Marv and Kathy Reitz have been blending their voices for longer than they have been married, which is more than 31 years! Folks in the music scene call them “jam session monsters” for the 20,000 songs that they can play, in any style, at the drop of a hat. They sing like birds and know all of the words—and the correct chords to the songs, as well. Most importantly, they are inclusive and will pull in even the shyest would-be jammer with words and acts of sincere encouragement, and, I have heard, they will play until 3 in the morning if the muses call. Marv plays guitar, ‘ukulele, saxophone, clarinet, and … jug. Kathy plays ‘ukulele and bass. The possibilities, here, are endless. Though this is their first year with the Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival, Marv and Kathy have played the New York and Midwest Ukulele Festivals, Mid-Atlantic Uke Association events, Burning Uke in Big Sur, and the Portland and Tampa Bay Uke Fests. With these two, and our cast of “thousands,” we’ve got some great music coming our way.
Workshop
Basic Vocal Harmony
Do the sweet harmonies of the Everly Brothers, Sons of the Pioneers, or the Mamas and the Papas give you chicken skin? Would you like to know how they get that sound. . .and perhaps recreate it? Or, maybe you just get frustrated at ukulele jams because the melody never seems to be within your vocal range. In either case, this workshop, taught by the duo that has been practicing what they preach for more than 30 years, might be just the ticket! By the end of this class you will have learned to sing a familiar song in two parts—melody and harmony—and will have learned how to create your own harmony parts by ear and by knowledge of the song’s chords. Audio or video recording devices are encouraged for your personal use, but the instructors request that you refrain from posting the class on the internet. (All Levels)
