SMUG

Friday, June 22, 2012

NANAS AND PAPAS debut at The Garden Home

The Nanas and Papas, a new Ukulele Group from Whisperwood Villa made their debut today at The Garden Nursing Home, This was the first venture out of their own facility to play for another group and they were absolutely fabulous. Leah Ziegler and Darlene Acorn , two members of the SMUG Ukulele Orchestra , have been working with the group since January and it is obvious they have honed The Nanas and Papas into star performers; all 15 of them. They played a variety of songs, some that are mentioned in the caption of the photos below, and continued to play for 40 minutes to an audience that not only filled the activity room, but spilled out to the dining room as well. Leah, in her final remarks to the audience, explained how easy it is to take up the ukulele which provided hours of enjoyment for the residents of Whisperwood Villa as well as many other community care homes in the area.

"Just Hang Loose"

"I'll Fly Away"

"Amazing Grace"

"Jack Was Every Inch A Sailor"

Leah Leading the Nanas and Papas

Friday, June 15, 2012

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY PARTY AT ANDREWS

SMUG did another Father's Day Party today at Andrews of Stratford, where Sharon Woods-Bryenton, the activity director joined in with the group to play out our Spring Program to all those gathered for the party. We had nibbles, ice cream and pop and the group sang along as we played a vartiety of old pieces from the 20's, 30's and 40's.

The Residents

More Residents

Still More Residents

Bob and Kendal having a snack

Darlene our "Bass Ukulele Player"

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Some Enchanted Evening

Our blog has been acting up and I have deleted the last entry to see if it might clear the problem. It didn't. So I am trying a new blog to see what might happen.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

HUNTER RIVER LIONS' CLUB GOSPEL SING

Some of you have probably never been to a Gospel Sing before. I never was. But we were first on the program, sang a bit overtime, I'm afraid, and some of us had to leave right after our portion of the evening, which was in aid of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and was well attended. I saw a very long agenda before we started our program and guessed they might be there until midnight; especially if the others played as long as we did. I tried my best to move our program along, but some told me after they were having a good time and enjoying the ukulele music.It appeared that SMUG were certainly enjoying being there. I know that some members of SMUG left some very generous donations in aid of the hospital, and we hope the gospel sing, which was sort of like a ceilidh was a great success for the Hunter River Lions' Club.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

IN THE CHAPEL IN THE SUNLIGHT

I was so proud of the group this morning I just had to do a short blog of our practice in the beautiful chapel at Andrews of Stratford . With many Smuggers still away on a winter vacation(when it's really spring here!), we had a small turn out of only 15, but well filled the little chapel with wonderful gospel music, accompanied by our Leah Brown on double bass. What a revelation that was to our gospel music. Having a gospel program coming up in another week we really needed a get-together,and it was the perfect location. Sharon Woods-Bryenton, the activity director at Andrews, allowed us to use the chapel and even supplied coffee for the morning break, not to mention joining us with her ukulele for the morning practice. During the break also, we walked down to the activity room to hear the "Definately Not The Symphony" group playing a rousing selection I did not know the name of, and a couple of their group came later in the morning to visit SMUG.After break we had a go at "Little Grass Shack" and began after a few attempts to get our tongues around the many Hawaiian words.....just a splendid morning and a good time had by all. After all this, SMUG has had to agree to play at Andrews for Father's Day and the group was more than happy to do so. Thanks for a great morning Sharon....perhaps pass it on to those in the office and kitchen as well.
Next week back to the Lodge room, pancake breakfast or not.....see you there.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

SPRINGTIME AT THE GARDEN NURSING HOME

With only a handful of Smuggers available today, SMUG were able to pull off a wonderful program that was enjoyed by our friends and relatives at The Garden Nursing Home. Thanks to those who were able to make the gig, as it was a Saturday that many Smuggers from our orchestra seemed to be on the road somewhere. The group did their whole Spring Program under the capable direction of Hazel, who was responsible for getting the best out of such a small number of ukulele players for over an hour. The photographer was otherwise occupied today and forgot to take some shots until the program had finished. Today was SMUG's eighth appearance at the Garden Home since our inception in 2008, and always a pleasure to play to these very appreciative residents and staff who always turn out prepared for a great time. It was nice to have a chat with so many too, after the performance, while we munched on treats supplied to us by the home. There always seems to be a new familiar face or two at these nursing homes, and they love to join us and say "hello" and tell us they are so glad we came, and please come again. We will be happy to for sure.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

HUNTER RIVER LIONS' CLUB SENIORS' SPECIAL

SMUG performed today at the long awaited Seniors'Day Special at the Hunter River Lions'Club Hall. After contact with Jean MacRae of the Hunter River Club a couple of months ago, the date kept changing until March 24th was finally decided upon. The hall was beginning to fill up as SMUG began their performance at 10:30 and by 10:45 every seat was taken. At the half time Jean MacRae, the hostess for the day, introduced Brendon Campbell who kept the audience spellbound with his wonderful stories and narrations. SMUG finished their program by noon followed by a gorgeous lunch of soups, Chili and sweets supplied by the Lions' Club.
Today was one of our best programs and best performances....something that seems to go hand in hand with Lions' Clubs!It seemed that everyone was happy and a good time was had by all. I had several inquires about playing the ukulele and I feel sure our presence has probably stimulated more ukulele adoration.I'm sure others had ukulele inquiries as well. When chatting with an old college buddy who was there, I noticed he was showing some interest in the ukulele. His wife said he used to play the violin and should take up the ukulele....I agreed!Maybe he will too.