiWiki's -- like dates, time, directions, go to our new website/blog connection.

We also have two new songs for June... so add them to your Wiki book. (both groups please download)

I thought we would have some fun with a sad love song (aren't they all?) and a fun folk song from the land of OZ.

Here's our June favorites:

• Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow -- ya you betcha!
• Waltzing Matilda -- which isn't even a waltz... whaaaaa?

May Wiki - Strum Patterns Work shop

Sorry for being a bit late on posting the Workshop downloads... I've been busy putting up a new front page web portal for this blog site and information about our new WikiWiki ukulele song circle happening in West Seattle. Look for a post on this.

May's downloads should be fun.... most of you have asked about how to strum various songs.... well here's our little workshop to show you just that.

The featured songs for our May workshop are:

• 'Sway' - an easy to play latin number

• 'White Sandy Beach' - a favorite from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Download May's workshop -- 'Basic Strum Patterns'

We have a new WikiWiki web site and second location

As most of you know SUPA will be leaving West Seattle for Ballard and Phinny. To keep the sound of ukuleles and Aloha spirit in West Seattle... I have decided to expand or little WikiWiki group to add a second song circle in West Seattle for eager beginners and the more advanced player.

The West Seattle Song Circle will gather starting the first (1st) Sunday of July -- July 6th and continue on the first Sunday of the month thereafter. The West Seattle Song Circle will be open to all level of players.

The Beginner's Song Circle in Ballard will still continue to gather the third (3rd) Sunday of each month, our next song circle will be Sunday May 16th.

For more details I encourage you to go to our new web site... http://ukulele-wikiwiki.com/

We're growing.....

With SUPA leaving West Seattle without a songcircle, our Ukulele WikiWiki is stepping in.

Starting in June we will be hosting a songcircle, open to all levels of players, the first Sunday of every month. (more info to follow as we iron out the wrinkles)

If you know a few chords, can learn fast, love to learn more, then this will be perfect for you. Not quite a beginner still... maybe intermediate to advanced player, again... come on down.

The Beginner's Ukulele WikiWiki @ Ballard is still every third Sunday... where? At Ballard of course... same time, same place.

I am now in the process of setting up a new blog site for both WikiWiki ventures... so stay tuned for an address change.

For the moment.... this blog page is still good.... and all downloads will be available here.

Keep Strumming

Patk

( O )==::

April Wiki and what's to come in May

Thank you all for another fun WikiWiki. I was quite pleased to see so many new faces on such a sunny and beautiful day. My hope is you all felt it was well spent.

I wanted to remind everyone, that for next WikiWiki (May 16th)... I am preparing two more new songs wrapped around a mini-workshop covering several easy strumming patterns. So, check back about a week before for some exciting downloads.

Patk

Keep Strummin'

( O )==::

Looking for a ukulele...

Then take a trip over to YouTube to hear Ukulele Bartt as he stums a few for you.

Hear the Uke's

April Wiki - 2 new Songs

April WikiWiki will be brought to you by the key of 'G', Coca-Cola, and the ever popular Bette Midler. 'G' you say... Yes, my wiggly ukers.... ohhh a new key to play around in. Excitment, nothing but excitment.

To give more time for the song circle I have offered only two songs this month... but, great and wonderful songs never-the-less. And with us singing them... the day can't get any better.

Please down load April's two songs, add them to your song book, and bring yourself to the next WikiWiki on April 18... doors open at 1:15. Beginner class 1:30, with song circle to follow at 2:30.

'I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing' (sorry I had to revise this 4/15/10)

'That's the Glory of Love'

If you are new to our Wiki... please download and bring these additional items, which you will find under 'download' on your left.

• Grabbing the Chords with Ease - beginners' first chords
• UWW Song Book UNO
• Download this months songs (see above) as well as March's songs and add to your book for a complete song book.

Hint: along the sidebar on the left... you'll find a map to the Senior Center, if you need one, as well as a couple of nifty tools.

Aloha... and see you Sunday ( 0 )==::

April Wiki 3/18

The April WikiWiki will be on Sunday, the 18th.

• Where: Ballard Senior Center (see map in downloads)
• When: April 18th. 1:30 to 3:30 (doors open at 1:15)

I will be adding new songs each month, each Wiki. So, make sure you check back here.. a week or so before.... maybe sooner.

For a bit more info and a great picture of yours' truly click on "Where and When" in the 'downloads' section to the left. Ok, forget the picture.. just good information. Also loaner ukuleles will be available for those of you still looking for that special uke.

