Jasper took this photo of this month’s successful Uke Jam – great shot, Jasper! What a pleasure to see my goal and efforts rewarded with enthusiasm. It was a warm and friendly strum circle with many smiles and enjoyable moments.

At one point, 7 people were strumming, including a dad who brought his 5-year-old boy to try a ukulele on for size. It was a perfect fit!

It was a treat to hear so many ukuleles at once, with voices singing in harmony. I have always felt that communal music is one of the sounds of a peaceful society.

We sang a few songs just for the boy, including Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus, and You Are My Sunshine. I loved how he kept saying, with the widest eyes ever, “Hey, I KNOW this song!” And it seemed like every time I looked at him, he was either smiling at me or laughing at Jasper being silly.

A few jammers brought their own collection of song sheets, which took our musical time machine beyond its usual routes. Welcome to the Hotel California!

To all of our delight, one return jammer brought a U-bass with a little amp. This added something that I didn’t even realize was missing…

Jasper even drummed along on his ukulele’s bum for a while. 5 ukuleles, a U-bass and a uke bum – talk about a groove – we put the “Jam” in Uke Jam!

I look forward to December’s Uke Jam, which will be specially enriched with the carols and spirit of Christmas and winter celebrations. Thursday, December 18, 5-8pm at Full of Beans Roastery – oh strum all ye faithful!

Maia Waern
November 21, 2014