Talking Story Updates

Spring is alive and well in NYC, so we know the Uke Fest is upon us! It has been a tradition with us to sell Early Bird Full Festival Passes as soon as we announce our dates. People who know us well are willing to pay for these tickets with the confidence that it will be another great ukulele event. This early commitment helps us with seed money to cover deposits for the venue, performers and to make other arrangements. We want to thank those of you who have already purchased these tickets. We don’t announce the whole lineup at this stage, but we have revealed the headliners for Friday and Saturday night’s concert. In case you missed it: SMALL WORLD PROJECT will headline Friday Night and RAIATEA HELM will headline Saturday Night! As always, we will have a full lineup of performers to complement the headliners, spanning the local, national and international pool of ukulele players. We are determined to keep this a prime ukulele event. More info will be available soon.

In the spirit of excellence, Marie is busy planning workshops for Friday and Saturday afternoon. Our aim is for 32 in all and she wants to please the entire range of players from beginners to expert. After last year’s rave reviews, we have high expectations she will meet this goal. Jeff is also busy arranging a vendor/sponsor area. Old friends will be retuning, like Jim Beloff with his Fleas, Flukes, etc; a new uke maker, Lulu Uke will hail from Connecticut too. Sponsorship continues from Kala Ukes and Koaloha. Kala will be present their new line with a major presence. Other ukulele products will also be available (lessons, pickups, repairs and modifications, etc.)

The Early Bird tickets will be available until about April 15. When we announce the full range of tickets and a more complete lineup, this steep discount will no longer be an option. Yes, $135 is a hefty price, but it includes the Ahmed movie premier and concert night on Thursday, afternoon workshops and concert on Friday night, all-day events starting at Noon on Saturday with workshops, vendors and networking through the concert from 7:30 until Midnight,, and finally an all-day luau on Sunday, which includes brunch in Central Park and a full meal with beer, wine, soda, water, etc. along with open mics, hula, jams and vendoring. We hope you can join us.

Ken

P.S. We are in need of volunteers to help with every aspect of the event from promotion through event arrangements. Please help!