Dig out your ukulele from the back of the closet and get ready to strum or just come out as a spectator to UkeFest 2011, where music will be flowing and a Guinness record broken.
By Shannon O’Reilly
The Guinness Record for "Largest Ukulele Ensemble" was last broken at the London Ukulele Festival in 2009.
Strathmore’s UkeFest 2011 is finally here and its time to pluck and strum. Whether a ukulele master, music enthusiast, or curious bystander this popular annual summer concert is geared toward all those who respect the small stringed instrument. For the third annual UkeFest, standards have been set high as Strathmore attempts to gather 851 uke players to beat the Guinness World Record for “Largest Ukulele Ensemble.” The current record was set in London 2009, at the London Uke Festival. Want to be a part of history? Participants must register before 7:00 p.m., the record will be set on August 24th at 7:30 p.m. To bush up on your skills or take your first strum, beginner warm-up sessions will be held prior to the festival, led by Grammy winner Marcy Maxer. Have some experience already jammin on the uke? Intermediate classes will also be held by swing master Gerald Ross. Both classes will be held on August 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the public are $25. You can by them HERE.
The UkeFest isn’t just about breaking a record, its also a celebration of the ukulele and the unique notes it produces. Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, local two-time Grammy winners, will emcee the event. Performances throughout the night include, The Washington Ukulele Orchestra, the ukuele soloist Gerald Ross, pop-folk duo The Sweater Set, and Baltimore’s ukulele chanteuse, Victoria Vox. The Festival begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24th. Share the love and participate at this summer concert, where it’s all about the ukulele.
