Month: February 2017

Venue: Mighty Uke Club, Guelph ON

Looking for a place to share some ukulele joy? The Mighty Uke Club of Guelph has reconvened, Sunday evenings at the Red Papaya in Guelph.  This is a relaxed group where you can join in as you like, lead a song (or not), learn some new uke chords and hear creative versions of music you’ve heard before – Guns & Roses, John Sebastien, Feist, Rolling Stones, and Leonard Cohen were just a few of the artists given a ukulele interpretation.

Hosted by our fearless leader, Kim Logue, the group is still sorting out how often it will meet so confirm on FB. Next meeting is Sunday, March 5th: https://www.facebook.com/events/1575065992511382/?active_tab=discussion 

 

 

 

 

More good news for ukulele aficionados! There is a ukulele festival coming to Guelph this fall. The Royal City Uke Fest will offer workshops, group strums and a concert by the fabulous James Hill and Anne Janelle. Tickets for this September 30th event are already on sale.

[Mighty Uke Club, Red Papaya 55 Wyndham St N, Sundays 7-8:45 pm, no cover, licensed.]

Venue: Irene’s Pub, Ottawa ON

It’s great to revisit an open mic to find it going strong years later. I was at Irene’s in Ottawa over 6 years ago on a lovely summer day. On a wintery February afternoon a couple of weeks ago it was even more lively and bustling than the first time I visited. Geoff Johnson is still multi-tasking as soundman, host, and musical collaborator. (Alternate Saturdays are hosted by Sean Tansey.)

  

Many different styles were represented and the music was steady all afternoon. A house piano and guitar make some musical spontaneity possible. Despite the busy-ness of the venue the audience was friendly and appreciative. If you don’t happen to be in the area on a Saturday, Irene has live music several other days of the week, including a women songwriters circle the third Monday each month.

[Irene’s Pub 885 Bank Street, Ottawa; Saturday 1:30 – 4:30; licensed. No cover]