He’s back!!!!!!!!! James Hill was introduced to the `ukulele at the age of nine, not in Hawai`i, but three thousand miles to the east, in Langley, British Columbia, where `ukulele instruction has been mandatory in many schools since the late 1970’s. He was hooked from the beginning. While a still a teenager, James honed his skills as a key member of the world-renowned Langley ‘Ukulele Ensemble under the direction of Peter Luongo. After touring with them for twelve years, he embarked on a solo career in 2002 and has been “pushing the instrument into uncharted territory” ever since with genre-bending adaptations of everything from “One Note Samba” to the theme from “Super Mario Brothers.” On stage, he is energetic and captivating, mixing colorful anecdotes with a versatile repertoire that stretches from Schubert to the Beatles and beyond. He can move easily between a heart-wrenching solo performance of “Oh, Susannah” and a light-hearted rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” As a performer, James is as capable of captivating an audience of squirming kindergartners as engaging a group of skeptical teenagers and crooning love songs to us older folks. As an instructor of `ukulele, James is approachable, knowledgeable, patient, and generous. His fourth CD, True Love Don’t Weep, recorded with cellist Anne Davison, won Traditional Album of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards. James lives in Nova Scotia, but travels the world exposing people everywhere to the joys of the ‘ukulele. We are truly honored to have him join us again.
Workshop
Very, Very Sad Songs FULL
Do you find yourself whistling “You are My Sunshine” as you stroll down congested city streets in the middle of rush hour? When that red, red, robin just keeps on bobbin’, do you feel the urge to pull out your ukulele and join him? Do you sing in the rain? The long-term effects of playing too many happy ukulele songs are anybody’s guess. So here’s an opportunity to get a grip, stay balanced, and put a little melancholy in your step with this soul-crushing repertoire class: Very, Very Sad Songs. Hand-outs will be provided, but you’ll need to bring your own tissues. (Level 2-4)
