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UPDATE: Register for a workshop by May 23 and be entered into a drawing for a beautiful willow-wood ukulele, padded gig bag, and tuner/metronome donated by our sponsor Ohana!
If you've wanted to try playing the ukulele, that very hot four-stringed instrument from Hawaii, a great opportunity is coming your way. Singer, songwriter, and ukulele instructor Mark Baker is visiting Las Cruces to offer two workshops and perform a concert with the Las Cruces Ukes May 29 and 30 at Morning Star United Methodist Church.
On Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m. Baker and the Las Cruces Ukes will host a concert featuring both Baker performing songs from his new CD and the Las Cruces Ukes playing some of their favorite tunes. The concert is $10 per person, or $5 for those who are registered for a workshop.
The following day, Baker will teach two workshops. The morning session will be held from 9 a.m. until noon and is for beginners, levels one and two players. If you've never even tried playing a ukulele or know a few chords, this session will be perfect. You don't even need to bring a ukulele because Baker will have extras with him.
Then from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., another session will be offered for those a little more advanced, levels two and three. Baker will help these participants become more comfortable with a variety of chord shapes, teach some new strumming patterns, and help improve performances with some tips from his vast experience.
Workshops are $40 for one or $60 for those who would like to take both sessions. Workshop participants also may purchase the concert tickets at a discounted rate.
Baker, a native of Texas now living in Arizona, starred in his first musical at the age of seven and later toured the United States, Canada, and Mexico as a solo act for 25 years. He has performed with Celine Dion and the New Christy Minstrels. He founded and directs the Sun City Ukulele Club in Arizona, which now boasts more than 70 members. This year he is completing a three-year certification in the James Hill Ukulele in the Classroom program. He just released his first CD.
Baker was last in Las Cruces when he rode through on his bicycle, with ukulele in tow, on a cross-country trip. He was stuck in town for a few days due to heavy monsoonal rain and connected with the Las Cruces Ukes, a community group of ukulele enthusiasts. Now they are collaborating to bring ukulele music to more people.
The Las Cruces Ukes, which was just getting started with Baker rolled through town, has become an in-demand performing group. They have performed at the Rio Grande Theatre and the Branigan Cultural Center, earning standing ovations at both. In addition, they play for a variety of local events and at retirement facilities.
Hubbard's Music-n-More will have ukuleles, music books, tuners, and other essentials available for purchase from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday. Baker will also be offering his new CD for sale, including songs inspired by his cross-country trip and the people he met along the way. Ohana will also have ukuleles offered for sale Friday evening and Saturday.
Both the concert and the workshops will be held at Morning Star United Methodist Church, 2941 Morning Star Drive, Las Cruces. Learn more about the Las Cruces Ukes at Facebook.com/lascrucesukes.
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LocationMorning Star United Methodist Church (View)
2941 Morning Star Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88011
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
| Owner: Mark Baker |
| On BPT Since: Apr 22, 2015 |
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| Cheryl Fallstead |
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