Tag Archives: Ukulele Australia

When They Went Away To War: Ukulele Songs for Anzac Day 2024

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Postcard of the Troopship, The Orvieto, that took Australian Troops (including my relative) on the first leg of their journey to Gallipoli in 1914. (Private Collection: sent 30 November 1914)

Anzac Day, 25 April, commemorates the sacrifice and dedication of Australian Service Personnel in past and recent conflicts. For many people it also represents the dark days when their loved ones were gone from their lives and they did not know if and when they would return home. Conversely, those involved in the wartime operations looked forward to a time when they could see their families and friends again, a frequent subject in their letters and postcards.

Typical postcards sent from the Western Front in WW1 (Private collection: sent by my relative to his family, 1917)

To commemorate such times, here are several songs on the ukulele that convey how it feels to miss your loved ones with no reconciliation in sight.

The World War II song, We’ll Meet Again, made famous by Vera Lynn, conveys the mixed feelings when farewelling a departing member of the services. It was very much a case of keep your chin up despite the uncertainties of a future reunion. Annie the Clumsy gives a very heartfelt rendition.

Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers portrays the emptiness experienced by those who are missing a loved one. Maria Isas performs this song from a woman’s perspective, which is especially relevant on Anzac Day, as many women are left alone during wartime.

During times of separation when partners are deployed overseas, all that is left is one’s imagination to bring you back together. Leo Sayer’s When I need You, expresses this situation beautifully. The following version is by Ukulele Cover and Kalimba.

The Letter by the Box Tops was written during the Vietnam War. Overseas personnel looked forward to the letters from home and could not wait to get back to their significant others. I’m sure that this song was inspired by this situation. The duo, Toast Garden, perform this song with a great deal of verve and feeling.

Through songs such as these, perhaps we can understand some of the feelings of worry and uncertainty experienced by those separated during conflict and how they must have tried to overcome their fears. Many were never to see their loved ones again and for those who have felt such loss, commemorations like Anzac Day are especially important. Play your ukulele and remember them.

Lest We forget

Kat

Postcard of a War grave, WW1 (Private collection: It belonged to one of my relatives who survived that terrible war. Others were not so lucky)

Songs about Dance for the Ukulele

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It’s nearly Autumn in Melbourne but the weather is still fine and warm and there are still festivals to attend, both for the Ukulele community and the wider population.

In early March (8-11) is the Moomba Festival with it’s Multicultural Parade on the 11th, and all kinds of community events in the city, including ukulele lessons for kids. For details visit https://news.melbourne.vic.gov.au/moomba/

Moomba Procession Dancers

Later on in March (15, 16, 17) is the famous Melbourne Ukulele Festival in Northcote. For all the events and workshops visit https://www.muf.org.au.

In the Northern Hemisphere Spring is just around the corner with everyone will emerging from Winter hibernation and looking forward to enjoying finer weather with all kinds of celebrations. So let’s put on our dancing shoes and play some relevant songs on the Ukulele.

With that end in mind I have selected some ukulele versions of songs with a dance theme performed by talented ukulele players on YouTube.

The 1958 song Do You Wanna Dance by Bobby Freeman is interpreted on ukulele by Pete Ukuholic Joyce with additional instruments.

Martha and the Vandellas first recorded Dancing in the Street in 1964, followed by many other popular artists, like The Mamas and the Papas. Here we have Paul Gasper doing a lively rendition on ukulele.

Matt Daniels performs David Bowie’s Let’s Dance from 1983 to really get your toes tapping.

Learn to play Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit, Dancing in the Dark from Ukulele Cheats wonderful tutorial.

To round up this selection of Dance Songs, Overdriver Duo gives an excellent performance of Abba’s Dancing Queen (1976).

I hope these songs inspire all those who love the ukulele to attend a festival, do a ukulele workshop or just enjoy playing the ukulele where others can dance along to the music.

It’s great to be back after having a year of challenges that have keep me away from this blog. At least I have been able to play my ukuleles to retain some sense of fun and calm. It really is an instrument of joy.

Happy strumming,

Kat

Holiday Fun On The Ukulele: Seasonal Songs with Silly Alternative Lyrics

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The Holiday Season in Melbourne is nearly upon us. It might be beach weather but there’s no shortage of snow related decorations and evergreen pine trees in people’s homes. 

Rudolph

While it is summer here, Australians still love to sing and play winter songs on the ukulele. An old favourite is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, probably because it tells a fun story that we all loved to hear as children. It is also easy to play on the ukulele and for those who want a simple version, the following lesson by the talented Elise Ecklund is a good one.

However for those who prefer very silly lyrics you could also substitute the original with the lyrics of Robert the Red Nosed Reindeer by Aussie legends Bucko and Champs of Aussie Jingle Bells fame. It’s probably not suitable for little children so save it till later when the adults need a laugh.

If you want to go down a really controversial path and risk insulting some of your relatives at family celebrations, there’s always Bucko and Champs Completely Useless Gifts to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. But maybe don’t play this if you want to see them again next holiday season.

Whatever you play on your ukulele have a Wonderful Festive Season and a very Happy New Year.

Keep on Strumming,

Kat

Bayside Ukes: Changes for 2022

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Due to the difficulties of running a Ukulele Group during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Bayside Ukes will no longer be run as a public group at the Hampton Community Centre.

Thank you to everyone who has come to these sessions over the years and made them so much fun.

