Kathryn Walls plans to run the London Marathon this month while playing the ukulele. It's a loving gesture in memory of her sister, Eithne, one of three Irish doctors who died in the fated Air France crash in Brazil, 15 years ago. Story and video at the link. Photo: itv News ..read more

A few years ago, musician Kyle Gray Young received a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board to transcribe Finnish folk tunes for guitar, and he thought, well, why not piano, banjo, and ukulele, too? He published Ancestral Melodies - Finnish Folk Tunes, a 25-song collection arranged for both standard and baritone tunings. These books are available at no cost, thanks to the CMAB grant. Since then, he's adapted a number of vintage (as in 19thC!) banjo method books for ukulele. Today he released the music of Banjo Champion, Horace Weston. This and many of Kyle's other transcript ..read more

Just announced by our friends at Magic Fluke, a new baritone scale Fluke ukulele. All the cool kids seem to be playing baris now. Now Fluke fans have a baritone option!  25 years in the making. Link ..read more

If this doesn't give you chicken skin, you are not human. Here is Chase Shimabukuro, the 11-year old son of Jake Shimabukuro, playing The Star Spangled Banner, followed by his dad performing Hawai'i Pono'ī. Link ..read more

Friend o' the Blog Rachel Manke recently scored a sweet, nearly mint condition Smeck Harmony uke. But the most remarkable part of her find was this printed paper back that uke originally came in. In my quarter-century of sleuthing out arcane ukulele artifacts, I've never seen one of these until today. I've found one other one, but Rachel's seems to be in much better condition. Have you? If so, drop us a note in the comments ..read more

Legendary physical comedian Chaz Chase, eating a (gulp) ukulele. Don't try this with your Kamaka.  Chaz's turn begins at 2:10.  Link ..read more

My friend and fellow JHUI Mentor Carol Hudson shared this amazing Christmas Video with me.  Featuring the members of Upwood Ukuleles from Cambridgeshire, UK, and produced by Tim "Tim'll Fix It" Howard, the video features the ensemble performing Walking in the Air, from the 1982 animated holiday classic The Snowman. Upwood Ukuleles' designated charity is Magpas Air Ambulance. Thus far, they've raised almost £66,000! Well done! If you'd like to donate to Magpas Air Ambulance on behalf of Upwood Ukuleles, here's a link ..read more

A dashing Arlo Guthrie wishing everyone Happy Holidays! (Anyone recognize the make of his uke?) Link ..read more

Cheers to newly-minted Doctor Samantha Muir, who recently earned her PhD from University of Surrey.  Sam is the first person in history known to have earned a doctorate in 'ukulele!  Here's Sam's doctoral thesis. I can't wait to read it... New Works for Classical Ukulele - University of Surrey And if you don't know Sam and her work, here's her website. I'm working through a couple of her Studies books with my students who've suddenly developed an interest in classical music. Her arrangements are really great. Link Video tutorials and demonstrations, too.  (And b ..read more

An update on luthier Dave Talsma, who today is having his 11th surgery following a motorcycle accident a few weeks ago.  Denise Talsma reports that Dave remains in good spirits and is making progress like a champ. TALSMASTRONG! If you're a fan of Dave and his work, you can help Dave and Denise out with a gift of support during Dave's surgeries and recovery. Here's the Gofundme page where you can make a donation: Link And it being October now, here's a Halloween treat. Dave's Jack Skellington camp style ukulele ..read more