Thanks to Phil Wilson (long suffering ukulele-spouse) for providing these videos of our 2018 BMUF performance on Saturday 10 February. As usual, it was a great festival. But it was especially good because about 8 different groups from Newcastle all performed. The Ukastle Ukestra had around 60 people comprising a mix of beginners and experienced people. Thanks to John Wallace who played bass. Jane conducting, Mark MCing and assisting (when told).

Unchain My Heart

“Where does this voice come from” (we hear you ask).

“Rothbury!” (We proudly say. Somewhere in the vineyards of the Hunter Valley). Neil Bryant kicked off our first song with a bang.

Blue Yodel #6

This is Kate Svenske’s debut public performance on lead vocals. Prior appearances have been in the shower, and during her car commute to work. This Jimmie Rodgers song (one of 13 different Blue Yodels) was given a popularity boost by Emi Sunshine’s Tennessee Flea Market viral video.

Love yourself

Max Valentine from Hillsborough Public School, age 12 – leads the vocals on our Justin Bieber song. (But really, it is an Ed Sheeran song, if you can’t stomach Justin Bieber). Well done Max! What a debut!

Waimanalo Blues

Chris Robinson from Stanford Merthyr (Hunter Valley in Australia), and stalwart of the Maitland Ukestra, takes the lead vocal on our version of this classic Hawai’ian song, with harmony assistance from Cassia Lindsay.

Chandelier

Newcastle high school teacher, Ruth McCrae, delivers her usual impeccable vocals in this 2014 song by Sia. We challenged people with Gm, Eb and Bb! Quelle horreur!

Burn Your Name (Powderfinger song)

Ruth McCrae of Newcastle ukestrated this 2009 classic by iconic Australian rock band Powderfinger. Caroline Traill delivers the lead vocal beautifully and soulfully.

How Bizarre

A kiwi classic from the 90s. Graham Trow from Newcastle surprises everyone with his vocal styles every time. For the uke aficionado, lots of ukestrans are doing a descending harmonised C scale. Sounds good, ey bro?!