This website will continue to celebrate ukulele music.

Keep on strumming,

Kat

Bayside Ukes Sessions Update

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Due to the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout Bayside Ukes has decided to cease our sessions at the Hampton Community Centre from Term 2 until the beginning of 2022 when most people will have been vaccinated.

We encourage everyone to keep playing your ukuleles and hope you all stay well.

Bayside Ukes COVID-19 Update

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Covid-19 restrictions were eased for everyone in Victoria on the 26th of February 2021.  

The main one for ukulele groups is that people do not need to wear a mask while singing as long as they are socially distanced.  For Bayside Ukes members this means that you can sing as long as you are seated two metres apart and in rows facing the same direction.

You still may wear a mask if you wish.

Members also need to bring their own songbooks and music stand as we will be socially distanced.

All the other measures listed in the previous post remain the same.

Keep on strumming.

Kat

Bayside Ukes: Back for 2021

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Bayside Ukes is back next Tuesday, February 9, from 7 to 9.30 PM at the Hampton Community Centre to resume our regular sessions for 2021. We hope that all our members are ready to enjoy real life playing again.

Under our strong Covid-Safe plan, based on State Government rules and recommendations, only 21 people at a time will be able to attend a session in the HCC Main Hall. Participation is only available to members of Bayside Ukes and not casual visitors. 

If you wish to join our group you will need to become a 2021 member of the Hampton Community Centre for insurance purposes. Please contact Bayside Ukes via email for details of membership. See right menu for our email address.

Due to the restrictions on the number of attendees, members must book their place each week via email, on a first come, first served basis.

When attending a session, everyone must wear a mask indoors at all times and maintain a social distance of 1.5 metres.

On entry to the HCC participants must register their details for contact tracing using the Centres QR code. If you don’t have a smartphone, make sure you have your own pen to sign in manually.

Seating will be spaced following government guidelines.

Everyone will need their own copies of our two song books (see menu above) and a music stand, as there will be no sharing of music and equipment. Also no-one may play any wind instruments.

During a song only five members at a time will be allowed to sing and must keep on their masks. We will take turns at singing.

There will be no sharing of food and drink. Please bring your own water bottle.

Cleaning procedures will be mandatory for all attendees.

Do not attend a session if you are unwell.

All the above Covid-Safe measures are for everyone’s protection. We want our members to have an enjoyable experience playing together while staying healthy. 

We look forward to a time when these steps will no longer be necessary. In the meantime we will do our best to make our sessions as fun as possible.

Keep on strumming,

Kat

UKULELE (COVID) NORMAL: BRING ON 2021

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Most of the lockdown restrictions have finally eased in Melbourne this week. We have reached the Covid Normal status that everyone was hoping for until a vaccine is readily available here in Oz. Let’s hope it stays this way. We still need to carry and wear face masks when necessary, but summer is here and now everything is looking much brighter.

Bayside Ukes will resume sessions for regular members in 2021 when the Hampton Community Centre will reopen. We will have a Covid-Safe plan as per health regulations to keep everyone safe.

Now is the time to enjoy our well earned holidays, whether staying at home or visiting parts of our beautiful country. Don’t forget to play your ukuleles whereever you may be this summer.

If you are under lockdown in the Northern Hemisphere, take heart from us Melbournians. We got through it and so will you. Our ukulele Zoom sessions were a big help, thanks to the good humour and contributions of all our wonderful members, who kept Bayside Ukes running through difficult times. Keep playing your ukuleles. It makes a difference.

Wishing everyone a Very Happy Festive Season and let’s hope that 2021 brings Peace and Joy to all.

Stay safe and keep strumming,

Kat

Here’s the fun Aussie Christmas Song by Robin Bates full of cliches, Melbourne sporting references and Aussie humour about the silly season down under. It would sound good on ukulele.

Ukulele under Lockdown

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Melbourne is still in Stage 4 Lockdown and because of the now accepted aerosol risk of contracting Covid-19 when singing, it looks like Bayside Ukes will not be able to meet at the Hampton Community Centre for some time.

It would also be difficult to sing when wearing a mask so we will continue with our Zoom sessions for regular members until it is safe to get together in the real world.

Keep on strumming,

Kat

To cheer us all up here is a fun video featuring the delightful Olivia Colman recording a song with accompanying ukuleles.

When can Ukulele Groups Resume Sessions During Covid-19?

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The Covid-19 lockdown in Melbourne is now easing and soon many activities will begin again. While this will be great for community groups, we at Bayside Ukes think that there is a need to proceed with caution before starting back at the Hampton Community Centre due to the increased hazard of contracting Covid-19 from the mechanics of group singing. There is a higher risk of contracting the virus in an enclosed space. 

For those who are unaware of these health risks, the following video gives detailed health and scientific advice from experts with regard to group singing in an Australian context. This information is also applicable to anyone singing in a group during this pandemic. The video takes about an hour but it is worth viewing for health and safety reasons.

The main recommendation is that singing groups should not get together inside until there have been no new local cases of Covid-19 for at least one month. Bayside Ukes will be following the advice of these experts and we look forward to such a time when we will be able to play together in the real world.

We will update the calendar on this blog before we resume our sessions depending on the rate of transmission of the virus in Melbourne.

In the meantime, here is a fun video by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain of Kraftwerk’s The Model (RIP Florian Schneider).

Stay safe and keep on strumming.

Kat