A DECADE ago, a group of locals used to meet every Thursday night as a choir, before heading to the pub for a drink.<\/p>\n
A worldwide phenomenon of an instrument, the ukulele was introduced into their musical mix. Becoming a broader ensemble as a result, they received invites to perform at events about six years ago.<\/p>\n
Jeannie King said their first gig was the Clunes Farmers Market.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had to think of a name. A lot were canvassed, and most ukulele groups have odd, weird, stupid names, so we thought we\u2019d not go too stupid. We chose Ballarat Ukulele Group, which is BUG,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Still meeting on Thursdays, BUG is booming and based weekly at the Bunch of Grapes Hotel on Pleasant Street, with two encouraging sessions; Beginners at 6pm and Players from 7.45pm. The first three songs for the Players are open mic.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got different music we play, people bring different songs, we\u2019ve got quite a big repertoire of songs and we\u2019re always adding in new ones to keep it interesting,\u201d Ms King said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes we have theme nights, like when it\u2019s Rockabilly weekend and we have a Ukulilly night, dress up and do those sorts of songs.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the ukulele is cheap to pick up, and easy to learn by playing with and watching more experienced people. It\u2019s ideal for former guitarists who need a change, or those seeking a creative release.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes when your fingers get old and have arthritis, guitar can get a bit difficult, but a ukulele is just a cut down version, and it\u2019s a bit easier to play and manage.<\/p>\n
\u201cFour strings and four fingers… What can go wrong? It\u2019s not as complicated as a guitar and there\u2019s a lot of simple music you can play easily,\u201d Ms King said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of creative people who don\u2019t have an outlet for their creativity, so if you\u2019re a bit musical, it\u2019s great.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ukulele has globally captured the interest of all types of people, and BUG mirrors that, as a \u201cdiverse and open group.<\/p>\n