1000 Ukuleles

[KeaauRich]

It might be a good event to include in that first free night of Merrie Monarch.

[John-SV]

I second KeaauRich's suggestion. We went that Sunday this year, and the Civic Auditorium was half empty. Having an event like this in conjunction with their regular schedule could produce a much bigger audience, which I suspect the Merrie Monarch folks would be very happy about.

Reality aint what we think it is. (blueroom.com/realityaint.htm)

[Elizabeth Weatherford]

Wonderful!
I know of two groups with more than 20 players just in Puna--PUKA being one (Andy and Pam Andrews and friends in Leilani) and a group playing in Kea'au on Thursday mornings. I have lots of other friends who play and would love to be a part of this--what a gas!!!

Elizabeth Weatherford

[csgray]

However doing it during Merrie Monarch would defeat my main purpose which is to use this as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for art and music programs for my students. I think our purpose would just get lost in the much larger Merrie Monarch, plus it would be impossible for Ukulele players from the other side to get a place to stay that week, so anyone from Kona side would all have to drive over and back in one day.

Carol

[Susan]

Carol, have you thought any more about this? I have been thinking about it alot. I would like to help.

[missydog1]

quote:

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Originally posted by csgray

However doing it during Merrie Monarch would defeat my main purpose which is to use this as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for art and music programs for my students. I think our purpose would just get lost in the much larger Merrie Monarch, plus it would be impossible for Ukulele players from the other side to get a place to stay that week, so anyone from Kona side would all have to drive over and back in one day.

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I think you are right. The lodgings problem alone is considerable. You need all the numbers you can get, so you couldn't afford to have people pass because it costs too much to stay the night.

I think it's a unique idea for an event, and if publicized decently, could stand alone very well.
Have you talked to the people in Holualoa? (Holualoa Ukulele Gallery, 324-4100).
In my experience, musical instrument stores are quite the nexus for people who play. There are several on the island: a few in Hilo, Holualoa, Kealakekua, Kailua-Kona, Waimea.

[YurtGirl]

I know a few people that would love to get behind this. Keoki being the main one I'm thinking of. Do you know Keoki, CSGray? He currently does probably the largest uke workshops for people and kids on the Big Island and actually does a lot of workshops elsewhere too. Would love to bend his ear to this if you're serious about it?

[csgray]

I am still very interested in doing this, I am getting positive feedback on the idea from all kinds of people. I have to put together a proposal for the admin at my school with a rough budget of how much up front money we would need. I hope to do so before the Dec. local school board meeting, but may not be able to do it until January. Once I get approval I will put together a committee to help organize the effort. It is going to take all kinds of help, I really need that committee to include people from all facets of this Island. It seems like music teachers both in and outside of the schools will be an important part of the effort.

I don't actually play myself, so the musically inclined will have to help in terms of picking songs and coordinating the playing.

Carol

[YurtGirl]

Carol, will you PM me your info so I can forward it to a couple of people? I think they may be a huge help to your efforts.

[missydog1]

I know he is on Maui, but you might like to drop a line to George Kahumoku.

http://www.kahumoku.com/Kahumoku/Bio.html
http://www.rambles.net/kahumoku_hlife.html
http://kahumoku.com/Kahumoku_Store/A_Hawaiian_Life.html

I would explain why, but if you read the bio I linked there, you will see why he could help you. He's a very nice man; I've only talked to him after concerts, but could tell he has a big heart and generous spirit. He was born in Kona, raised Big Island.

There are a number of musical Keokis, YG, curious which one you mean?

One of the best up and coming uke players is David Kamakahi. He and his father Dennis went to Kamehameha Schools.