Tag Archives: Evergreen Cultural Centre

Cutie Circle’s We ❤️ Ukulele! Mini Festival – June 9 – Evergreen Cultural Centre

Cutie Circle is very happy to announce the We ❤️ Ukulele! Mini Festival, the first ukulele festival to be held in the Tri-Cities. The festival will take place on Sunday, June 9, 2019, in the Rehearsal Hall at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, adjacent to the Lafarge Lake – Douglas Skytrain station.

Festival Check-in and Standby Lists

If you are unable to attend the festival, we would be very grateful if you could let us know by cancelling online through Eventbrite or by emailing events@cutiecircle.com at your earliest possible opportunity.

Check-in Time: 9:00am to 9:45am

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

There will be road closure to accommodate the Teddy Bear Picnic Grande Parade on June 9.

  • The back entrance off Guildford Westbound will be open from 7:30am to 9:30am (or whenever they actually close the road for the parade).
  • The main entrance off Pinetree Way will be barricaded but Evergreen will provide a crewperson to let in any stray Cuties who try to come in that entrance.
  • Once the roads are closed, parking is available in the lot south of Guildford (map below and routing) and at the Aquatic Centre to the west.
  • Once the roads close for the parade, no one will be able to get out of the lot until 12:30pm. After that, all roads return to normal.

Arriving before 9:30am will guarantee you a spot in the Evergreen lot. This is especially important for people with mobility issues.

Here’s the link to the map of the road closure, nearby parking lots, and the parade route:

festivalcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/teddy_bear_parade_route_2019_0.pdf

We encourage you to take transit, if possible.

If you plan on using the Evergreen Cultural Centre’s parking lot, please plan on arriving BEFORE 9:30am as access to the ECC’s free parking lot is scheduled to be closed at 9:30am or sooner.

Arrive early to get the best seats.

Support The Festival as Sponsors and/or Patrons

This festival is organized entirely by volunteers. We are pleased to announce that this will be a FREE ADMISSION ukulele festival.

Updates 2: Our Silent Auction opens for pre-bidding online from May 28 at 10:00am to June 5 at 10:00am. It will resume in person live at the festival on June 9 at the festival.
Get some rare and cool ukuleles, accessories and other lifestyle items at bargain prices:

https://www.32auctions.com/weheartukulele

Updates 1: We have reached our goal of offering free admission, thanks to all the patrons, sponsors and volunteers!

Online registration for free admission tickets opened on Thursday, May 23 at 10:00am on Eventbrite: weheartukulele.eventbrite.com

Thanks for your enthusiastic support. The festival is now sold out. A waiting list is available on the Eventbrite’s site.


(Photo courtesy of Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News)

We thank our presenters and growing list of sponsors, including our early supporters, Ohana Music, King’s Music, Tapestry Music, Amahi Ukuleles, Evergreen Cultural Centre and Port Moody Station Museum, for their support of this festival which will be available to attendees at or below cost. Our community-minded presenters, who believe in our cause, are offering their expertise at a special rate to make this festival a success.

Special Discounts for Friends of Cutie Circle

Please take advantage of the following discounts from our caring sponsors! This is an excellent time to make your ukulele-related purchases.

Empire Music is offering friends of the Cutie Circle special discounts on their website.
Use coupon code: CUTIE19 for a 10% discount between now and July 31, 2019.

King’s Music is offering friends of the Cutie Circle special discounts in many categories including tuners, straps, cases, strings, ukuleles, humidifiers, picks, etc.
Use coupon code: WEHEARTUKULELE between now and July 1, 2019.

Tapestry Music offers a 10% discount on ukuleles and ukulele accessories to Cutie Circle members and the We ❤️ Ukulele! Mini Festival attendees up until July 1, 2019. Tapestry Music also offers a rewards program which gives customers 2% back on all merchandise purchases.

Tom Lee Music is offering a 10% discount off regularly-priced ukuleles at the Coquitlam store. Festival attendees will each receive a special ukulele discount coupon.

We continue to welcome sponsors and patrons to keep the festival affordable and accessible to members of the ukulele community, regardless of one’s financial means.

The Cutie volunteers know in their heart of hearts that music is people’s birthright and it makes for happier people and a happier world when music is inclusive and accessible.

What better way is there to make music inclusive than to use ukulele, the happiest instrument on Earth?! Make our dream of holding a free admission festival come true!
Help us empower our fellow ukulele players with ukulele education.

Be a sponsor and/or a patron of this festival and celebrate our common love of ukulele.

Let us know at 604.552.UKES (8537) you would like to help.

You can

  • be a Patron with a reserved seat (by pledging $100 (or more) to cover the cost of one’s own admission and partially cover another ukulele player’s admission for this festival).
    A limited number of seats has been reserved for patrons.
    Call 604.552.UKES (8537) to reserve a seat
    ;
  • make a monetary donation;
  • donate to our silent auction;
  • take part in the silent auction;
  • spread the word about this festival;
  • be a volunteer, and more.

Festival Souvenir

Our exclusive and extremely limited edition festival t-shirts are now available for only $15 each. Limit one t-shirt per person. To order yours, please complete this online form:

 

Four Spectacular Workshops by Four Amazing Presenters

Four excellent musicians and music educators, Manitoba Hal, Jim D’Ville, Eduardo Garcia, and Guido Heistek, will be presenting workshops on popular ukulele topics we have always wanted to master.

Workshop Description

Manitoba Hal: Ukulele at the Crossroads — Blues Workshop

Legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads at midnight in order to learn to play the blues. Fortunately you don’t have to do that. Can you play the C chord? How about the F and the G7? If so then you too can learn the blues and no voodoo rituals or selling of your soul is needed! Manitoba Hal will take you through the 12 bar blues progression. Show you a few tricks and tips and have you strumming the blues in no time. Handouts available.

Jim D’Ville: The Emotional Value of Chords

There is a chord associated with each of the seven notes of a major scale. When played in context, each chord evokes a certain emotional response from the listener. Learning these chordal relationships will open your ears to the chord progressions to millions of songs. This is the first step to playing by ear. Knowledge of finger positions for C, dm, em, F, G, am, bdim helpful.

Eduardo Garcia: Movable Chord Shapes

Knowing in advance a few starting chords and willingness to practice the ‘barre’ after today.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to understand, find and practice any given Major, minor and Seventh chords on the ukulele. Departing from your current playing experience with chords like C, F, Am, Dm, G7 and a few more, we will discover how to find any other given chord! This way, we can unlock all available keys for us to play, or find more comfortable/suitable positions for those chords that might be giving us a hard time (Like E). Don’t worry if you don’t know those listed chords yet, diagrams will be provided for everyone!

