GUMBO PLAYERS:
Lou Osburn
Been strumming since I was a girl, and I still love it. Playing a ukulele invites smiles, evokes memories, and most of all makes me happy. I have played many instruments during my life. The piano is the basis for all musical learning, and I took lessons for 7 years when I was in elementary, middle and high school. I have played the autoharp, taken lessons on the viola, rang bells in a bell choir, sung in the high school glee club, and in a sextet (ala barber shop songs) and played in a ukulele band for 5 years. I chose the ukulele as the instrument on which I continue to learn and enjoy a musical gumbo of songs. From the back of a hayride evening around the campfire, to sophisticated hula songs, if it’s ukulele music-I just love it!
Keith Reyes
My hometown is Molokai, Hawaii. At the age of twelve, I attended Malahia Boys Camp. There was a ukulele instructor at the camp by the name of Nelson Waikiki. He taught basic chords without sheet music. Mr. Waikiki played and sang a song while the boys followed along with their ukulele. Therefore, I can't read music, but play by ear. As I grew up, I continued to learn ukulele by playing music for my mother's hula group. While serving in the military, I played ukulele for several Hawaiian groups from Japan to Germany to Oklahoma.
When I am not working at my business.....Hang Loose Auto Air....I am enjoying some of my other hobbies....playing volleyball, going fishing, raising chickens and riding my Honda Trike.
When I am not working at my business.....Hang Loose Auto Air....I am enjoying some of my other hobbies....playing volleyball, going fishing, raising chickens and riding my Honda Trike.
Ellen Stetson
Do you remember plastic ukuleles that were first popular around 1955? I loved mine the first time I heard its happy sound, imagining I was so cool. As a teen I saved money from a summer job to buy a Yamaha guitar, took piano lessons, and wanted to be the next Joan Baez. Self-taught in ukulele and guitar, I traveled with a college, all-girl folk singing group entertaining in Southern U.S. military bases during the Viet Nam Era, a transforming experience.
Fifty years later, a friend and luthier David Matthews invited me to join his band, The Strumdingers Ukulele Band. Reintroducing ukulele into my life was perfectly contagious, each instrument a work of art. I loved learning and watching faces light up as we played for audiences.
Friendships formed with other ukulele enthusiasts enrich my life, and the versatility of the “uke” is appealing. The global ukulele community amazes me, and attending festivals and concerts expands my appreciation of this unconditionally accepting, supportive and happy bunch of people. From beginners to masters, ukulele offers a level playing field for music lovers from all walks of life.
My husband Dale and I still carry my ukulele in our motorcycle trailer when we ride the U.S. It’s a seriously fun instrument that likes to go!
Fifty years later, a friend and luthier David Matthews invited me to join his band, The Strumdingers Ukulele Band. Reintroducing ukulele into my life was perfectly contagious, each instrument a work of art. I loved learning and watching faces light up as we played for audiences.
Friendships formed with other ukulele enthusiasts enrich my life, and the versatility of the “uke” is appealing. The global ukulele community amazes me, and attending festivals and concerts expands my appreciation of this unconditionally accepting, supportive and happy bunch of people. From beginners to masters, ukulele offers a level playing field for music lovers from all walks of life.
My husband Dale and I still carry my ukulele in our motorcycle trailer when we ride the U.S. It’s a seriously fun instrument that likes to go!
Glenda Collums
What fun being in a ukulele band! Who would have thunk it! Me...over 60 years old(oh, me!) playing and singing in a band much less a ukulele band!
I always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, but up until about five years ago all I ever attempted was the piano.....didn't stick with that....life happens. Gumbo player and great friend, Lou Osburn, introduced me to the ukulele and the wonderful sound that comes from this small instrument.
My addiction to the ukulele has grown over the past few years. My friends and family will be happy to verify that fact! There are so many sizes, shapes, colors and sounds that it is hard to just own one ukulele. My wall is covered and I have lost count. Of course, I have my favorites and they get played the most!