Keep Strumming

( o )==++

Make your own Transposing Wheel

There comes a time when we all say.. 'Wow.. I can't sing that song, can someone change the key?' Well, now YOU can. Yes folks, you can change that song that's in C... to F or versa-vicey. Even vice-versa.

Download this handy tool, put it together. Then go to the March songs... and practice transposing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' to G. Page two has all the instructions.

Transposing Wheel

March WikWiki -- After thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised to see that our little group almost doubled in size... with a third made up of first time ukulele players. I hope we can grow and grow.... it would be nice to extend our time in the future.

I talked to a few of you afterwards and with my own observations of this last Sunday, I think I am going to make some changes for the better. If you wish to add a comment to this post, please do. I look forward to hearing your input, if it can make improvements for the better.

Observation #1:

In the Beginners workshop I find myself running the class very fast in order to get in all the information in the 45 minutes to hour alloted. I feel it has become too fast, and this pace follows through to the song circle. I believe I am leaving some of you, the very beginner, behind and possible confused. The class was created for the very beginner, so that is not a good thing.

My Fix: I will teach only one of the vamps per workshop... the vamp that leads us into our first song. The other vamp and its chords will be covered as we get into the song circle. A good solution would be to do the 'F' vamp one month and the 'C' vamp the next month.. when I can find a suitable song.

Observation #2:

Again another time constraint, with the song circle. I found this past circle, the three songs were almost too many. By the time we finished with them, still in that rush, there was little time to do selections in the song book. The simpler songs for the beginners were left out... not good. And we broke up very late.... which impacted the pot-luck group that followed us. (hope the food was still warm)

My Fix: We don't need a whole bunch of new songs each month, we need to sing the songs we have. Instead of 3 new songs each month, I will only bring two.. one easy... one intermediate with something new to it, that can be a learning tool.

Observation #3:

I am way too hyper... which makes me move the class fast. I think I need a 'Hyper monitor', someone to yell out 'Slow down'. LOL I get so excited.

My Fix: Someone with a club... or the promise that I will try to slow it down.

Observation #4:

Am I getting to those that need help? Of the people new to the ukulele and forming chords, am I getting you the help you need? I know when I ask, most of you tell me to go on.. continue. I find I take your advice and go on with the flow of the group... but then I know I have left you frustrated and possible confused... not good.

My Fix: Again my slowing everything down will help. I would love to feel that at the end of the song circle/workshop... no one is frustrated or confused. They know what they have to work on and are encouraged to do so. I would also ask that the more experienced players look over to your neighbor and give them a hand.

I hope there's not anymore... but, if you have a comment, please let me know.

Thank you for a wonderful March WikiWiki... see you all in April.

Pak

What do I do if I am new?

Well, then I say... Welcome. Then after all of the applause... look to the nav bar on the left and you'll find all you need.

• A map
• A where and when note
• A chord chart if you need one... and you will. lol

If this is your first time with a ukulele... then download:

• Grabbing the Chords with Ease - beginners' first chords
• UWW Song Book UNO
• And fill up your 'Book UNO' with at least the current months new songs if not all past months. We will always try to have at least 3 new songs each month.

The first 45 minutes or hour is 'Beginning Ukulele' for all that are totally new. Following this is our song circle, still beginning... maybe pushing the intermediate level, but I try to make it easy and enjoyable for all.

So, come on down... grab a chair... tune up... and feel the Aloha.

3 new March songs

Three new songs for us to help bring in March. A little bit of Stephen Foster with 'Camptown Races' and to help liven up the Irish, 'When Irish Eyes are Smiling'. And we'll round it off with an old favorite 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.

OK, for those of you that say that the 'Twinkle' song is a baby song.... well, we'll play it in three keys... and one of them you will have to transpose yourself. Don't worry I'll give you the tools and show you how. You'll be a pro when we're done.

Please download this months three songs, add them to your song book, and bring yourself to the next WikiWiki on March 21st. at 1:30.

'Camptown Races'

'When Irish Eyes are Smiling'

'Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars'

Keep Strumming

( o )==++

March Wiki 3/21

The March WikiWiki will be on Sunday, the 21st.

• Where: Ballard Senior Center (see map in downloads)
• When: March 21st. 1:30 to 3:30 (doors open at 1:15)

I will be adding new songs each month, each Wiki. So, make sure you check back here.. a week or so before.... maybe sooner.

For a bit more info and a great picture of yours' truly click on "Where and When" in the 'downloads' section to the left. Ok, forget the picture.. just good information.

Keep Strumming

( o )==++

WikiWiki Song Book UNO

Finally... it's done. I tried to pick out some songs new to most of us. Most of them easy, some a bit harder. But, none so hard they're impossible. After a fun day at the WikiWiki, add some help from your friends and a bit more practice... no problemo.