Guido Heistek: Chord Melody Magic

Chord Melody is a solo ukulele technique that allows you to play chords and melody at the same time on one uke. It’s like magic! This workshop will give you an inside look at this thrilling technique. First, we will pick the melody and strum the chords of a song. Then, we will learn how the melody and chords can be played together at the same time! As a group, we will create a chord melody arrangement to a famous song like, “Lulu’s Back in Town”. Some knowledge of tablature will be helpful for this session. The workshop will be taught in G, C, E, A tuning. If you enjoy the solo ukulele stylings of Lyle Ritz or Herb Ohta, this is the workshop for you.

Biography

Manitoba Hal (NS, Canada) – The Canadian Ukulele Bluesman

Manitoba Hal has forged an international reputation for engaging and connecting with his audience through songs that are mournful, hopeful, silly, romantic and introspective. He proves that the uke can be small but mighty as he pulls out powerful blues riffs and melodies adding subtle important accompaniment using looping technology.

Performance Videos

Sweet Home Chicago LIVE in Sarnia Ontario

Alligator LIVE at Saskatoon Blues Festival 2018

Music Video

Blessed By Love – Official Video

Jim D’Ville (NM, USA)

Jim D’Ville is a music educator and facilitator who is on a mission to get ukulele players off the paper and playing music by ear. For nearly a decade Jim has taught his Play Ukulele By Ear workshops to thousands of players in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Jim has taught and performed at major ukulele events including the Ukulele Festival of Scotland, Kerrville Folk Festival, the NAMM Show, Melbourne (Australia) Ukulele Festival, West Coast Ukulele Retreat and many others. Jim is the author of the Play Ukulele By Ear DVD series and hosts the popular Play Ukulele By Ear website.

Jim is a Contributing Editor to Ukulele (magazine) and is sponsored in-part by Ukulele and the Deering Banjo Company.

“Jim’s Play Ukulele By Ear workshops are a high-energy roller coaster of learning and laughs. He is a one-of-a-kind. Buckle up!” — James Hill

Eduardo Garcia (BC, Canada)

Eduardo is a multi-instrumentalist who arrived in Vancouver in April 2017 from Mexico and is classically and traditionally trained.

Eduardo played with ‘Amate’, a traditional mariachi based in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was a cellist and chief arranger/composer for the ‘Victor Manuel Medeles’ chamber orchestra. He collaborated on ‘Tsenten Ajab’, a book of studies and arrangements of traditional and modern music for the Jarana Huasteca, a traditional folk instrument from Mexico’s Huasteco region.He was the founder/director of the Academia de Ukuleles de la Ribera, a self-financed music school that provided instruments and free music lessons to all children in his community.

He currently teaches, conducts and arranges music for the Ruby’s Ukulele Orchestra. He participated in the Vancouver Ukulele Festival in 2018 and 2019, the Ajijic Ukulele Retreat (Mexico) in 2017 and 2019, and Beyond Trad music camp in 2018 (and soon, in the 2019 edition too!)

Guido Heistek (BC, Canada)

Guido has performed and taught in the US, Japan and Canada, and has worked as both an arranger and consultant for stage and film. Since 2012, he has run Ukulele in the Dark, a popular ukulele site with thousands of international followers. Guido has released a ukulele strumming DVD, a solo ukulele CD, and most recently The Chord Melody Book for Ukulele, which teaches the fine art of playing chords and melody at the same time. This will be Guido’s first workshop in the Vancouver area in four years. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!

Program

Light refreshments will be provided. Thank you for the tremendous enthusiasm and support!

About Our Generous Sponsors

International Sponsors

Ohana Music (CA, USA)

Headquartered in Long Beach, CA, the team at Ohana Music believe in the importance of Quality, Playability, and Value. Since 2006, Ohana Music has focused on making ukuleles from rich tone woods and constructions that yield the best-sounding instruments possible.

Ohana Music has been supportive of Cutie Circle’s community initiatives including the Uke ‘n Play partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional Library by donating ukuleles and tuners to the public lending collection.

We are extremely grateful to Ohana Music for providing substantial financial support of this festival and the sponsorship of an Ohana ukulele for our silent auction.

Kala Brand Music Co.

Kala Brand Music Co. is based in Petaluma, CA. Kala‘s hometown is nestled in the Sonoma wine country and a harbor to an eclectic mix of artists, farmers, breweries and tech companies. At Kala, one will find a community deeply rooted in creativity and culture, spread across the many platforms and mediums of art, food, dairy, and music. Kala‘s character stems from its hometown drawing influence from Petaluma’s turn of the century downtown, its Gold Rush history and the modern meets historical vibe. The team at Kala knows it isn’t Hawaii, the birthplace of the ukulele, but it’s the birthplace of Kala‘s ukulele—the handmade Kala Elite USA ukulele.

We are extremely grateful to Kala Brand Music Co. for the sponsorship of a Kala Ziricote Concert Ukulele (KA-ZCT-C) for our silent auction.

Amahi Ukuleles (OH, USA)

Amahi Ukuleles is a division of the family owned business, Amati’s Fine Instruments, and have been producing high quality orchestral string instruments for over 25 years. In 2011, in order to provide ukuleles for the founder’s wife’s after school ukulele program, Amahi Ukuleles was born. The company is dedicated to providing high quality sounding ukuleles that are as attractive to the eye as to the ear.

The Amahi Ukuleles‘ finest craftspeople professionally setup and adjust their ukuleles in Cincinnati prior to supplying their customers throughout North America. They carry a complete range of ukuleles, from entry level soprano ukuleles with decorative designs to beautiful high-end ukuleles for serious musicians. Amati’s Fine Instruments is proud to have over 40 employees dedicated to furthering the advancement of music in the lives of children and adults.

We are extremely grateful to Amahi Ukuleles for the sponsorship of an Amahi Penguin Flamed Maple Acoustic Concert Ukulele (PGUK555) for our silent auction.

Local Retail Music Sponsors

Tom Lee Music (BC, Canada)

Since 1969, Tom Lee Music has proudly brought music making to local communities throughout British Columbia. Since the company’s humble beginnings as a small piano retailer in Vancouver, Tom Lee Music has grown into one of the largest full-line musical instrument retailers in North America. Tom Lee Music provides the very best in musical instruments, equipment, services and education throughout the eight retail locations and online store. Tom Lee Music is well known for supporting the local music community and have received numerous awards in recognition of our longstanding dedication. At Tom Lee Music, customer satisfaction is always the number one priority. The company’s aim is to provide every person with an enjoyable music making experience by delivering quality music products and services at competitive prices in an inspiring retail environment.

We are extremely grateful to Tom Lee Music for the sponsorship of a Kala Tenor Resonator Ukulele (KA-RES-CHR) and a Levy’s Tenor Ukulele gig bag for our silent auction.

Tom Lee Music is offering a 10% discount off regularly-priced ukuleles at the Coquitlam store. Festival attendees will each receive a special ukulele discount coupon.

