60 to 70 of us performed on one of Australia’s hottest ever days in Katoomba. We survived. We thrived. And the MC described us as ‘one of the benchmarks of Australian ukulele performance groups’. What a thrill! Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed, and suffered under various duresses. But all up, it was a great time.
Once again lead by Jane Jelbart (conducting) and Mark Jackson (MC and generally getting in the road). Thanks to Danielle Scott on bass.
We’ve got three videos, thanks to relos n friends of performers on stage. If you have any copies (especially online) please let us know and we’ll include them on this site.
Today might be the day
Penned by Bob Beale from the Paterson Pluckestra, this song has swiftly become a popular song amongst ukestrans who sing with gusto TODAY MIGHT BE THE DAY! Sue Dunkley from Tomaree Ukestra leads this version in her inimitable style, backed up by Michael Hall-Thompson on flute (also from Tomaree). Sue is famous in her family for writing and performing silly doggerel. This qualifies her well for a performance such as this.
Today might be the day – Ukastle Ukestra at the 2017 Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival from Mark Jackson on Vimeo.
Spooky
A fellow ukestran discovered Renee Longworth’s voice on a Facebook posting showing her doing silly singing with her kids. She has been doing an amazing job dealing with her nerves and finding her voice. Such a wonderful song and performance.
Spooky – Ukastle Ukestra at the 2017 Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival from Mark Jackson on Vimeo.
Nantes
Ruth always does an amazing job. As does everyone.
Nantes – Ukastle Ukestra at the 2017 Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival from Mark Jackson on Vimeo.
A cool time-lapse type video of the buzz of BMUF17
This next 30 minute video isn’t by us or about us, but it gives anyone wanting to go the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival a very strong idea of the buzzy vibrant feel of it. If you watch carefully you might see a passing parade of familiar faces in the time lapse. There’s a whole lotta strummin’ goin’ on!