I look forward to seeing you all again at this coming WikiWiki on Sunday February 21st. See you all at the Ballard Senior Center (map in the downloads section). Doors open at 1:15. Beginners workshop 1:30 -2:15 pm. Everyone join in the Song Circle 2:15-3:30.

Please download and bring your own copies to the WikiWiki.

'WikiWiki Song Book UNO' - for the Song Circle

'Grabbing the Chords with Ease' - Beginners first chords.

It might be my printer, but you may want to print out your copies at 85 or 90%.

Here's YouTube links to most of the songs in Book Uno:

Beautiful Beautiful Brown Eyes

Happy Birthday/Good Morning To You All

Honolulu Baby

He's Got The Whole World In His Hands

I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

Mack the Knife

Row Row Row Your Boat

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Tonight You Belong To Me

Every one Enjoy!.....

Yeah! Beginners' workbook is ready to download.. Song book to follow soon.

If you are going to attend the beginners workshop of our WikiWiki, you will be delighted to know I finally have the workbook for you to download.

Look to the left at the sidebar under downloads and please download the pdf 'Grabbing The Chords with Ease'

Please make your own copies to bring to the workshop portion of our WikiWiki.

Check back Thursday or Friday for our Song Book for beginners to intermediate. We will use this in our Song Circle.

You do not need to bring the SUPA song book.

Victoria Vox coming to town...

Victoria Vox is one of those ukulele ladies that should not be missed... if only to see her play her mouth trumpet. She will be appearing Tue Feb 23rd at the ToST Lounge - 513 N 36th #E, Seattle (actually in Fremont). at 9pm...

James is in town with the showing of "The Mighty Uke Roadshow"

I know this is counter productive to a big showing of uke beginners at my first 'Ukulele WikiWiki @ Ballard', but this event almost made me think of locking the doors and skipping class myself.

If you can't make it to the WikiWiki... then your only excuse is to go see this rare showing of James Hill and 'The Mighty Uke Roadshow'.. the movie.

Watch the trailer of The Mighty Uke Roadshow

Here's what James had to say in his email to me............................................

Hi Patrick,

Have you seen MIGHTY UKE? I don't think it's an overstatement to say that the release of this film is a defining event in ukulele history. The documentary offers a birds-eye view of the worldwide ukulele scene; it's funny, sad, amazing, quirky, surprising, entertaining... a celebration of all things uke (and a perfect way to introduce your friends and family to the wild world of ukulele). The best part? It's coming soon to a theatre near you!

The MIGHTY UKE Roadshow is tour like no other. The Roadshow turns each screening of the film into an event: a movie, a concert and a ukulele jam. Who could ask for anything more?

Here are the details:

What: The MIGHTY UKE Roadshow featuring a post-film performance by yours truly!

When: Sunday, February 21, 2010. Where: Rendezvous Theater (2322 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA). 2pm-6pm.

More info: www.mightyukemovie.com

Bring a friend, bring a uke! Hope to see you there.

Best,

James

p.s. Please feel free to forward this invitation to a friend who might be interested. Thanks!

Song Books coming...

I am working feverishly day and night... well, not too many nights... working up new "Beginning Intro" and "Song Circle" song books. All hopefully within the beginner to intermediate range. So check back in the next few days.

What my plan is, is once the song books are posted I want everyone to print them out, put them in their own binder and bring them to each Wiki. Each month I will be adding songs for you to collect and add to your binder for the next coming Wiki. You will not need any of the SUPA song books.

Beginners, the doors open at Ballard at 1:15... please be early if possible. We need to tune up and start quickly as we only have 45 minutes then we'll move on to the Song Circle part of our two hours.

The full two hours is open to everyone... no matter what your skill level of playing. Strummers or pickers alike. Those more skilled are always a big assist to myself and the others, as well as help fill the room with that wonderful Aloha sound.

The new logo..

Hummm do I see t-shirts in the future? Right now it just seems right to advertise.

Ukulele WikiWiki @ Ballard

Ukulele WikiWiki @ Ballard

Join Pat Klopich at the Ballard Northwest Senior Center (Map), the 3rd Sunday of each month, for the Ukulele WikiWiki beginners' workshop and song circle, from 1:30p to 3:30p.

Recommended for beginning players or ukulele dreamers - all ages and abilities welcome.

Doors open at 1:15p. The first 45 min will be Beginning Tricks and Tips (first timers come early), with song circle to follow.

If you don't have a ukulele, Pat will have loaners for the day. All this for an affordable $5.

Contact: Pat Klopich - wiki_pk [at] yahoo [dot] com