Empire Music (BC, Canada)

After more than 60 years in the music business, Empire Music takes pride in offering music educators and students a choice of the best musical instruments available and is committed to offering customers the best products, service, and value in the industry. Empire Music offers an extensive range of products to find the musical instruments, teaching aids, or accessories to meet the customers’ needs.

Empire Music has been supportive of Cutie Circle’s community initiatives including the Uke ‘n Play partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional Library by donating ukuleles and tuners to the public lending collection.

We are extremely grateful to Empire Music for being a festival vendor and for the sponsorship of products including a ukulele and accessories for our silent auction.

Empire Music is offering friends of the Cutie Circle special discounts on their website.
Use coupon code: CUTIE19 for a 10% discount between now and July 31, 2019.

King’s Music (BC, Canada)

King’s Music has been serving musicians of the Fraser Valley and beyond since 1997. Having been a band teacher for 24 years, the company’s founder, Jack Koning, saw a need for a good local brass/woodwind instrument store as well as a convenient and top-notch instrument repair centre in his home-town of Abbotsford, B.C. Over the years, with the help of great staff and support, he would build that and more. In 2004, Jack’s son, Daniel joined the King’s Music team and began to add departments and expand product lines in order to better serve the diverse musical community. In hand-selecting what brands to make available to customers, value-for-dollar was and still is key.

In 2013, King’s Music expanded its services with a second location in Chilliwack, B.C. Since then both stores continue to hone their product selection and make sure that the service its staff provides is above and beyond so that whether you are a school teacher, a private instructor, a performing musician or just beginning your musical journey, you feel welcome at King’s Music!

King’s Music has been supportive of Cutie Circle’s community initiatives including the Uke ‘n Play partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional Library by donating ukuleles and tuners to the public lending collection.

We are extremely grateful to King’s Music for sponsoring the venue cost of our festival.

King’s Music is offering friends of the Cutie Circle special discounts in many categories including tuners, straps, cases, strings, ukuleles, humidifiers, picks, etc.
Use coupon code: WEHEARTUKULELE between now and July 1, 2019.

Tapestry Music (BC, Canada)

Tuba player David Sabourin believes that music feeds the soul. As the owner of Tapestry Music in White Rock, he makes it his business to have whatever you need, whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or you are a professional musician.

Tapestry Music has been on Johnston Road in White Rock since 1996, and they currently have three locations on the same street where they take care of business, which includes their retail store, a repair shop and a music school.

The retail location is a full-line music store selling band and orchestra instruments as well as drums, guitars, keyboards and electric pianos. The walls are lined with instruments — guitars of all sizes and colours, ukuleles, saxophones and drum sets — and the sheet music is neatly organized by genre.

Tapestry Music, staffed with music aficionados, offers everything from lessons and instruments for rent or sale for the beginner musician to boutique items like a guitar effects pedal for the professional.

“We’re not just trying to sell you something,” David says. “We’re generally interested in what your aspirations are and we’re trying to match you up with the right item so you can succeed.”

Tapestry Music has been supportive of Cutie Circle’s community initiatives including the Uke ‘n Play partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional Library by donating ukuleles and tuners to the public lending collection.

We are extremely grateful to Tapestry Music for being a vendor at our festival and for the sponsorship of an Acadia concert ukulele with a solid spruce top and flamed mahogany back and sides for our silent auction.

Tapestry Music offers a 10% discount on ukuleles and ukulele accessories to Cutie Circle members and the We ❤️ Ukulele Mini Festival attendees up until July 1, 2019. Tapestry Music also offers a rewards program which gives customers 2% back on all merchandise purchases.

Bonerattle Music (BC, Canada)

Bonerattle Music is one of the top ukulele destinations in the province and offers a wide range of high quality instruments, amplifiers and accessories. Bonerattle Music also stocks a variety of kids’ percussion instruments, novelties and great gift ideas for people of all ages. Bonerattle Music offers in-store​ lessons and repairs!

We are extremely grateful to Bonerattle Music for the sponsorship of two Kahiko ukuleles by DaCapo Music Limited for our silent auction.

Garibaldi Instruments (BC, Canada)

The name, Garibaldi Instruments, emerged from one of luthier Greg Harrington‘s favourite places, the Garibaldi Region in British Columbia. When he is not at work or in his workshop, he can often be found enjoying many of the recreational activities that this area has to offer.

A self taught luthier, and a member of the Guild of American Luthiers, Greg has been building instruments for over a decade. When he first began, he was instantly fascinated with the process and has since been working toward quality musical instruments with high play-ability and tone. He has spent many hours studying instruments and attending conferences, learning new skills along the way. In 2015, he had the privilege of studying at the European Institute of Guitar Making in Spain, where he focused on Granada Spanish guitar techniques of classical and flamenco guitars.
He has a great appreciation for the instrument building process, finding joy and pride in creating something out of raw materials. Over the years, he has completed more than 50 instruments, including electric solid body, demi-hollow body, steel string acoustic, classical and flamenco guitars as well as electric base and all concert, tenor and baritone ukuleles. He also makes specialty wooden boxes, music boxes and Irish Bodhram drums.

We are extremely grateful to Greg Harrington and Garibaldi Instruments for the sponsorship of a custom ukulele for our silent auction.

Neil Douglas Guitar Shop (BC, Canada)

Neil Douglas Guitar Shop has been proudly serving New Westminster since 1968. It offers expert repairs and sales, as well as private lessons for guitar, bass, drums, piano and vocals.

We are extremely grateful to Neil Douglas Guitar Shop for the sponsorship of two gift certificates each for one soprano ukulele and two lessons for our silent auction.

 

Long & McQuade, Port Coquitlam (BC, Canada)

The Port Coquitlam location originally opened in December of 1997 on Lougheed Highway and Shaughnessy Street serving the musical needs of Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Mission. The store quickly outgrew its square footage and a new, larger location was constructed at its current location on Dominion Avenue in the summer of 2006. Since then, the store has gone through several renovations to further improve the shopping experience. The store’s focus is on great customer service, combined with an excellent selection of musical equipment for all types of customers and their diverse needs.

We are extremely grateful to Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) for the sponsorship of a Denver Soprano Ukulele (DUKE-BRN) with custom gig bag for our silent auction.

Local Beauty, Wellness and Lifestyle Sponsors

Balanced Health Wellness Centre (BC, Canada)

Balanced Health Wellness Centre is dedicated to helping others reach their highest potential through massage therapy. We’ve created a healing experience from the moment you walk in the door. Our soothing, relaxed atmosphere creates an environment that calms the mind, body and spirit.

We are extremely grateful to Balanced Health Wellness Centre for the sponsorship of two (2) one-hour registered massage therapy sessions for our silent auction.

