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Ukulele Masters Workshop - Waimea, HI
Today is Jake's first ukulele workshop which will be held at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Jake's workshop is part of the Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute which the Kahilu Theatre is hosting. Other local musicians are also conducting workshops throughout the weekend. Jake was set to meet his class later this afternoon, but first he had an interview with PBS Hawaii.
The PBS crew is in town to cover the entire event and wanted to get a one on one interview with Jake as well. The interview went really well and they asked Jake many interesting questions which should make for a great program. While they were conducting the interview we got to watch the stage and sound being setup for the weekend concerts. Gaylord Holomalia, member of the world famous band Kalapana, arrived on scene as well. Talk about a cast and crew of all stars...man!
I guess that is why they are calling the concert series the "Waimea All Stars", since there are so many world renowned and legendary musicians in town. Simply awesome. After Jake's interview we headed into the Kahilu Theatre lobby to meet the eager students for Jake's workshop. There were four pre selected master students which would participate in the workshop today. Along with the students were about 10 or so auditors that sat in to experience the workshop.
Each student came prepared with a song to play for Jake. After playing the song Jake would give them personal instruction and advice on their playing style and technique. Surprisingly, two of the students played Jake's tunes! They were also eager to learn a few of Jake's newer original compositions like Piano Forte and Five Dollars Unleaded.
The class went on for about an 1.5 hours and everyone seemed to have a really good experience. Jake explained different strumming and picking techniques as well as how to play a few of his tunes. I think everyone, non musicians included, walked away with some invaluable knowledge today.
Afterward, PBS Hawaii had setup a special jam session that they would film. Jake sat in with fellow musicians and they played a variety of tunes while a few of us enjoyed this rare moment.