Learning to play the ukelele has been added to my other hobbies of photography and gardening....among others. Life is good!
I always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, but up until about five years ago all I ever attempted was the piano.....didn't stick with that....life happens. Gumbo player and great friend, Lou Osburn, introduced me to the ukulele and the wonderful sound that comes from this small instrument.
My addiction to the ukulele has grown over the past few years. My friends and family will be happy to verify that fact! There are so many sizes, shapes, colors and sounds that it is hard to just own one ukulele. My wall is covered and I have lost count. Of course, I have my favorites and they get played the most!
Learning to play the ukelele has been added to my other hobbies of photography and gardening....among others. Life is good!
Ronny Collums
To hear my wife tell it, I am always making a noise of some sort. What can I say....I like to sing! Up until this point in my life, my only association with music, or a band, was helping a some friends set up their gear my first year in college. They encouraged me to learn the guitar, but you know how it goes....too many other things got in the way.
Learning to play the ukulele is really a challenge, especially with no musical training. It is really satisfying though when your fingers finally find the right strings to play a chord.
Since I retired from the phone company several years ago, I have taken up golf. That is my main hobby and I really love it although Glenda can't see my fascination with hitting a little white ball!
Learning to play the ukulele is really a challenge, especially with no musical training. It is really satisfying though when your fingers finally find the right strings to play a chord.
Since I retired from the phone company several years ago, I have taken up golf. That is my main hobby and I really love it although Glenda can't see my fascination with hitting a little white ball!
Susan Keith
I have been playing the ukulele since I was seven years old when I got my first one. The girl up the street taught me a few chords and I was on my way! Then...when I was thirteen, I broke my arm in the middle of my SPAR ukulele class. No problem....I just learned to play the uke across my lap!!
I took up guitar in middle school, but it just didn't do it for me. I returned to the uke on and off all of my life. As a teacher, I used the uke to assist my social studies lessons. We sang songs about the states and historic events, and then ended with a rousing chorus of Beatle songs! I now use the uke in Pet Education Program presentations in schools across the area.
I took up guitar in middle school, but it just didn't do it for me. I returned to the uke on and off all of my life. As a teacher, I used the uke to assist my social studies lessons. We sang songs about the states and historic events, and then ended with a rousing chorus of Beatle songs! I now use the uke in Pet Education Program presentations in schools across the area.
Rita Rodgers
I'm a retired teacher living in my hometown of Shreveport, but I spent most of my career living and teaching in Hawaii. I've been playing the ukulele since I was in high school, and my friend, Bill Bush, taught me my first chords. I had a tenor guitar in college, and loved folk music, but when I got to Hawaii and discovered the baritone ukulele, I knew I had found my instrument. I played the piano briefly as a child - alas, not much any more - but I still have my grandmother's piano.
In the early years I played from memory or the "show me how to play that" method. Eventually I learned to read the baritone chords and fell in love with Hawaiian music and hula. Over the years I played in my classroom, at school programs, at backyard parties and luaus and at the beach. Since I retired, I haven't had anybody to play music with, so I was thrilled and delighted to find Ukulele Gumbo. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would find a ukulele group in Shreveport!
When not strumming, I volunteer at the Centenary Book House and Book Bazaar, ride herd on my three cats and love books and reading.
In the early years I played from memory or the "show me how to play that" method. Eventually I learned to read the baritone chords and fell in love with Hawaiian music and hula. Over the years I played in my classroom, at school programs, at backyard parties and luaus and at the beach. Since I retired, I haven't had anybody to play music with, so I was thrilled and delighted to find Ukulele Gumbo. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would find a ukulele group in Shreveport!
When not strumming, I volunteer at the Centenary Book House and Book Bazaar, ride herd on my three cats and love books and reading.
Mike Broussard
I bought my first ukulele at Guitar Center on a whim after Christmas 2014. My teen-aged son learned how to play it on the way home. I returned it three weeks later because the Soprano was just too small for me to get a good feel for, so I traded it in for a larger model.
