Day 1 - “Arrival”: After a several rough flights and the airline having lost nearly all of their baggage, the guys arrive in San Francisco and head over to DaSilva Ukulele Co. for the first gig of the tour. The venue was wonderful, the people there were awesome, and the overall atmosphere made everything worth it (For more videos (and pics) from this performance, Click Here. *Thanks Ame!*)

Day 2 - “Break Day”: The gang wakes up late and spends what’s left of the morning trying to locate the lost luggage. They meet up with Russ_Buss who, knowing SF like the back side of his hand, shows them around the city. Everyone winds up at Russ’ apartment where Aldrine makes banana ketchup spaghetti and a 4+ ukulele jam session ensues.

Day 3 - “Hukilau”: The last day in the Bay area for the tour. The guys head up to the Kala Ukulele Company warehouse in Petaluma where they pick up a couple ukuleles to give away on the tour. They head over to the Hukilau Restaurant to check it out and setup for the gig. Bay area UUers pack the Hukilau and everyone has a grand ol’ time. (For more videos from this performance Click Here *Thanks Ame! - again!*.

*If you would like UU to appear in your city/town/area of residence, please let us know by posting a comment below!!

THANKS again to everyone who came out to see us in the Bay area, helping us to kick off this unforgettable tour. We hart all of you!

Aloha,
- UU Staff

Got questions about this lesson? Join the discussion - HERE!

It’s the first of the month and you know what that means - a brand-spankin’-new episode of UKE LESSONS! This time, Aldrine takes it slow, walking you through the chords, strumming, and picking for the song “Breakdown” by Jack Johnson (for more info on Jack, his musical abilities, and his amazing powers of charity and compassion, check out his site HERE).

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other lesson, hit up the fine people over at the UU Forum, or shoot a e-message to Aldrine at askaldrine(at)gmail.com ! Big MAHALOS for watching and being a part of the revolution. Stay tuned for more …

Aloha,
-UU Staff

Join the discussion about this technique HERE.

Hey there UUers! Ready to master something that will rock your friends’ socks off?? In this week’s episode of UKE MINUTES, Aldrine teaches a relatively simple technique that packs a lot of punch - Two-String Pulloffs!

Check out the video, master it, and show us what you got in the Forum. It may take a little while to get yourself familiarized with this one, but put in some time and it will definitely be worth it. When you do finally get this down , feel free to incorporate it into your solos, but remember to do so sparingly. With the two-string pulloff, a little goes a long way.

Have fun with this, and let us know what you think!

Aloha,
-UU Staff

Join the discussion about this video HERE.

On Day 6 of our first ever California Tour in July of 2008, we stepped into the charming little ukulele shop in Huntington Beach called Island Bazaar for our last performance of the tour. The shop had a pretty sizable space there to hold workshops and ukulele club meetings, so we were really counting on the ukulele players in the HB area to come out in full force, just to fill that place up.

The Huntington Beach area UUers and ukers did not let us down. Amazing turnout of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. That’s what UU is all about!! Positivity all around and a lot of awesome connections and friendships were made that night.

Check out this vid from the LIVE Uke Got Mail that we filmed there, as the audience quizzes Aldrine for his innermost secrets. Thanks to EVERYONE who made our California Tour a blast and for welcoming us with open arms to your wonderful state.

Much Mahalo,
-UU Staff

*REMEMBER* It’s not too late to enter yourself in our FREE UKULELE GIVEAWAY! This month we’re giving away a new Kamoa pineapple soprano. Click for more details on how to win!