The Cuties’ Winter in Review

Cuties' March meeting

Cuties’ March meeting

Winter can be loads of fun. Just look at what the Cuties have been up to the past three months! At our March meeting, Brian was the first up to perform another amusing tune, The Invalids, with his custom uke. It was a good educational moment when we all realized what one can do with creativity and the many possibilities that are out there for ukuleles! At the sight of the cool uke, the smiles on both Brian and Paul, our in-house expert luthier, were bright, shiny and priceless!

Brian impresses us with his custom uke (complete with a pick-up) before his performance

Brian impresses us with his custom uke (complete with a pick-up) before his performance

Kiwi gave us his first performance at the Cutie Circle. His sizzling hot rendition of Santana’s Europa garnered him a much-deserved standing ovation from the Cuties!

Kiwi wows the crowd with Europa

Kiwi wows the crowd with Europa

Paul rounded the performance time with a sweet refreshing song, Latch, performed in his usual gentle and soothing style! Last but not least, Pat baked us a delicious load of chocolatey goodness that kept us strumming with gusto throughout the two hours! Thanks, Pat!

Paul performs Latch for the Cuties

Paul performs Latch for the Cuties

The Cuties did a few things differently in February. With the sponsorship of Coquitlam’s Glen Pine Pavilion and help of Litmus Films, we held a free premiere of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain‘s documentary film, “The Ukes in America“.  The turnout was great and the space was fabulous.

UOGB Film Premiere at Glen Pine Pavilion

UOGB Film Premiere at Glen Pine Pavilion

It was followed by a sold-out Hawaiian Ukulele Workshop with Gary Cyr that afternoon. Gary patiently guided us through some rather challenging jazzy chord progressions! Gary Cyr Just look at how many dots are on each of the chord charts (below)! These chords do sound groovy! We had fun dressing up in Alohawear and donning colourful leis! If you missed or enjoyed this workshop, check out his All New Hawaiian Ukulele Song Workshop in June!

Gary shares some of the jazzy Hawaiian chords

Gary shares some of the jazzy Hawaiian chords

A few Cuties performed for the W.H.O. (Women Helping Others) at the W.H.O.’s Valentine’s Day-themed meeting. Lorraine gave an entertaining lesson on how to do the hula! As it turned out, the participant who volunteered for the demo was a talented and quick-learning student! We may be able to form a hula troupe before too long!

Lorraine teaches the Hula at the WHO meeting

Lorraine teaches the Hula at the WHO meeting

The Friendly WHO Members

The Friendly WHO Members

Cuties performing for the WHO At our January meeting, we had a big crowd with lots of snacks, thanks to all the Cuties! Many Cuties performed as well.

Photo Credit: Jerry Santa Cruz

Photo Credit: Jerry Santa Cruz

Brian and Gill got up and performed My Get Up and Go has Got Up and Went to a cheering crowd.

Gill and Brian spiritedly performed “My Get Up and Go has Got Up and Went”

Brenda and Jen enjoyed each other’s company by doing Enjoy Yourself together.

Brenda and Jen

Brenda and Jen did “Enjoy Yourself” together

Jerry truly gave us a treat by singing the romantic song, Gift (originally sung by Singto Numchok).

Jerry sang a sweet-to-the core song, “Gift”.

Paul and Luisa gave us the nostalgic Act Naturally and Paul, by popular demand, did a lovely solo of Kiss a Girl!

Paul

Paul checked his handheld device before performing a lovely solo of “Kiss a Girl”

A big thank-you goes to Paul for enthusiastically leading us and to all the Cuties who helped with the set-up, take-down and clean-up! It is much appreciated.