WHY UKULELE ?

It goes without saying, without the ukulele there would be no Smug Ukulele Band, or simply SMUG as we are now called. Back in the mid 70's Chalmers Doane,the innovative head of the music department for the Halifax city schools, introduced an ukulele program in those schools. Sometime thereafter, I think 1976, Mr. Doane brought a touring group of ukulele players to Charlottetown to participate in the Gold Cup and Saucer Parade. They had been featured on the CBC morning broadcast the morning of the parade and appeared on a float during the parade the same morning. When I saw the group playing I couldn't believe this wonderful fun sound was actually coming from these little toy guitars, nor could it have been the same music I had heard that morning on radio......but it was, and it blew me away. So much so, that a trip to Toombs Music Store that afternoon found me going home with an ukulele and a book to spend the weekend learning how to play chords(My wife and family were at Girl Guide Camp for the weekend).Since that time there has always been a ukulele hanging on the wall, in the boat, in the trunk of the car or at the cottage.Yes, I had several of these wonderful little instruments which I have learned are much more than a toy, and a joy to own and play anytime, anywhere. Anyone can learn to play an ukulele.

BIRTHDAY PARTY AT ANDREWS OF STRATFORD

Today SMUG were honoured to be invited to perform at the monthly birthday party at Andrews of Stratford for the ten April residents whose birthday was being celebrated. SMUG sang Happy Birthday to them all. We played several selections from our new performing program and it seems we have made a hit with the selections we have chosen, as we have heard nothing but praise for our performances.Folks are saying they appreciate our selection of songs we sing for them. (Something learned about who it is that we may be performing for).At one point we passed out 5 ukuleles to five in the audience and had them playing a one chord song in no time. We noted they were all reluctant to give the ukulele up following the afternoon program.
SMUG were fortunate to have the activity director, Sharon , willing to take photos of the afternoon party and as a result there are lots of photos to post for your enjoyment.

THE WHOLE SMUG GROUP AT ANDREWS

OUR INFAMOUS BACK ROW

STIRLING ENJOYING THE AFTERNOON JAM

SMUG Returns to 501 QUEEN

Taking their seats

FORMAL SMUG PHOTO

THE RIGHT FLANK



Early evening

Maurice and Barry warming up

The Smuggers were back in fine form again tonight when they did their third performance of 2010.Missing from the front row was one of our most regulars, Harley. Harley is in hospital and had an operation today which we hope will see him back in his usual place as soon as possible.Get well quick Harley!
A very enthusiastic audience sang and clapped for an hour as Smug performed for the first time a wide selection of "oldies". We were told by one group following the performance "that's the stuff we like to hear" We have been invited back in June for another round of "oldies" There were so many familiar faces in the audience. We suggested an investment in a ukulele would see them playing with us the next time we were with them.
Yes, once again the Smuggers were more than a bit smug hearing the generous comments after we finished the encore which wasn't really expected. Almost all agreed T-shirts were the order of the day in June!