No. 36, Spring 2022

The cover story of the Spring 2022 issue is something a little different: Heidi Swedberg digs into the issue of ukulele ecology and sustainability; specifically, how instrument builders and manufacturers are increasingly making instruments that are not from rare tonewoods nor from clear-cut forests, and in some cases not from trees at all.

Other features in the issue include a profile of the popular singer/songwriter/musician LP, who has long championed the ukulele; the joys of playing ukulele music for seniors, including those with dementia; another fascinating and fun exploration of uke history through Sandor Nagyszalanczy’s article on six decades of vintage ukulele instruction booklets and self-teaching aids; a look at the little-known South Pacific uke sensation Sione Aleki, who was a spectacular and innovative entertainer; and the cool story of the first uke in space!

Lessons include Holly Rudin-Braschi’s beginner’s article about syncopation, in which she teaches three easy rhythmic patterns, and Daniel Ward offering intermediate instruction on chord melody. The song-to-play is a simple arrangement of Jimmy Cliff’s classic from The Harder They Come, "Sitting in Limbo."

Also in the issue you’ll find a review of the extraordinary Kanile’a DK-T Premium Tenor uke; Montana-based uke maker De Houtwinkel; the vibrant Ohio uke scene; another batch of Uke Tales from readers, and more!