So much to catch up on! Soon after the last tour, Sarah and I were announced to head back to the Cairns ‘Ukulele Festival! Much more on that coming soon, but definitely take a look at all the new things planned for that festival. Sarah and I jumped on another plane then headed to the Folk Project Getaway in New Jersey where we represented the ‘ukulele among many other instruments. During this weekend we were also announced for the ‘Ukulele Festival of Scotland 2017!
After a great weekend in New Jersey (it was so hot!), we then took off to Island Bazaar in Huntington Beach. Sarah and I love every time we go there and wanted to make this trip even more special... so we brought along my long time bassist from Eugene, Oregon and a good friend from Hawai'i. Milo Fultz and Kalei Gamiao! It was an incredibly fun concert and we were happy to see many attendees discover Kalei for the first time (he should be way more known on the mainland!).
The following week, Sarah, Kalei, Milo and myself were joined by Daniel Ho, Jason Arimoto, and Kalyn Aolani, as ‘ukuleles took over the main stage at the San Diego Festival of the Arts! We also had some great local artists and groups perform on the Garden Stage. We had a ton of great feedback and hope to be able to help book next year's entertainment again as well.
A few days later Sarah and I jetted off to Eugene and Portland for workshops and performances. It's always great to be back in Oregon though I wish we had more time to visit with friends in Eugene... next time for sure! Our stops this trip were at Aloha Friday and Pacific Winds in Eugene and the Portland ‘Ukulele Association (PUA). Wonderful people and we can't wait to be back soon!
A day after coming home from Oregon, we then flew to Michigan for the first annual Midwest Uke Camp! This was our second time teaching and performing in Michigan and have really lucked out on the weather both times... it was absolutely gorgeous. Sarah and I met up with Lil Rev, Gerald Ross, Kimo Hussey, Paul Hemmings, Jim Beloff and more! Thank you, Ben Hassenger for the incredible work that you do! Also special thank you to Jon Moody (of GHS fame) backing us up on bass!
Let's see... a few days later we drove up to visit the amazing Sun City ‘Ukulele Club before headlining the Rocky Mountain ‘Ukulele Festival in Durango, CO. So many wonderful things about these two events. Sarah and I loved also reconnecting with Daniele Ate the Sandwhich. I'll have some videos to share soon :)
After yet another 2 days, we then headed up to the Bend ‘Ukulele University! What an amazing event... the BUGs are such an energetic and loving group. We were joined by the Quiet American (we are doing a tour with them and Kate Power and Steve Einhorn this Fall!), Milo Fultz, Merlin Showalter, Jim D'vile and more! Make sure to get your tickets for next year as they sell out fast!
Phew... that leads us to today where Sarah and I are catching up with our wonderful online students at ArtistWorks. We will be leaving next week for our annual Uke Cruise to Alaska! Before then I'll be editing and posting some great videos from our travels so keep up to date on my Facebook page here! You can find photos from all of our events as well as the newest videos (don't forget to subscribe!). Thank you all for your support and love. It's been a hectic summer so far but it's been so energizing due to the awesome attendees that have been coming out to see us! Hope to see you guys soon! I'll leave you with some of my favorite photos from the last two months.
Love and aloha,
Craig and Sarah
