September 2023

Now that summer is over (and it took it’s time didn’t it! Not that anybody’s complaining…), it’s time for a new update from me to share with you what I’ve been up to and what exciting things are in store.

Upcoming

As I write, I am just preparing to travel back down to the south coast to visit the South Downs Ukulele Festival for the first time. I’ve heard great things about the festival, so I am very excited. You can see more details on the festival website, which is part of the wider South Downs Folk Festival.
https://southdownsfolkfest.co.uk/

Not too long after, a local gig down in Bagshot for a one-night-only ‘Ukefest’ at the Foresters Arms:

Meanwhile, I’m working on away on a very big and very exciting project. I can’t wait to tell you all about this new teaching resource I am working on, but all I can say for now is: keep your eyes peeled!

See upcoming gigs here

What Have I Been Up To?

This last quarter was packed full of big moments for me. During the last week of May I wrapped up my music degree, culminating in my dissertation. It was a huge relief to be finally done with all the deadlines and homework, but I am very proud of the achievements I have made, not least in the fact that this degree was the first degree to be undertaken using the ukulele as the principal instrument throughout. I am now looking forward to graduating in October.

Since leaving uni, life has been as busy as ever with lots of fun projects taking place. I’ve been recording some new ukulele music for the London College of Music (more news coming next newsletter!), rehearsing with the internationally acclaimed UKEBOX in anticipation of acting a dep on future gigs, and a handful of really great gigs. The fourth Shrewkfest was amazing as ever. Having attended every year, I can safely say they just keep getting better and better. Yeovil Ukulele Festival was also a great treat just a fortnight ago. My debut went down a storm with many saying I was the highlight of the day, which I was very flattered to hear.

Last but by no means least, my duo SaxandUke has been picking momentum as we’ve recently proudly launched our new Instagram and website! Hannah Spires on saxophone and I are so pleased to be able to share out journey with you which we feel is going to be very entertaining indeed, so please follow the links below to stay up to date with us there. We would be very grateful:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/saxanduke
Web: www.saxanduke.co.uk