Barber and Fritz (BC, Canada)

Barber and Fritz is a simple collection of hair potions and offers no cutting edge formulas or the ‘newest best trend’. This is a collection of hair preparations that offer simple, classic, time honoured formulas and is built out of a love of the craft of hair and a love of the lost art of the beauty ritual.

We are extremely grateful for Barber and Fritz‘s sponsorship of a gift basket of fine haircare products.

Benée Rubin Design (BC, Canada)

Benée Rubin has always been inspired by multi cultural art, architecture, and the natural world. Her love of designing jewellery, combined with her goldsmithing talent has led to a 25 year love affair of crafting unique pieces for private clients and now collections for her Vancouver gallery and website. Her Canadian Artisan Gallery features handcrafted jewellery and gifts from Canadian and local artists. It is located in the East Village at 2629 East Hastings Street.

We are extremely grateful to Benée Rubin Design for the sponsorship of a pair of sterling silver with rose quartz briolette drops.

Dr. Bee Honeyland (BC, Canada)

Dr. Bee is a high-quality producer and purveyor of natural beehive products based in Pitt Meadows and has been in operation in Metro Vancouver for over 20 years. The owner and founder, Dr. Ron Lin, has a PhD in bee science and applies a scientifically-grounded approach to produce bee products that contain health benefits to stimulate healing in the body. An integral part of Dr. Bee’s approach is to ensure all their products are all-natural and involves minimal artificial processing.

We are extremely grateful to Dr. Bee for the sponsorship of two (2) gift boxes for our silent auction.

Happycakes (BC, Canada)

For over 5 years, Happycakes has been putting smiles on the faces of both children and adults with its scrumptious, artistically-crafted cakes, cupcakes, sugar cookies and more!

We are extremely grateful to Happycakes for the sponsorship of two gift cards for gourmet cupcakes for our silent auction.

Pomme Natural Market (BC, Canada)

Pomme Natural Market is 100% BC owned and operated.  The stores feature groceries selected with the highest ethical and nutritional standards, fully organic produce that’s locally sourced whenever possible, a wide range of top quality natural supplements and skincare, and a delicious deli that caters to all kinds of sensitivities and preferences. Pomme makes the healthiest, most forward-thinking food choices easy!

We are extremely grateful to Pomme Natural Market for the sponsorship of a large beautiful gift basket and a gift card for our silent auction.

skoah.® (BC, Canada)

skoah.® is a Vancouver-based skin care product company with locations in Canada and the US. All locations feature a facial only spa. The company is owned by Vancouver born Chris and Andrea Scott and all products are created in Vancouver, BC. Since 2001 skoah has earned recognition in many well-respected publications including In Style, The New York Times, Allure, The Globe and Mail, Travel and Leisure, Women’s Wear Daily and Vogue.

We are extremely grateful to skoah for the sponsorship of a fitskin™ facial.

Local Community Organizations

Fraser Valley Regional Library (BC, Canada)

Fraser Valley Regional Library is the largest public library system in British Columbia, with 25 community libraries serving almost 700,000 people in its service area. Established in 1930, it is funded with taxes raised in the communities it serves, plus a Government of BC operating grant. The governing board consists of elected officials representing 15 member municipalities and regional districts. With its mission of “opening minds, enabling dreams,” FVRL plays a prominent role in the communities throughout the Fraser Valley.

We are extremely grateful to the Fraser Valley Regional Library for their sponsorship of some of the festival’s ancillary needs and gifts.

The Uke ‘n Play program, a partnership between the Cutie Circle and the Fraser Valley Regional Library, administers a public ukulele lending collection.

Killarney Community Centre Seniors’ Association

The Killarney Community Centre Seniors’ Association (KCSA) is a registered nonprofit association. Its purpose is to develop, promote and provide programs, activities, services and special community events for older adults at Killarney Community Centre. Anyone who is 55yrs+ and registered into a program is a member of the Seniors Association.

We are extremely grateful to the Killarney Community Centre Seniors’ Association for its sponsorship of a Long and McQuade gift card for our silent auction.

Mission Ukulele Circle

Mission Ukulele Circle was founded in November 2013 by Richard Lepinsky. Since the group’s inception, word has spread the Mission Ukulele Circle has grown to over twenty members strong!

The Mission Ukulele Circle meets every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at St. Andrews Place, 7365 Cedar Street in Mission and the 3rd Friday of each month from 7 to 9pm at the Mission Seniors Center. The MUC has a lot of fun making music together!

We are extremely grateful to the Mission Ukulele Circle for its sponsorship that includes a financial contribution as well as sharing two of their songbooks for our silent auction.

Port Moody Station Museum (BC, Canada)

The historic Port Moody Station which houses the Port Moody Station Museum was the second station built by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. Completed in 1908, the building and displays represent the role of the train station in the community and the early development of Port Moody. The Port Moody Station Museum is owned and operated by the Port Moody Heritage Society. Other activities conducted by the Port Moody Heritage Society include:

  • hosting many educational programs and heritage events at the Station Museum and elsewhere,
  • actively adding to a collection of over 200 oral histories by recording the stories of Port Moody residents and workers,
  • providing research services to local historians and writers,
  • assisting the Port Moody Heritage Commission in the creation of the Stone Marker Program and Heritage Building Inventory.

We are extremely grateful to the Port Moody Station Museum for including the Cutie Circle in its community events and for being the first sponsor of this festival.

The Cutie Circle has provided free ukulele lessons at PMSM’s educational and outreach activities.

UFCW Local 247

UFCW 247 represents over 12,000 members in British Columbia at employers such as Loblaw, Safeway/Sobeys, FG Deli Group Ltd., BC Tree Fruit Cooperative and many others.

We are extremely grateful to UFCW 247 for providing financial support of this festival and the sponsorship of several items for our silent auction.

Silent Auction Items

Patrons

We graciously thank the following fellow ukulele players for being generous patrons of our festival.

  • P. McCarthy
  • S. Hyde
  • L. Burton
  • M. L. Riederer
  • M. Brinton
  • T. Milldhall
  • J. Wan
  • J. Yap
  • M. Wong
  • I. Batori
  • L. Legrow
  • P. Kidd
  • C. Lee
  • F. Fung
  • S. Stead
  • K. Hansen
  • M. Mah
  • W. L. Chen
  • L. Kitamura
  • D. Brearley
  • W. Cormack
  • S. Verceluz
  • L. Thiessen
  • P. Zubick
  • L. Spencer
  • C. Rain
  • S. Dreland
  • K. Soh
  • O. Pineda
  • R. Shell
  • R. Blewett
  • R. Appleby
  • M. Enns
  • S. Satrijo
  • F. Quintoro
  • B. Ditson

What to Bring to the Festival

  • Ukulele
  • Digital Tuner
  • Tools to take notes
  • Smiles and Enthusiasm
  • Snacks to share (if possible)

** Please do not bring your music stand. **

Local Accommodations

Directions and Parking

Visit Evergreen Cultural Centre’s Find Us page.
Road Condition Traffic Camera: Drive BC’s Highway 1 in Coquitlam

Cuties Share Ukulele Joy in Metro Vancouver Throughout December

Photo Courtesy: Patrick M.

