When you become aware that you are at the centre of those that want to know what’s going on and those who want others to know about their events, what do you do?
There is a certain responsibility that comes with knowing what’s going on. Joe Burros started a website for guitarists in New England last June after years of sending out email blasts of upcoming concerts and workshops to his mailing list. When I first learned of this service he provides to classical guitarists and aficionados, I was deeply grateful. I had no idea there were so many interesting events for classical guitarists and their supporters. Until then, I learned of such events through word of mouth.
Is there an equivalent for ukulele enthusiasts?
Ukulele for Beginners starts May 11th, 2019 – each Saturday 1 – 3:30 pm
The 1,600 registered members of the Ukulele Union of Boston (UUoB) learn of happenings through the Meet-Up page, where local chapters (sub-groups of the UUoB) post their regular jam sessions and rehearsals. Some clubs also have their own Facebook pages. Sometimes such ukulele events appear on the Boston Calendar, but rarely.
When I started my e-mail list in 2018, it was largely to capture those people interested in taking my ukulele courses and joining my weekly jam sessions. Increasingly, I learned that most people simply weren’t aware of the various meet-ups, workshops, and festivals that take place in and around Boston, Massachusetts.
I started by sending emails blind copy (bcc) until Google backfired on me. I then moved to google groups but I’m not entirely sure that everyone appreciates these mail outs. Although I’ve used Mail Chimp to create newsletters, I’m resisting against repeating the tedious formatting that’s required. I’m hoping a better solution comes up.
In my latest e-mail blast, I included the following upcoming events. Most are what I’m involved in: performing and teaching.
- Ukulele Pluck Ensemble: Saturday April 20th & 27th for May 5th performance.
- Ukulele for Kids: April 27 – July 13 (10 x 1 hour sessions)
- Disco for Ukulele: Saturday April 27, 2019 Workshop 5 – 7 pm. Jam / Dance 7 – 9:30 pm
- Ukulele Melee: Saturday May 4th, 2019 Hamilton, MA
- Somerlele, new ukulele festival in Somerville: Sunday May 5th, 2019
- Ukulele for Beginners: Saturdays May 11th – Jun 29th (excl. 1st June) 7 x 1.5 hours
- Mother’s Day Ukulele Gift Certificate: Learn to Play the Ukulele (instruments provided) — TBA
- Ukulele for Non-Beginners: timing, rhythm, strum patterns, & other topics
- Mountain Ukulele: July 14 – 21, 2019 White Mountains, NH
I’m eager to bring my ukulele students and workshop participants to perform at any number of porchfests, which are outdoor lawns or porches of houses or buildings in the vicinity of a local town festival in and around Boston. It was so much fun to show up with my ukulele and jam with others in front of an audience last summer — a great way to explore a new part of town and connect with local residents.