A REALLY SMUG WEEKEND

A really SMUG weekend indeed. We did two performances and a jam on Saturday, getting ready for a month off in April, but back in full flight in May. Below are some photos and a bit of dialog about the good times we enjoyed playing for some very appreciative people,



We had a pretty busy weekend with a performance at LaPage Court in Hunter River, a regular Saturday morning Jam at the lodge on Saturday and a performance at 501 Queen Street tonight. Fingers are getting in good shape and we're starting to get the Spring Program down not too bad(If the director would only get his act together!)We must have been in their favour though, as they invited us back in May.Tonight was Denise Motard's birthday and her first performance with SMUG. I know she was pleased to have her first performance under her belt, especially on her __ birthday! We missed Harley tonight as we understand he went back to the hospital for a minor procedure which will see him back with us soon. Get well Harley, we miss you.



SMUG had been invited some time ago to perform in April at the LePage Court in Hunter River, but with our growing numbers, lack of enough room at the Court and so many going to be away in April we finally settled on a Friday in March at the common room at the Central Queens United Church next to LaPage Court. We were glad we went because Lois Lajeunesse, the organizer, and her friends provided a most warm atmosphere along with the best lunch we have had for some time. We always remark about our friends the YesterUkes in Laurens, South Carolina, in that everywhere they play they are treated to a great lunch or a sit down meal even. We had a wonderful afternoon highlighted by the appearance of Tim Waite, a local student on March break who provided those assembled with three great ukulele tunes on his own ukulele. Congratulations, Tim, keep up the good work.

SMUG at BEACH GROVE AGAIN

SMUG has done yet another performance at Beach Grove Home for the fourth time. It was great to see so many of our friends there, who have returned to encourage us and bring out our best. The staff were involved as well, and it appeared that after an hour's performance, all were ready to head off to the noon time meal. They have invited us back in June and we all look forward to being there and providing a bit of SMUG excitement as they all participate and sing along with our antics.

EAST ROYALTY LIONS CLUB CEILIDH

Our Saturday Morning Ukulele Band were the guest performers last night at the Malcolm Darrach Community Center in East Royalty, an evening of many gifted local performers doing a monthly Ceilidh and sponsored by the East Royalty Lions Club. The evening was organized by and under the direction of Barbara Perry who was the emcee for the evening, told many great stories and also sang some wonderful songs. SMUG did an outstanding performance for twenty minutes topped off by rousing applause and a standing ovation. Barbara countered with an invitation to do a return performance in the near future. Our photographer was otherwise occupied during the performance, so thanks to Frank MacMillan for taking the photo.

STORMY DAY JAM

After a long stormy day yesterday and a blustery cold morning , a few die hards from SMUG turned out for coffee, cookies, muffins and cheese from the kitchen of Darlene and Bob Acorn, and even jammed for an hour and a half, mostly from Jim Beloff's new Ukulele Daily songbook. It was our first time using the new book which has been acquired by most of our members. The morning only saw 10 Smuggers out, but we had a ball trying new pieces we had never played before. The book might begin to take over at least half of our Saturday morning time limit of two hours and a half. Our thanks to Jim and Liz Beloff for creating this wonderful book, so useful to new and old ukulele jammers alike.

AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE

On Thursday this week, February 24th, a panic email message from Sharon, the activity director at Andrews of Stratford came to us asking if we could provide some music for their monthly birthday party at Andrews. The booked performer came down with the flu and wasn't able to be there. A quick survey found eight free Smuggers who were more than willing to play and have some fun with the residents of Andrews. As always, Sharon took many wonderful pictures during the party, but room here hardly permits all to be downloaded. SMUG did about 20 numbers for the hour long party and discovered that music really can be made with only 6 ukuleles and a bass. We finished up the party with great birthday cupcakes served with some liquid refreshments.
SMUG is aware that The Andrews Strummers, the ukulele group from Andrews of Stratford, are ready to provide music for some of the future birthday parties as they come along monthly at Andrews. The group have been practicing diligently every week and have now grown to 12 members or more, and having a wonderful time.

Winter Concert Amid Construction

LINDA THANKING SMUG FOR THEIR WONDERFUL ENTERTAINMENT


SMUG returned to the Garden Home today amid a construction project that has been going on since last summer. Originally we thought tomorrow, February 24th, was the day we were to appear, but making contact the first of this week discovered that today was their day for us and tomorrow was their moving day. Consequently we were missing several Smuggers due to previous commitments but pulled it off in great style nevertheless, and with great pride amidst wonderful applause and clapping and singing during our performance. Linda Harding, the activity director, welcomed us heartily and following an hour of songs we were graciously treated to cookies and ginger ale. A wonderful time was had by all, certainly SMUG, and we promised to return later in the year.

BACK IN THE SADDLE IN 2011

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

A happy group of upbeat SMUGGGERS has begun another season of performances and first off at Andrews of Stratford amoung our friends the Andrews Strummers, most who attended our Friday afternoon performance along with many of Andrews' residents and friends. Activity director, Sharon Woods-Bryenton took gobs of photos, too many to reprint here, but great to have such a great variety to choose from. The one hour performance of 22 familiar songs finalzed at 3:15 with cookies and refreshments fresh from Andrews' kitchen served by Sharon and her volunteers.