Are you ready for some upbeat and heartwarming ukulele events this December? We have a full line-up of free community activities, performances, a food drive and, of course, our Christmas Ukulele Strum-and-Sing-Along! The Cuties will be hard at work practicing and everyone is welcome to join them at the rehearsals even if they cannot attend the performances!

Upcoming Ukulele Events

Christmas Ukulele Sing-Along and Lessons for Special Needs Social Group at Douglas Park Community Centre, Vancouver
Wednesday, December 12 from 3:00 to  4:30pm

Refreshments and good cheers will be provided.

Photo Courtesy of Harvey S.

Breakfast with Santa at the Wilson Centre
Saturday, December 15, 10am to 11am

Come sing and strum with other ukulele and guitar players while all the boys and girls (and their family and friends) await Santa’s grand entrance! Have a photo with Santa!

Photo Courtesy of Robert F.

Christmas Songs with the Cutie Circle at the Terry Fox Library
Saturday, December 15, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Spread some holiday cheer by joining the Cuties and the Terry Fox Library’s ukulele jam group as we sing and play Christmas songs. Everyone is welcome.

Cutie Circle Christmas Strum-and-Sing-Along at Evergreen Cultural Centre
Sunday, December 16, 1:40pm to 4:00pm (note early start time)

Celebrate Christmas with us at our December song circle. We will also be holding a food drive for SHARE Food Bank. Your current, quality, non-perishable food item(s) will benefit local families. There will be yummy seasonal treats and good cheer! Santa will be making an appearance with his sack of presents!

  • Canned Fruits and Vegetables
  • Canned Fish and Meat
  • Pasta and Sauces
  • Canned Meals
  • Rice
  • Cereal
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pancake Mix
  • Juice
  • Granola Bars
  • Ensure Meal Supplements

City of Coquitlam Jingle Bells Night and Winter Lights Display
Friday, December 21

Join the Cuties and other choral groups from 7 – 8 p.m. for carolling at the lake on Jingle Bells Night. At 7:30 p.m., stop wherever you are and join in a community sing-a-long of Jingle Bells. Don’t forget to print ​your song book. Rain or shine! The Cuties will be at Station 7.

See you at our events!

Cutie Circle’s 2018-2019 Calendar

Cuties’ Song Circle Dates for the 2018 – 2019 Season

Cutie Circle’s Regular Meeting Dates

We’ll be meeting from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on the following dates.

August 12, 2018
September 9, 2018
October 14, 2018
November 11, 2018
December 16, 2018 ** (moved back due to room availability)
January 13, 2019
February 10, 2019
March 10, 2019
April 14, 2019
May 12, 2019
June 9, 2019
July 14, 2019 (Cutie Circle’s 5th Year)

Complete Event Calendar

Venue Location – Address, Directions and Facility Map

The Evergreen Cultural Centre’s address is 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC.

We’ll be meeting in the Rehearsal Hall at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. As in the past, we will have free parking on Sundays and evenings.

DIRECTIONS

TransCanada Route
From Hwy# 1 take exit 44 and take Highway #7 NORTH (Lougheed) towards Coquitlam Town Centre. We are located just north of Coquitlam Shopping Centre at the corner of Guildford and Pinetree.

Barnet Route
From Barnet Hwy travel east through Port Moody, (along St Johns Street), and Coquitlam (along Barnet Hwy). Turn north (left) on Pinetree Way just east of Coquitlam Shopping Centre.

The Evergreen Cultural Centre is located on the northeast corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way, four blocks north of the Coquitlam Shopping Centre.

PARKING

Evergreen Cultural Centre has a north and south parking lot operated by the City of Coquitlam. Parking is free on Sundays and statutory holidays. Parking is also free in the designated 30-minute parking spaces.

North Lot (Studio Theatre/Art Gallery/Box Office)
Travelling northbound on Pinetree Way, turn right at the traffic control signal at Town Centre Boulevard. Travelling southbound on Pinetree Way, turn left at the traffic control signal at Town Centre Boulevard.

South Lot (Rehearsal Hall)
NEW – note that there is no longer access to our south lot (backstage lot) from Guildford. Access to the lot via the North Lot and then via the driveway on the west side of the building.

NEW LOT – there is a new City of Coquitlam PAID parking lot located at the SE corner of Pinetree and Guildford. Parking is free after 6pm and on Sundays and statutory holidays.


TRANSIT

Beginning December 2, 2016, patrons will be able to travel to the Evergreen Cultural Centre on the Evergreen Skytrain Line extension. We are located immediately adjacent to the Lafarge Lake – Douglas station at the north end of the Evergreen Line.

For more information and a transit schedules, please visit the Translink website.


ACCESSIBILITY

Evergreen Cultural Centre is an entirely wheelchair accessible facility. There are three wheelchair parking spaces next to the drop off area and in close proximity to the centre.

Facility Map

Once you arrive at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, refer to this Facility Map for finding the parking lot, the ramps, the Rehearsal Hall and the Studio Theatre. (Click the image below for a larger version.) The doors to the facility will be opened 15 minutes before our meeting time.

Evergreen Cultural Centre Facility Map

Meet New Friends at Ukulele Events All December in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody

Are you ready for some heartwarming ukulele events this December? We have a full line-up of free community activities, performances, a food drive and, of course, our Christmas Ukulele Strum-and-Sing-Along! The Cuties will be hard at work practicing and everyone is welcome to join them at the rehearsals even if they cannot attend the performances!

Upcoming Ukulele Events

 

Terry Fox Library Christmas Tea Ukulele Performance and Sing-Along
Thursday, December 7

This event takes place from 2 to 3pm. Refreshments and good cheers will be provided.

Photo Courtesy of Harvey S.

Breakfast with Santa at the Wilson Centre
Saturday, December 9, 10am to 11am

Come sing and strum with other ukulele and guitar players while all the boys and girls (and their parents) await Santa’s grand entrance! Have a photo with Santa!

Photo Courtesy of Robert F.

 

Cutie Circle Christmas Strum-and-Sing-Along at Evergreen Cultural Centre
Sunday, December 17, 1:40pm to 4:00pm (note early start time)

Celebrate Christmas with us at our December song circle. We will also be holding a food drive for SHARE Food Bank. Your current, quality, non-perishable food item(s) will benefit local families. Santa will be making an appearance with his sack of presents!

Community Christmas Dinner at Port Moody Pacific Grace MB Church
Sunday, December 17

We’ll be performing at a community Christmas dinner in Port Moody after our song circle.

