Songs for upcoming YMCA showcase

The next YMCA Santa Monica Talent Showcase is coming up September 21st, so it is time to concentrate on getting 2 or 3 songs ready for performance. These events have been great opportunities to refine our performance, and I am sure we will gain even more knowledge with this next show. Some songs to practice:

76 Trombones

From Russia With Love

Puttin' on the Ritz

Kerfunten Jig (maybe, but that one needs the most work on the timing)

We will work on all of these, and see which ones are the best choices for this September. We usually get to play 3 songs, but depending on the number of other acts, we might only get to do 2.

The Y is one place where we can test out using microphones and a PA system, and even get there early for a sound check. If we choose to go acoustic again, we can test out seating patterns that allow us to hear and see each other better. Next meeting is September 3rd, possibly in the patio if the night is warm.

Video Highlights of Java Jam at Coffee Connection

Here are some highlights from our August 8, 2013 performance at the Coffee Connection. What a great opportunity to play a full set of songs. What a pleasant courtyard to perform in. I look forward to playing there again.

Thanks to the Coffee Connection for inviting us, and thanks to all the Westside Ukulele Ensemble members that were able to participate on such short notice. Nice job!

We will be doing a public practice in the same courtyard at the first WUE meeting in September if weather permits. Thank you Coffee Connection for being such generous hosts for our group!

Great Performances... and more to come!

Hi All

We had a great time playing at the Venice BBQ today. Thanks to Adam and Warren for setting it up, and to Howard (fresh off the plane from Hawaii), Jacqui, Daffodil, Susanna, and Delia for coming out to play. Thanks to Brian who helped us out with the singing, and wrangled my music stand when it started to blow away. We learned something more about wind and music sheets today. Even the clothes pins I brought were not enough to completely tame the effects of nature. Thanks to Marta, for taking photos and video of the event.

 Looks like we were enough of a hit to be invited again for next year's event. Hopefully, next year we will have a sound check. The collected funds will go toward the cost of the website and business cards (thanks guys). 

On the heels of that sucess, we will be performing at the Coffee Connection's Java Jam Thursday, August 8th at 8 pm. Looks like this will be a nice long set (30-50 mins!!). Come early at 7pm, and see Julie Tan's set.. she is the organizer for the Java Jam, which occurs every second Thursday.

A reminder... Tuesday 7:30 pm August 6th is our next meeting. Just in time to practice our Thursday set!!

Final Playlist for August 3rd Venice BBQ

Hi Ensemblers

The playlist has been finalized for Saturday. You can download the music from the Venice BBQ folder in the Downloads section.

Star Spangled Banner (get the newest revised version from July 30th)

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Eleanor Rigby

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/ Wonderful World (IZ version)

We will meet at Adam's place for pre-performance rehersal and sound check. Check your email for details.

See you Saturday!

New files for Star Spangled Banner

Hi Venice BBQ Ensemblers

In the song downloads, I have added an audio file to practice to, since our rehearsal time is limited before this performance. I had the metronome set to 73 bpm, and there are some ritardondos and pauses, so we need to get familiar with how to handle that when playing live.

A new pdf of the tab is included, this one has a few changes from the last one.

• An intro has been added. What do you think... do we need it, or should we annouce the song?

• Cm7 chords have been removed (they just sounded off). Any suggestions for other options are welcome. For now, we just stay on Bb.

• Melody tab has different fingering for the left hand, minimizing the movement up and down the neck. Some people will perfer the other version, but it's your choice... do whatever is most comfortable for you.

We could do some creative strumming for the grand ending, so give that some thought.

See you at Warren's on the 28th, and at the bonus meeting at the Coffee Connection on the 30th.