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"I LOVE Mulled Wine Concerts as they are so intimate.
See you soon
With gratitude, Helen"

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Ukes of Wellington

The Mulled Wine Concert Series in Paekakariki is normally a stage for highly-trained classical musicians, but as concert organiser Mary Gow says, "Sometimes we like to let our hair down and have a little fun!" So, to kick off the 2017 season, the organisers are hosting an evening of music devoted to the Mighty Ukelele on Saturday 28 January 2017 at the Paekakariki Memorial Hall, starting at 7 PM. Door and bar open at 6:30 PM.


The “Ukes of Wellington” is the brainchild of Shane McAlister a former advertising executive who found his life-changing moment when he took up the ukelele. Now he gathers players and aficionados from all over. Te Horo to Seatoun to Upper Hutt...and everywhere in-between. From 5 years old to 85, they all have one thing in common. "We all love a jolly good sing-song" says Shane. "It's a simple formula, we strum, we sing, we smile. I left the advertising industry to teach the ukulele full time, and now there are not enough hours in the day".


Setting up "Uke Clubs" in a dozen primary schools in the region, he ventured into a couple of Retirement Villages. 5 year old to 85 were learning the same songs and they were starting to get gigs. A couple of community groups were added to the Uke mix...and they needed a band name.
Ukes of Wellington...perfect! 3 generations of strummers, 3 generations of songs on the same stage, fantastic. "Just because you can't sing...doesn't mean you won't sing" says Shane...with a wry smile. "It's all about having a laugh and the Uke will do that".



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