The Flea came across a uke party in Milford, MA on Saturday, August 20th.  Attending were such luminaries as The Founder, Greg Hawkes, The Crooner, Mr.X from Bristol,CT and other notable Uke Noir performers and fans.  The party started with a lesson from The Founder as he passed around some very unusual ukuleles including his father's soprano and a Sears & Roebuck Supertone taro patch, both made in Hawaii prior to WW II,  a couple of Chicago-made examples,  and a rare Bean Town Superbo from the Elias Howe Manufacturing Co.  Some  of these, that were made on the mainland but were cross-dressing to look like they were made in Hawaii, didn't fool The Founder.  As our Leader says "It takes more than running the back across the heel to say ...."Made in Hawaii", in most cases."  He also related some stories of his tour of the C.F. Martin Guitar (scratch that) Ukulele Factory.

MarkO (JazzUkes) and his lovely wife Andrea entertained folks with a beautiful duet of "Something Stupid."  The Founder played "Moonlight in Vermont."  Mr. X from Bristol, CT played "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.  Also heard was "Drive" by Greg Hawkes, and "Across the Universe" by MarkO.  Also featured at the party was RickA from Pawtucket, RI doing his first public performance of Red River Valley.  See the photos and video below to view more master Ukesters practicing their craft.

Perhaps equaling the the music was the fabulous culinary spread put out by hosts Mark and Andrea.  Hor d' ouvers (damn those French and their spelling), salad, pasta, bread, and the most tender grilled steak and mushrooms. 

-The Flea