Saturday, July 26: Bill Tapia Workshop

Born 100 years ago, Bill Tapia is the only musician still alive who performed at the opening of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in 1927. 81 years on, he's still playing, still touring, still going strong. Celebrate a century of his unique music and fascinating stories in an ukulele workshop-and-concert featuring Bill's own blend of Hawaiian and jazz musical styles. He'll share songs and charmingly witty "I was there" tales in an intimate setting, joined by his friend Pat "Palika" Enos. $35. More info: www.dustystrings.com

Sunday, August 3: SUPA Picnic

Mark your calendars for the annual SUPA picnic at Woodland Park. Come enjoy food, fun, fellowship, and open mic entertainment for the whole family. This year's picnic will be held in Woodland Park Shelter 6, near the lawn bowling. Bring something to cook and something to share. Download the flyer for more information and map.

Sunday, September 7: Song Circle & Brook Adams Workshop

Join us at the Ballard Northwest Senior Center for an exciting workshop. Brook Adams is a ukulele madman with a strong voice and guitar chops too. He describes his collection of novelty songs, tv themes, modern pop and swing-era classics as a musical cartoon of the 20th century. His latest gimmick is playing the Beatles' Abbey Road album start to finish on ukulele. Workshop from 1:15-2:15p, $15 (includes song circle). Song circle 2:30-4:30p, only $3. Doors open at 1:00.

Workshops & Concert with Steve Espaniola & Jeff Peterson

Presently on a West Coast tour, Steven Espaniola (named New Artist of the Year in 2007) & Jeff Peterson (multiple Hoku-Award winner) are presenting an opportunity to study with them in an intimate workshop setting, in conjunction with their free concert in Kenmore, WA.

Both workshops will take place in a private home in Bellevue, near BCC, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, on Wednesday, July 16. Suggested donation: $30. Please bring any snacks & beverages for yourself and sharing.

Ukulele - Steven Espaniola: Steven will be covering various Hawaiian rhythm patterns and strumming techniques. This class is geared towards beginner and intermediate levels.

Slack Key Guitar - Jeff Peterson: Jeff will be teaching an intermediate level class that will cover songs, techniques, chords, improvising and harmony in taro patch tuning, drop C, and open D.

To register for these workshops, please drop an e-mail to Jean Smith. She'll give you her address and directions, if needed.

Concert: Kenmore Summer Concert Series, Saint Edward State Park, Kenmore, WA, Thursday, July 17, 6:00-8:00p, FREE!

Events & Concerts

Check the calendar at the Northwest Hawai'i Times web site for Hawaiian events of interest throughout Puget Sound.

For a large listing of venues, events, calendars, etc. for folk music, including ukulele, visit our own Richard Gillman's extensive complilation.

Odds & Ends

Catch Jake Shimabukuro's performance of While My Guitar Gently Weeps from the February 20 appearance on Conan O'Brien.

Newsletters

The monthly newsletters are available as downloadable PDFs.

November 07, December 07, January 08, March 08, April 08, May 08, June 08, July 08

Song Circle Locations

Check the schedule, but we rotate among three main locations for our song circles. The names, locations, addresses and maps are listed below.

Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon St, Seattle, WA 98166; 206-932-4044; Google Map)

Ballard Northwest Senior Center (5429 32nd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107; 206-297-0403; Google Map).

Dusty Strings (3406 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103; 206-634-1662; Google Map).