Ukulele Noir cast members and others pooled together on October 6th to help raise money for ALS therapy.  ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) attacks motor neurons and leads to muscle atrophy.  Proceeds were given to the ALS Therapy Development Foundation.  The doors at T.T. the Bear's Place opened at 8:00 PM and music fans were entertained until 1:00 AM on this Thursday night in Cambridge, MA.  The entertainers included Rick Russo and Renee Desar, Davis Sweet and Marshall Racowski, Ad Frank, Craig Robertson and Matt Samolis, Melvern Taylor and Meltone Dave, and Mark Occhionero with his wife Andrea.

 

Ad Frank (keyboardist) bravely appeared solo at this very uke-friendly benefit concert.  He has a beautiful voice and plays pretty.  Hear a sample in the video below.  You''ll like it! 

 

Craig Robertson unveiled his new sound and new banjo-playing partner...Matt "Uncle Shoe" Samolis.  We were unsure how they would get along since Shoe sports a top hat rather than a 20's style fedora, but no conflicts were noted.  Craig tells The Flea he is enjoying this new musical relationship as it allows him to take more solos.

 

Rumors Heard: A new KoAloha dealership is in the works!  Jazz Ukes tells The Flea that Massachusetts will soon be home to a new KoAloha and Bushman dealership.  It's in Mansfield, MA and the Grand Re-Opening of Mockingbird Music will be November 19th.  It sounds like there will be a very uke-friendly Opening Party from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  Check with Mockingbird to be sure.  And.......it sounds like this dealership wants to hold more uke-socials in the future!   Also, there's a buzz that the next Ukulele Noir show will happen on Nov. 5 at the usual place. Keep checking the Ukulele Noir site for details.

 

One more note...The Flea's identity was nearly discovered as Andrea Occhionero's watchful eye discovered one of The Flea's cameral peepholes in a wall by her seat.  The quick-thinking and selfless Andrea spat out her gum, plugged the hole, and tried to gain entrance to The Flea's comfortable hiding spot. (see photo)  Fortunately, a club manager stopped her from damaging the wall and discovering -The Flea.