City of Coquitlam Jingle Bells Night and Winter Lights Display
Friday, December 22

Join the Cuties and six other choral groups from 7 – 8 p.m. for carolling at the lake. At 7:30 p.m., stop wherever you are and join in a community sing-a-long of Jingle Bells. Help us break our record of 500 voices! Don’t forget to print ​your song bookFree jingle bells will be handed out to the public, while quantities last. Rain or shine!

Check out the description of the many display light features here.

See you at our events!

Cutie Circle Celebrates Three Years of Ukulele Fun

The Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instrument Enthusiasts (Cutie) Circle will be hosting a ukulele birthday bash on Sunday, July 9, to celebrate its third birthday!!!!

There will be cake, a couple of prizes and lots of strumming and singing with friends! First-time visitors are welcome to join us for free this weekend! We’ll be bringing a few extra ukuleles for brand new players to try out at the Circle!

Come between 2 and 4pm this Sunday to the Rehearsal Hall at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Let us celebrate this milestone with family and friends who have supported us the last three years to put on ukulele workshops, concerts, community outreach for newcomers to Canada, ukulele documentary film screenings, and the Fraser Valley Regional Library’s Uke ‘N Play public ukulele lending initiative, just to name a few.

We are especially grateful to the many participants of our free 7-Week Ukulele Workshop Series for Absolute Beginners who have gone on to spreading joy by volunteering their time to host ukulele circles in their own communities and workplace including in Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Vancouver and soon in Maple Ridge this September.

As we look ahead to the coming season, we invite you to be a part of our community outreach at the City of Coquitlam’s Multicultural Day on July 15, 2017 at the Glen Pine Pavilion. We’ll be performing on stage and giving our very popular, free mini-lessons on the ukulele to the public.

We’ll also be celebrating Culture Days with ukulele activities fit for the entire family on September 30 at the Michael Wright Art Gallery, in the Gathering Place at Leigh Square in Port Coquitlam and on October 1 at the Pinetree Community Centre in Coquitlam.

We would like to thank the Cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, especially the folks at the Evergreen Cultural Centre and Leigh Square, for the support we receive and look forward to many more happy times shared at these outstanding venues.

As we contemplate the amount of ukulele fun we have had, we send our gratitude to our mentors, including Azo Bell, Jim D’Ville, Manitoba Hal, Kimo Hussey, Zanuck Lindsey, Ralph Shaw, and Jake Shimabukuro. We are thankful to our friends and local ukulele leaders, Gary Cyr, Braden Deans, and Ron Usher who have generously lent their hands from the very start to make sure the Cutie Circle would thrive! We finally thank all the Cuties who volunteered and/or participated in ukulele activities of all manners. Your enthusiasm inspires us daily to spread the ukulele spirit and passion to a larger audience! Thank you for your friendship!

See you all at the Birthday Bash!

 

 

Cutie Circle’s 2017-2018 Calendar

Cuties’ Song Circle Dates for the 2017 – 2018 Season

Cutie Circle’s Regular Meeting Dates

We’ll be meeting from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on the following dates.

July 8, 2017 (We’ll be celebrating Cutie Circle’s Third Birthday.)
August 13, 2017
September 10, 2017
October 15, 2017 ** (moved back for Thanksgiving)
November 12, 2017
December 17, 2017 ** (moved back due to room availability)
January 14, 2018
February 18, 2018 ** (moved back for Family Day)
March 11, 2018
April 8, 2018
May 13, 2018
June 10, 2018
July 8, 2018

Complete Event Calendar

Venue Location – Address, Directions and Facility Map

The Evergreen Cultural Centre’s address is 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC.

We’ll be meeting in the Rehearsal Hall at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. As in the past, we will have free parking on Sundays and evenings.

DIRECTIONS

TransCanada Route
From Hwy# 1 take exit 44 and take Highway #7 NORTH (Lougheed) towards Coquitlam Town Centre. We are located just north of Coquitlam Shopping Centre at the corner of Guildford and Pinetree.

Barnet Route
From Barnet Hwy travel east through Port Moody, (along St Johns Street), and Coquitlam (along Barnet Hwy). Turn north (left) on Pinetree Way just east of Coquitlam Shopping Centre.

The Evergreen Cultural Centre is located on the northeast corner of Guildford Way and Pinetree Way, four blocks north of the Coquitlam Shopping Centre.

PARKING

Evergreen Cultural Centre has a north and south parking lot operated by the City of Coquitlam. Parking is free on Sundays. Parking is also free in the designated 30-minute parking spaces.

North Lot (Studio Theatre/Art Gallery/Box Office)
Travelling northbound on Pinetree Way, turn right at the traffic control signal at Town Centre Boulevard. Travelling southbound on Pinetree Way, turn left at the traffic control signal at Town Centre Boulevard.

South Lot (Rehearsal Hall)
NEW – note that there is no longer access to our south lot (backstage lot) from Guildford. Access to the lot via the North Lot and then via the driveway on the west side of the building.

NEW LOT – there is a new City of Coquitlam PAID parking lot located at the SE corner of Pinetree and Guildford. Parking is free after 6pm.


TRANSIT

Beginning December 2, 2016, patrons will be able to travel to the Evergreen Cultural Centre on the Evergreen Skytrain Line extension. We are located immediately adjacent to the Lafarge Lake – Douglas station at the north end of the Evergreen Line.

For more information and a transit schedules, please visit the Translink website.


ACCESSIBILITY

Evergreen Cultural Centre is an entirely wheelchair accessible facility. There are three wheelchair parking spaces next to the drop off area and in close proximity to the centre.

Facility Map

Once you arrive at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, refer to this Facility Map for finding the parking lot, the ramps, the Rehearsal Hall and the Studio Theatre. (Click the image below for a larger version.) The doors to the facility will be opened 15 minutes before our meeting time.

Evergreen Cultural Centre Facility Map

Heartwarming Ukulele Events All December in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody

uke

Are you ready for some heartwarming ukulele events this December? We have a full line-up of free community activities, performances, a food drive and, of course, our Christmas Ukulele Strum-and-Sing-Along!

Upcoming Ukulele Events

TransLink Skytrain Evergreen Extension Opening Celebration
Friday, December 2

1. Free Ukulele Tutorials (10:30am to 7:00pm)

If you’d like to volunteer, please email to sign up. We’ll be teaching basic chords and carols. A couple of hours of your time would make a big difference.

2. Ukulele Christmas Performances (2:30pm–3:00pm; 5:30pm–5:50pm)

We will give two ukulele performances. If you’d like to volunteer, please email to sign up.

We are holding free ukulele lessons all day and playing two ukulele performances tomorrow at the Coquitlam Central Station in celebration of the opening of the Skytrain Evergreen Extension. Here’s Translink’s media release and a list of the family fun activities from food to music at the new stations. Santa may be making an appearance tomorrow.

