Lauren has told you about Ukulele Night before, but I don’t think you’ve heard the real story yet. First of all, I have to tell you, that except for the ukulele bit, it’s a hella good time, and the people are really neat. It’s unfortunate that they’ve all contracted ukuleles.
We get together in Omaha at 5:00pm for dinner. The food’s always top notch, and it’s always the same three people working at the Bistro. They know to stock up on the beer we like, and that turns out to be a key part of enjoying ukulele night: Make sure you stock up on beer.
We had another person from Seward come this time. His name is Jack Clark, and I was disappointed to find out that he was not a former 1st baseman for the Cardinals. It turns out he builds ukuleles, and so we made him sit on the side of the table with the other instrument builders. It turns out that they can have “interesting” conversations about glue.
Then we go upstairs and play some songs. I only know 4 chords, so when any other chords come-up I just sing louder. My main purpose in the group (in as much as this can be considered a purpose) is to comfort new people who join us, “You’re already better than Lloyd, and he’s been playing for two years.”
After we play, Mark usually teaches a little lesson on how to play better or music theory or something that I pretend to listen to. Then the people who can really play play what they’ve been practicing, and that’s fun to listen to, but they don’t even ask me anymore.
That’s the same function you and I performed when we ran track in high school: Making others feel better about themselves. Except for the green kid we beat every once in a while. He must’ve felt bad to be beaten by us.
Maybe that poor boy from Crest Ridge was serving the purpose of making those two blue kids feel better about themselves?
Heh. Or maybe he was just as bad as I would have been.
That sounds about right, but why do I always get stuck with that job?
I want to go to Ukulele night sometime. As long as I never have to play by myself. Ever. Because I haven’t played in a while, and playing by myself brings back the horrible, HORRIBLE memories of having to do that in High School band.
And I was just as bad a flute player as I would have been a runner. Except I never had to run. And Mom and Dad wouldn’t let me quit band. I’m still working through that grudge.
Yes, you should come sometime. We had the best turnout we’ve had in months this time -- sixteen people! (And one roadie. That’s what we’re calling spouses that come along to listen. We’ll convert that Daniel yet…)
Anyway, you never have to play on your own. Just the people who have practiced a little something play by themselves. We often have somebody there who is brand-new, so it’s pretty fun.
Oh, Lloyd. You’re a good man to indulge in my insanity. I’ll buy you a new ukulele as a reward.
Thanks, that brings me up to, what now? Three? Maybe someday, if I’m really good, I’ll get to touch one.
If any ukulele friends are checking this from Mark’s e-mail, click the ‘Ukulele’ button at the very top of the page. I’m frantically trying to post my terrible pictures from last night.
Oh, Lloyd is better than he lets on! What great commentary on the evening! Its great to hear other perspectives.
Peace and Strumming
Mark
I practiced strumming on my steering wheel today. Dnag you and your Jedi mind tricks.
Lloyd, you want to buy a Da’Silva for Lauren!!
I’m trying not to encourage her. In fact, you might even go as far as to say that I am actively discouraging the purchasing of any more ukuleles. So far my active discouragement mostly involves a lot of eye rolling.
uh-hem…I think I was supposed to go? I only know two chords, I sing best in the shower, however, I’m really expert at watching beer!
Come along next time -- you won’t be writing a paper, right?
Now THAT’S music to my ears!
If you ever get a chance to go to ukulele night you really must do that. They were a fun bunch to listen to. Everyone was friendly and helpful.