BUDDING pianists and violinists may find it hard to believe but the new musical instrument of choice among children and adults seeking to learn to play something, anything, is the ukulele.
"Actually, the ukulele has exploded in interest right around the world in the past few years," said the shire's John Chandler, president of SSCUM — St George and Sutherland Community of Ukulele Musicians.
"Clubs are springing up everywhere across Sydney and beyond," he said.
"I know because I teach ukulele to beginners at Adult Community Colleges across Sydney and this year all my workshops have been sold out, with attendances over the maximum numbers."
Mr Chandler said ukulele interest in the shire was "amazing".
"About 18 months ago, the Leader ran a story a story about a visiting performer and teacher, Jim D'Ville, and there was such a huge response that the phones rang solid for a couple of weeks and there was a full house for the event at the Donald Robinson Village at Kirrawee.
"It really touched a chord with the community.
"Now we have another visitor coming to the shire and we are expecting more full houses."
This time the visitor is a Canadian, Ralph Shaw, who is a feature artist at the current Melbourne Ukulele Festival and whose busy performing schedule after Melbourne includes the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, the Northern Rivers, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Ulladulla, Blue Mountains — and Tradies Club at Gymea.
Described as an "entertainer extraordinaire" by America's Variety magazine, Shaw is a noted comedian as well as being one of the world's top ukulele players.
Details: Tradies Gymea,
57 Manchester Road; 6.30pm, Monday, April 2. Bookings: 9540 1933.
