Make Me Smile (Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel), by the Ukastle Ukestra at BMUF23

Описание: There's a bit of faffing around at the beginning of this video, but hang in there (or scroll through) to ukestran newbie, Maurie Voisey-Barlin, lead singing us in a very popular ukulele group singalong. We call it a 'ukestra', and because we are from Newcastle, we are the 'Ukastle Ukestra', and have been so since late 2009. Conductor, Jane Jelbart, ensures that we dress well, put some light and shade into our playing, and that we have fun, musically. Co-leader, Mark Jackson, attempts to ensure that we have fun, mirthically.

Each February (since about 2010), 50 to 60 Newcastle-based ukestrans (plus a few national strays) travel to Katoomba - the glorious 1930s tourism capital of Australia where the Carrington Hotel hosts the annual Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival. This one (#BMUF23) was on another beautiful Blue Mountains weekend, with this performance being on Saturday 11 February 2023.

The Ukastle Ukestra is the performing entity of the Ukulele Community from Newcastle Australia and is directed by Jane Jelbart (conducting) and Mark Jackson (mouthing off). Their ukestras meet 7 times a week in post-COVID times. Come join us somewhere in Newcastle for a play (and to learn something in a relaxed environment).

Thanks so much to a Saturday morning ukestran, John Norris, for this footage, and to Thursday night stalwart Bec Regalo for holding down the bottom end on the bass.

p.s. Google Maurie's name, you'll be delighted and charmed at what you might find.