2024 Festival Workshops

Da' Blues — It's a Scale, It's a Progression, It's a Feelin'. This workshop will explore expanding the blues beyond the basic C , F , and G chords - the I , IV , V . Will spice it up with cool substitutions and using harmonic connections while still retaining the essence of the I , IV , V of the da' Blues.

If you know any C7 , F7 , G7 you're good to go.

PDF: jazzin-up-da-blues.pdf
(Size: 6 MB)

There are two distinctly different Fingerpicking Styles. The Classical (pima) and "Alternating Thumb" styles. This workshop will give you and introduction to both styles with a focus on the Alternating Thumb style.

PDF: exploring-fingerpicking-technique.pdf
(Size: 1 MB)

Join the Aloha Boys in the traditional Hawaiian Kanikapila.

PDF: kanikapila-with-the-aloha-boys.pdf
(Size: 280 kB)

Join us for a musical journey through the songs of Hawaii with your favorite Uncle and Funky Frets' very own "Ambassador of Aloha!" In this engaging class, Uncle Bill will share his favorite Hawaiian songs, transporting you to the beautiful islands through melody and story.

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii as Uncle Bill delves into the places and stories described in these songs, offering personal anecdotes and experiences from his upbringing in Laie, HI. Whether you're a seasoned musician or simply a lover of Hawaiian culture, this class promises to be a heartwarming and educational experience.

We will be referencing songs from the “The Daily Ukulele - Leap Year Edition: 366 More Songs for Better Living” (Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Songbooks). Below is the song list and pages for you to reference your copy of the book or use this document for teaching purposes.

• Pg 33 – Beyond The Reef
• Pg 136 – Hanalei Moon
• Pg 150 –Honolulu Baby
• Pg 233 – The Magic Islands
• Pg 312 – A Song of Old Hawaii
• Pg 313 – Sophisticated Hula
• Pg 387 – White Sandy Beach
• Pg 137 – The Hawaiian Turnaround

PDF: songs-of-hawaii.pdf
(Size: 2 MB)

Come and learn the folk dance from our 50th state, the hula! Simple steps and lovely hand motions combine to tell a story. Comfortable clothes and no shoes suggested.

And, if would kike you get to perform at the evening concert with the backing of the Amazing Aloha Boys. Can't get any more authentic Hawai'ian than that.

Come and make the perfect accessory to wear while playing your uke! We will make a wristlet with fresh flowers using the Wili method (winding).