GinnyT11
Well-known member
Some of you know about the uke store in Wilmington, N.C. Ukulele Academy. http://alohau.com
It’s owned by Kent Knorr, who’s been playing ukes for 27 years. He sells a variety of ukes—from beginners’s ukes, through step-up & double-step-up ukes in all sizes (the largest part of his stock), to a small selection of very fine ukes (Koaloha, deluxe Kamaka, Koaloha, G-String, Maui Music). Also cases and gear.
Craig and I had talked about going to check it out for some time, but it’s a 2.5-hour drive from home. But when Kent presented a show called “History of the Ukulele,” we made the trip. It was worth it.
On display in the shop were Kent's own collection of vintage ukes and uke items.
He stood on the little stage in his shop and walked us (about 50 people) through the history of the ukulele, from the Portuguese braguinha player arriving in Hawaii to today’s 4th wave of popularity.
He told how Hawaiian players at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition introduced the uke to millions of mainlanders. He discussed 1920s style, Formby style, hapa haole style, picking and chord-melody styles.
He noted several individuals who led their own styles or trends: Harry Owens, Arthur Godfrey, Herb Ohta, Lyle Ritz, Jim Beloff (for making modern music available), IZ, Jake Shimabukuro, and others.
For each person and style, he played a song of the time on a uke of the time from his collection. He played some styles with greater skill, but it’s impressive to be able to play Pearly Shells traditionally; then Leaning on a Lamp like Formby; then Waikiki Beach like Ohta-san; then St. Thomas like Lyle Ritz; then Michelle like Jake; then Tropical Hawaiian Day like Ka’au Crater Boys. Many more songs, and all from memory.
Ukuele Academy offers uke lessons for people of all skill levels. Since the shop is about 15 minutes from Wrightsville Beach, you can have uke-productive time while you’re on vacation.
Bravo, Kent! Do this show again soon!
It’s owned by Kent Knorr, who’s been playing ukes for 27 years. He sells a variety of ukes—from beginners’s ukes, through step-up & double-step-up ukes in all sizes (the largest part of his stock), to a small selection of very fine ukes (Koaloha, deluxe Kamaka, Koaloha, G-String, Maui Music). Also cases and gear.
Craig and I had talked about going to check it out for some time, but it’s a 2.5-hour drive from home. But when Kent presented a show called “History of the Ukulele,” we made the trip. It was worth it.
On display in the shop were Kent's own collection of vintage ukes and uke items.
He stood on the little stage in his shop and walked us (about 50 people) through the history of the ukulele, from the Portuguese braguinha player arriving in Hawaii to today’s 4th wave of popularity.
He told how Hawaiian players at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition introduced the uke to millions of mainlanders. He discussed 1920s style, Formby style, hapa haole style, picking and chord-melody styles.
He noted several individuals who led their own styles or trends: Harry Owens, Arthur Godfrey, Herb Ohta, Lyle Ritz, Jim Beloff (for making modern music available), IZ, Jake Shimabukuro, and others.
For each person and style, he played a song of the time on a uke of the time from his collection. He played some styles with greater skill, but it’s impressive to be able to play Pearly Shells traditionally; then Leaning on a Lamp like Formby; then Waikiki Beach like Ohta-san; then St. Thomas like Lyle Ritz; then Michelle like Jake; then Tropical Hawaiian Day like Ka’au Crater Boys. Many more songs, and all from memory.
Ukuele Academy offers uke lessons for people of all skill levels. Since the shop is about 15 minutes from Wrightsville Beach, you can have uke-productive time while you’re on vacation.
Bravo, Kent! Do this show again soon!