Hi, all! There are lots of updates today.

Art opening, May 1

The MacKenzie Art Gallery has asked us to play at the opening reception for David Thauberger’s new exhibit, Road Trips and Other Diversions.

Depending on the weather, we’ll either set up outside or in the lobby. Please bring all your music and a stand. We’ll probably be standing.

To give me an idea of how many to expect, please let me know by email or on Facebook if you can make it.

Road Trips and Other Diversions

  • Friday, May 1
  • Meet at 6:45 pm
  • Play from 7:10 to 7:40 pm
  • Norman MacKenzie Art Gallery, 3475 Albert St.

Those who can make it are asked to join us for a short meeting at the store on Tuesday, April 28, where we will discuss which songs we want to play from our binder. If you can’t make it, you are still welcome to join us at the opening.

Pre-event meeting

  • Tuesday, April 28
  • 7 pm
  • Sawchyn Guitars, 2132 Dewdney Ave.

Anniversary circle! May 5

When I first asked Kendra and Peter about putting together a ukulele circle, I didn’t know if we’d make it to a second month, let alone a whole year. Thank you to everybody who has come out, whether you were there from the beginning or joined us in April.

  • Tuesday, May 5
  • 7–9 pm
  • Sawchyn Guitars, 2132 Dewdney Ave.

I’m not bringing any new music, but we may play through some of our favourites. If you want to play something in front of the group, I’ll have a sign up sheet on the counter. A few of you have already signed up! If you want to lead the group in a new song, please bring some music to share or send it to me and I’ll post it here.

After the solos are done, we’ll take a break from playing and enjoy each other’s company over food and drink. Please feel free to bring a dessert or fruit or punch or whatever you’d like to share. Don’t worry if you can’t bring anything, I’m sure there will be plenty to go around.

The Moveable Feast, May 23

This performance art piece is going to be part of the Cathedral Arts Festival. It will also be a tribute to Michele Sereda, one of the original organizers. It’s a joint collaboration with the De Propere Fanfare, Curtain Razors, Common Weal Community Arts, the Dunlop Art Gallery and the Cathedral Arts Festival.

Here’s an example of what they do.

Participation is entirely voluntary. There are a number of rehearsals before the performance, so you may want to check your schedules before you commit.

Schedule of events

The Launch

Musicians meet and greet with the Belgians

  • Saturday, May 9
  • 7–9 pm
  • Location TBA

Week 1 rehearsals

  • May 11–15
  • 12–3 pm or 6–9 pm
  • Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre, 2900 13th Avenue

CVAF Opening Picnic Concert Dress Rehearsals

  • Saturday, May 16
  • 6–9 pm
  • Sunday, May 17
  • 11 am – 2 pm

CVAF Opening Picnic Performance

  • Monday, May 18
  •  12:30 am
  • Les Sherman Park

Week 2 rehearsals: Creating the parade

  • May 18–22
  • Times TBA
  • Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre and the German Club

Parade dress rehearsal

  • Friday, May 22
  • 6–10 pm

Moveable Feast Parade

  • Saturday, May 23
  • 10:30 am call time
  • 11 am parade
  • 13th Avenue

Music

There are four pieces to perform. They weren’t written specifically for ukulele so one of the members of De Propere Fanfare is putting something together. I’ve included the PDFs and sound files here:

If you would like to take part, please let me know by May 1.