Find us at the Coquitlam Central Station. Come and cheer us on, or better yet, join us at the booth and/or on stage! Bring your uke, music stand, Santa’s hat and good cheers!

coquitlam.jpg

events.jpg

Terry Fox Library Christmas Tea Ukulele Performance and Sing-Along
Friday, December 9

This event takes place from 2 to 3pm. Refreshments and good cheers will be provided.

Jake Shimabukuro’s Ukulele Workshop
Monday, December 12

Jake Shimabukuro

To get your hands on the last few tickets available, go to the Evergreen Cultural Center’s Box Office for workshop tickets. For more info about how to get to learn from this amazing musician, see our webpage:

https://cutiecircle.com/2016/10/21/jake-shimabukuro-ukulele-workshop-in-coquitlam/

Tom Lee Music Special Discount for December 2016

We are pleased to announce that participants of Jake Shimabukuro’s Ukulele Workshop on December 12 qualify for a 10% discount on ukuleles and printed music for the month of December at any of the Tom Lee Music Canada locations. This event has been designated a Coquitlam 125 sanctioned event in celebration of the City’s 125 years in recognition of the legacy the workshop will bring to the local residents.

Cutie Circle Christmas Strum-and-Sing-Along at Evergreen Cultural Centre
Sunday, December 18, 1:30pm to 3:50pm (note early start time)

Celebrate Christmas with us at our December song circle. We will also be holding a food drive for SHARE Food Bank. Your current, quality, non-perishable food item(s) will benefit local families. Last year, we raised 135 lbs of food donation thanks to your generosity.

Community Christmas Dinner at Port Moody Pacific Grace MB Church
Sunday, December 18

We’ll be performing at a community Christmas dinner in Port Moody after our song circle.

See you at our events!

Jake Shimabukuro Ukulele Workshop in Coquitlam

We are over the moon to announce that Jake Shimabukuro, the international ukulele superstar, will be visiting from Hawai’i to give a rare workshop aimed at inspiring ukulele players of all ages and levels on Monday, December 12 in Coquitlam.

We are also very proud that this workshop has been designated as a Coquitlam 125 sanctioned event in celebration of the City’s 125 years for the cultural legacy it will bring to residents in the region.

What’s more? Translink’s Evergreen Extension will open just in time for ukulele players in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley to arrive by Skytrain at the terminus station immediately adjacent to the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Tom Lee Music Canada is offering 10% off ukuleles and print music to participants of the workshop for the month of December. Be sure to save your workshop tickets.

Considered one of the world’s most influential ukulele players of all time, Jake will be sharing his expert knowledge and talents on the tiny instrument that has touched the hearts of millions around the globe. This workshop will prove to be a breathtaking event that will give participants a glimpse of the amazing magic one can perform with the approachable and adorable ukulele. Advance tickets went on sale at 10am on Sunday, October 23. Get your tickets early for best seat selection!

Biography

Jake Shimabukuro can still vividly remember the first time he held a ukulele, at age four. It was an encounter that would shape his destiny and give the world one of the most exceptional and innovative uke players in the history of the instrument — an artist who has drawn comparisons to musical titans such as Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis.

That first brush with musical fate took place in Honolulu, Hawai’i, where Jake was born and still makes his home. Growing up, he studied and played a number of other musical instruments — drums, piano and guitar. “But none of those instruments spoke to me the way the ukulele did,” he says. “There was something about the uke that was different. Music was my passion, but I had no idea that I could make it as a musician. I always thought that maybe I’d be a school teacher and incorporate music into the classroom, rather than being on a stage performing in front of people.”

Of course, Shimabukuro would end up performing on many of the world’s most renowned stages. Starting his career in Hawai’i, he took his inspiration from some of the islands’ great uke players — Eddie Kamae, Ohta-San and Peter Moon. But he quickly expanded his scope from there, drawing influences from across the musical spectrum.

Widespread acclaim brought high-visibility collaborations with a wide range of artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Dave Koz, Michael McDonald, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Tommy Emmanuel, and Marty Friedman. Jake Shimabukuro has topped Billboard’s World Music Chart on numerous occasions, and has sold out prestigious venues and festivals such as the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, Wolf Trap, Bonnaroo, SXSW, and the Playboy Jazz Festival. He even played for Queen Elizabeth II at The Royal Variety Performance in Blackpool, England.

Shimabukuro’s busy touring schedule — 140 dates a year — is complemented by a rich and varied catalog of albums that capture the many moods of the uke. His most recent CD, Nashville Sessions, is one of his most adventurous, multifaceted and engaging records to date, blending elements of jazz virtuosity with heartfelt melodicism.

A husband and father of two, Jake balances his stellar career with family life and community service. He travels to schools around the world spreading positive messages to young people, encouraging them to live drug free and find their passion — just as he did at age four when his mother gave him his first ukulele lesson. In the time since then, he has played a key role in the current revival of interest in the ukulele.

Jake Shimabukuro Timeline

Workshop


Title: Jake Shimabukuro Ukulele Workshop

Date: Monday, December 12, 2016

Time: 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)

Location: Evergreen Cultural Centre, Studio Theatre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

Parking: Free

Advance Ticket: $43.25 (inclusive of GST and Capital Improvement Fee) Reserved Seating

Ticket at the Door: $53.75 (inclusive of GST and Capital Improvement Fee)

button

Tickets are also available through the Box Office by phone at 604.927.6555 or in person at the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

Participants may bring their ukuleles to the workshop.

Map:

Thank you for the tremendous enthusiasm and support!

Local Accommodations

Directions and Parking

Visit Evergreen Cultural Centre’s Find Us page.
Road Condition Traffic Camera: Drive BC’s Highway 1 in Coquitlam

Azo Bell, Aussie Ukulele Maestro, Gives Workshop and Concert

Azo_poster_o

Aussie Ukulele Maestro, Azo Bell, will be including a stop in Coquitlam during his North of the Equator Tour on September 16, 2016. We are extremely thrilled to have Azo teach and perform in Canada.

** Hot off the press **
The multi-talented Azo Bell has just been named this year’s Musical Saw Champion at the 2016 International Musical Saw Festival, Roaring Camp in Felton, California, in August.

Biography

Touted as “Australia’s top-ranked ukulele player” by the online magazine, World Music Central, Azo was already a professional musician with over 25 years experience as a guitarist when he began playing ukulele in 1992.

Since then he has played around his homeland (Australia) and the world as MD for Theatre group Stretch MK1, with his trio The Old Spice Boys, and solo. His tenth ukulele featured album is about to be released. (See his nine ukulele albums here.) His ukulele style stems from involvement in many musical genres, using techniques adapted from the Cavaquinho and the guitar, with an emphasis on improvisation.

