ST. GEORGE — Once a respected musical instrument used by top musicians, then demoted to a campy novelty in the 1960s, the ukulele is once again taking its rightful place as an easy and fun way to make music. The second annual St. George Ukulele Festival honoring the diminutive stringed instrument will be held Saturday.
The word “ukulele” roughly means “jumping flea” in Hawaiian, referring to the way a skilled player’s hands jump on the fretboard while playing.
There will be a lot of jumping fingers in St. George from 6-9 p.m Saturday night at the DiFiore Center for Arts and Education, 307 N. Main St.
Originally from Hawaii, the ukulele has been played by such luminaries as Cliff Edwards, also known as Ukulele Ike, who was the original voice of Jiminy Cricket in the movie “Pinocchio;” astronaut Neil Armstrong; and singers Bing Crosby, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and Pink.
With performances by The Naked Waiters, Thomas Anderson and The Runsthrough Band, plus a ukulele jam session, games and crafts, the night will be four full strings of fun and music. The festival is sponsored by Kala Brand Music, The Music Store and Waffle Love.
Event details
- What: St. George Ukulele Festival | Facebook
- When: Saturday, June 6, 6-9 p.m.
- Where: Roene B. DiFiore Center for Arts and Education, 307 N. Main St., St. George
- Admission: Free
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