In celebration of the exhibition the Museum of Craft and Folk Art and Rubba Slippa Productions presents:

The San Francisco 'Ukulele Festival
September 7 and 8, 2007

Of all musical instruments, the little ‘ukulele always elicits a smile.

Easy to play, and a reminder of the magic and romance of Hawaii, the ‘ukulele is synonymous with a carefree life of song, dance and fun. August 3 through October 21, the Museum of Craft and Folk Art's latest exhibition looks at how the ‘ukulele evolved from its origins in the Atlantic to a new home in the Pacific, investigates how folk traditions of instrument building were transformed as the ‘ukulele’s popularity soared during the early 1900s, and highlights new instruments built by some of today's leading 'ukulele luthiers.

Today, the ‘ukulele seems to be everywhere. In the midst of its most recent wave of popularity, the current ‘ukulele craze has been spurred on by revived interest in traditional Hawaiian music and dance and ‘ukulele-accompanied songs of the Tin Pan Alley era. Easy to play, it brings together communities of Hawaiians and haoles alike who gather to “kanikapila” – sing, play, and celebrate. ‘Ukulele clubs are springing up from Santa Cruz to Maine, Vancouver to Melbourne, Tokyo to Paris, San Rafael to Surrey. A June 2007 article in the London Times reported that in Great Britain, where ‘ukulele sales have increased tenfold in the past few years, a new mid-priced uke is nearly impossible to find. Supply can’t keep up with demand.

In celebration of the 'ukulele, the Museum, Rubba Slippa Productions, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival are proud to present a benefit concert by 'ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro followed by a full day of uke-centric music by some of the Bay Area's best 'ukulele talent.

Festival Details:

Friday, September 7, 2007, 8 pm, Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Avenue at McAllister Street, San Francisco.

Jake Shimabukuro in Concert. San Francisco 'Ukulele Festival opening night benefit concert – 'Ukulele phenom Jake Shimabukuro kicks off the first ever San Francisco 'Ukulele Festival with a solo concert at Herbst Theater. Tickets $28 and $22 at City Box Office, (415) 392-4400 and online at cityboxoffice.com. Jake's shows are selling out all over the country and in Japan, so get your tickets early!

Saturday, September 8, 2007, 11 am - 4 pm, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission between 3rd and 4th Streets, San Francisco.

The San Francisco 'Ukulele Festival presented in partnership with Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. A fun day of uke-centric music by some of the Bay Area's best performers. Invited performers: The UFOs, Al Dodge and the Tin Pan Haoles, The Paper Dolls, Tippy Canoe and the Paddlemen, Faith Ako, slack-key guitarist Carey Camacho, The Victor Ohana Band, Kimo Hussey and Ho'omalie, Ukulele Ray, The Frisky Frolics and Ka Ehu Kai. Bring lawn chairs and picnics, but no dogs or alcohol please. Free Event!

For more information please visit www.YBGF.org.

 

About the Exhibition:
Evolution of the ‘Ukulele
August 2 - October 21, 2007

Providing an in-depth look at an eclectic musical tool, Evolution of the ‘Ukulele presents the history, development, fine craft, and contemporary fanaticism of this popular instrument. Some of the finest ‘ukuleles ever crafted will be on display....more

^ Return to top