Weekend long International Ukulele Ceilidh nears

The Second International Ukulele Ceilidh features four major concerts, several workshops, ad‐lib jamming sessions, street busking, the latest inductee to the Ukulele Hall of Fame, and a general party like atmosphere in the tradition of an old‐fashioned ceilidh.

The 2007 edition of the biennial event gets underway Oct. 25 with official opening ceremonies at White Point Beach Resort featuring the spectacular King’s Orange Rangers. “The Kings Orange Rangers are as much a part of Liverpool as the ceilidh is becoming and they’ll set the keynote for the weekend long festival,” says ceilidh co‐chair Martin Hilliard. “As well, the energetic South Shore Ukulele Players will set off a rousing strumming and singing session.”

For those interested in learning about the ukulele or improving their skills, a total of nine workshops are scheduled at White Point Beach Resort. The first day covers such subjects as the role of the ukulele in the classroom, Ukulele Blues, and Creative Chord Playing, to name but three.

Sandra Obritch, who has organized the workshops, is extremely happy with her instructors. She says, “The quality of our resource people conducting these workshops is unparalleled. Many of our featured performers, James Hill, J. Chalmers Doane, and the members of the Boulder Acoustic Society, will be sharing their skills, techniques, and knowledge with those in attendance.”

The first of three major evening concerts is also on the Friday agenda.

The concert “Some Things were meant to be: An Evening With J. Chalmers Doane, Melanie Doane and James Hill” features the Nova Scotia legend and the first inductee in the Ukulele Hall of Fame, J. Chalmers Doane, Melanie Doane, a rising star in music circles, and the man many consider one of the finest ukulele virtuosos today, James Hill. The Maitland Ukulele Ensemble will open for the illustrious trio.

But there’s more.

Co‐Chair, Rae Laframboise says, “The Friday night concert will also feature this year’s inductee to the Ukulele Hall of Fame.” But she did refuse to reveal the latest recipient of the honour.

She says, “The person is selected by the South Shore Ukulele Players and they’re keeping it a closely guarded secret until Friday night.”

Neil MacMullen will emcee all events at the Astor Theatre. Now retired from the radio broadcast industry, where he had been a prominent figure throughout the Maritimes, Neil is in great demand as a function speaker. Neil will be fully kilted in true ceilidh style, as he was in 2005.

Saturday begins with a second day of workshops – eight in all ‐ at White Point Beach Resort. Today’s sessions include workshops on Blues and Improvisation, Old Time Music Styles and Ensemble Techniques.

It will also be a busy day at the Astor Theatre.

In the afternoon, it’s time for the whole family with “The Fountain of Uke with Lil’ Rev.” Frances Yeske, who, along with her husband Kelly has spent many hours lining up this year’s talent, explains, “Lil’ Rev is a nationally touring performer out of the U.S. Midwest and the author of the Hal Leonard Ukulele Book. He has a number of impressive CDs to his credit and specializes in Blues, Ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, and Old Time music.” Opening for Lil’ Rev will be Toronto’s Mel Collie and Peter Moss from the U.K.

“Meet the Langley Ukulele Ensemble ‐ Enriching Lives Through Music” is the theme of the Saturday night Concert at the Astor and features the world renowned Langley Ukulele Ensemble directed by Peter Luongo.

The ensemble, over 20 students in the Langley, British Columbia school system, has performed at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax, the Stratford Festival, and annually tours in Hawaii to perform and entertain.

Tim Sweeney, who hails from Orleans, Massachusetts and the popular Nova Scotia native, John Kavanagh, will open for the impressive group of talented young musicians.

Sunday morning begins “A Gospel Sing and Strum Along” at the Astor Theatre.

The Boulder Acoustic Society and singer, Pat Watson, will join Bernie and Linda Conrad.

Then, from 2-3:30 p.m., anyone can strut and strum their stuff in the always-popular “Open Mike” event, also at the Astor.

Emcees Gertie and Betty-Lou will host the crackerjack of a show full of surprise and an abundance of talent.

Whether you are an old pro or are new to the ukulele, this could be your opportunity to be in the spotlight. Anyone wanting to take part in the open mike should send an email to sandra@ukulele.ca.

The Third and final major evening concert, “Rocky Mountain Ukulele” headlines the highly entertaining Boulder Acoustic Society. “They were a smash hit of the 2005 inaugural Ukulele Ceilidh and there were many requests to book them for this year’s event, so we were more than happy when they agreed to star in our Sunday concert,” explains Kelly Yeske, who with Sandra Obritch conducted the negotiations. The B.A.S. brings a sense of fun and good time to their musical virtuosity.

Opening For the Boulder Acoustic Society will be Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native Mike Conway, Manchester U.K.’s Peter Moss and Stephen Penny.

While the Astor Theatre and White Point Beach Resort will be busy with the sounds of ukulele music, you can expect to hear a lot more, either in jam sessions, or at ad‐lib concerts throughout the Liverpool area and in clubs and restaurants.

And for those who like their music `al fresco,’ Glasgow musician and ukulele lover, Eilidh MacAskill will be playing at various outdoor spots around the community throughout the ceilidh, weather permitting.

Four concerts at the Astor Theatre, 17 informative, educational and popular workshops by top‐flight artists, ad‐lib jam sessions wherever the music takes you, an Open Mike for those wishing to strut ‐ or strum ‐ there stuff, and a general atmosphere of good times, great music and good friends – that’s the menu for The Second International Ukulele Ceilidh coming to Liverpool October 25-28.

Tickets are available through www.astortheatre.ns.ca or by calling the box office at 354-5250.