Be sure to catch this very rare opportunity to see Azo Bell in action because the last time this ukulele legend toured in North America was almost 15 years ago. Guarantee your spot in the workshop and/or concert and register! There is a $5 discount for attending both workshop and concert.

“I have a new ukulele hero, Azo Bell from Byron Bay. He closed out the all-day festivities at the Melbourne Ukulele Festival on Sunday with his combo The Old Spice Boys. Wow! I’ll be spending some time with him this week as I make my way to Brisbane and the Gold Coast.”
Jim D’Ville, “Play By Ear” Ukulele Educator

“Azo Bell is one of the most interesting and creative uke players around the world today. He’s a virtuoso musician who never fails to surprise and delight with his ever-changing ideas. His dedication to this humble yet challenging instrument is evident in the music he produces.”
Bob Brozman, Bluesman

“Azo Bell is a master musician and a superb ukulele player. In Bell’s hands this modest instrument is an object of wonder. The Old Spice Boys can lift the heart.”
Rhythms Magazine

“[Azo Bell] He’s an amazingly great player. I’ve seen him in action many times since 2002 and he never disappoints.”
Ralph Shaw, King of the Ukulele

I met Azo Bell in 2002 in New Jersey, attending my first ukulele festival. I will always remember his stage performance, getting sounds and tones I never thought possible out of his soprano ukulele.
DaSilva Ukulele Co., Berkeley, California

“As with all the best musical wits, underpinning the hilarity is expert musicianship. Bell, both a virtuoso and highly imaginative improviser, wrests some glorious sounds from his ukulele.”
– John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald

“Aussie Azo Bell is one of the best uke players of the new-uke generation. Along with band mates Billy Milroy on single string bass and Tim Reeves on snare drum, Azo shows off some amazing single note picking and strumming that are one part vaudeville, and one part modern jazz. Includes many standards Rag Mop, Foggy Day In London Town, Misty, and a slew of originals including the instant uke classic Spider Walk. Serious chops mixed with a wicked sense of humor.”
– Jim Beloff, Flea Market Music, California (from review of ‘Lost In Spice’ CD)

“In a sea of mediocrity it’s nice to watch a uniquely fresh-sounding band like The Old Spice Boys rise to the surface. They never fail to entertain an audience no matter how diverse.”
– Keven Oxford Founder/Producer East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival

“Armed with outrageously minimal instrumentation, The Old Spice Boys get more music, more laughs and more style from a ukulele, a tea-chest bass and a solitary snare drum than most bands get from a truckload of instruments and equipment.”
– Newcastle Herald

Check out some of his amazing performances.

Workshop (6:30pm)

Azo Bell’s workshop reflects his expertise with the instrument, as a musician, and as a person, and suits ukulele players of all levels and all persuasions. The focus is on musicianship rather than learning tunes. As far as possible the program is flexible to meet the varying interests and abilities of ukulele players.

1. Musicianship is often regrettably overlooked when people begin learning and sometimes continues to be. Azo’s workshop deals with the listening and trust required to be a musician – from the most basic level. The group is directed to listen, play (together), and imagine music in fun ways that encourage a functional relationship with music – and with each other as musicians.

2. Technical aspects of the instrument – can make it hard to play or spoil the sound. Azo will demonstrate some simple tests to reveal the most common problems and show how most can be corrected using common tools (or how to avoid buying an instrument that will be difficult to set up).

3. Azo will demonstrate his unique strumming technique. There will be some rhythm exercises. If there is interest, he’ll break it down (slow it down) and describe the learning process he followed to develop it and how to enjoy it.

4. Some time will be devoted to Q & A and general discussion. Whenever possible this will continue after the allocated time and wind down when everyone’s had enough.

5. Unless specifically asked, Azo will avoid harmonic theory. It is possible to be a fine musician knowing nothing about it, and discussion can easily get boring for those who already understand it and for those who don’t want to.

If asked, Azo will describe his pathway to understanding the instrument harmonically and how to draw “continuous fretboard” diagrams showing all possible chord and scale fingerings.

Solo Concert (8:45pm)

Azo’s dynamic multi-genre playing will charm uke lovers all over. Uke-flipping is just one of his many specialties! Be mesmerized by his masterful musicianship and his witty on-stage presence.

Date: Friday, September 16, 2016

Time: 6:30pm — 8:30pm; 8:45pm — 9:30pm

Location: Studio A, Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

Cost: $30 for workshop; $15 for concert; $40 for workshop and concert.

Please complete the registration form below. A confirmation email will be sent to all registered participants.

Local Accommodations

Directions and Parking

Visit Evergreen Cultural Centre’s Find Us page. Please check this page for latest updates on road construction near the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Studio A is on the North side of the Evergreen Cultural Centre.

studioa

 

Evergreen-Parking-Map-June-2014-FINAL

Jim D’Ville Gives Play By Ear Workshops

poster

We are so pleased to announce that Jim D’Ville will be in town on August 14, 2016 to give Cuties two popular ukulele workshops: Picking Ukulele by Ear and Play Ukulele by Ear: Chord Progressions and the Circle of Fifths . Jim is known for his Play By Ear approach to ukulele pedagogy all around the world. This is a rare opportunity to learn from Jim in person! Sign up early to guarantee your spot in the workshops! There is a $10 discount for attending both workshops.

Biography

Jim D’Ville is a music educator and facilitator who is on a mission to get ukulele players off the paper and playing music by ear. Over the last six years he has taught his Play Ukulele By Ear workshops to thousands of players in the United States, Australia, Canada and the Caribbean. Jim is the author of the Play Ukulele By Ear DVD series and hosts the popular Play Ukulele By Ear website.  Jim is sponsored by Kala Brand Ukuleles.

Workshop 1 (4:10pm)

Picking Ukulele by Ear

Learn to pick the melodies to your favourite songs without tab! This ground-breaking workshop is the first of its kind to use the solfege syllables to organically train your ears to hear and play the scale patterns where all the melodies live. Topics will include playing scales, arpeggios, rolls and fills, and of course songs! This workshop is the first step to being able to play anything that comes into your head!

Workshop 2 (5:25pm)

Play Ukulele By Ear: Chord Progressions and the Circle of Fifths

Being able to hear and identify chord progressions will go a long way toward demystifying music. Before you know it you’ll be hearing and recognizing dominant seven and diatonic chord progressions. This exciting workshop will open your ears to the way all songs work around the Circle of 5ths and see how we can use it to understand the underlying structure of how all songs work. Knowledge of chords C F G7 A7 D7 E7 Am Dm Em is helpful.

Date: Sunday, August 14, 2016

Time: 4:10pm — 5:10pm; 5:25pm — 6:25pm

Location: Coquitlam

Cost: $30 for one workshop; $50 for both workshops

Please complete the registration form below. A confirmation email will be sent to all registered participants.

Local Accommodations

Directions and Parking

Visit Evergreen Cultural Centre’s Find Us page.