I got hooked. I am self-taught through You Tube, web sites, iPhone apps, and good old Printed items.
I like to take songs I like from the radio, find the lyrics and chords, and print a song sheet and learn it. I have quite a few songs under my fingers and in my collection. I have recently converted most of my music to a digital format to be read on a phone or tablet rather than in a binder or notebook.
I play music from The Beatles, Meatloaf, Eagles, Clapton, and so on. "I LIKES THE 70s." Know a bunch of Cajun standards, too. (Broussard, right?) My ukulele collection has grown to 7 instruments so far, and I like unique looking instruments.
I got hooked. I am self-taught through You Tube, web sites, iPhone apps, and good old Printed items.
I like to take songs I like from the radio, find the lyrics and chords, and print a song sheet and learn it. I have quite a few songs under my fingers and in my collection. I have recently converted most of my music to a digital format to be read on a phone or tablet rather than in a binder or notebook.
I play music from The Beatles, Meatloaf, Eagles, Clapton, and so on. "I LIKES THE 70s." Know a bunch of Cajun standards, too. (Broussard, right?) My ukulele collection has grown to 7 instruments so far, and I like unique looking instruments.
Wendi Roach
Music is part of my life that I lost when I had an accident in 1995. When I woke up from a coma with a traumatic brain injury I had little patience for listening to the radio and even less for singing with damaged vocal chords. It took me 20 years to find an appreciation for music again, and decided a few years back to play the ukelele. I don’t know why...why do I do anything? Who knows? All I know now is that playing is a lot of fun and even though I’m still learning Ukulele Gumbo has welcomed me and given me back a part of my life that was lost a long time ago. Thanks, you guys!
Brian Cole
I’ve liked playing music since I can remember. I started out by learning to play the guitar back in the third grade. Then I played trumpet through middle school and high school. When I joined the Air Force, I quit playing music for a while. I eventually started playing the trumpet at church now and then, and in a community band. Then one day, our church music director said they wanted a bass player. I figured I knew where the notes on the fretboard were so I volunteered. I have been playing bass at churches for about 20 years now. About a year ago, I got a ukulele. Now I’m seriously hooked! I feel like its more fun playing a ukulele then all the other instruments I’ve played. I’m so glad for the opportunity to play along with this great group. I just wish I had discovered the ukulele years ago!
My other favorite hobbies include bicycle riding (a couple thousand miles a year) and RV camping. I also love playing with my three West Highland White Terriers (Westies).
My other favorite hobbies include bicycle riding (a couple thousand miles a year) and RV camping. I also love playing with my three West Highland White Terriers (Westies).
Genie Burkhalter
Playing ukulele is so much fun! My musical experiences began with church choir and piano lessons which I continued through high school.
When I was elementary school age, I heard a ukulele for the first time. My friend’s dad, who had been stationed in Hawaii with the military, played his ukulele for us and it was awesome. After my parents ordered me a soprano ukulele with an instruction book, I taught myself to play. I tried baritone ukulele and guitar and always went back to my baritone. As the new kid in middle school, I brought my baritone to play at recess and it helped me make new friends.
During high school, I sang in several church choirs, including a folk group, played flute in my school band, and kept playing piano, but I played my ukuleles less frequently. In adulthood, I continued singing in church choirs and even a gospel quartet.
A couple of years ago my friend Glenda invited me to the ukulele jam sessions at the Broadmoor Branch of the library without even knowing I had played. I had a great time! With a little cleaning and new strings, my ukuleles are back in business. Once again my baritone is helping me make new friends with this wonderful group of musicians. We have a great time practicing together and playing for groups around our area.
In addition to Ukulele Gumbo, I enjoy walking, reading, yoga, and gardening.
When I was elementary school age, I heard a ukulele for the first time. My friend’s dad, who had been stationed in Hawaii with the military, played his ukulele for us and it was awesome. After my parents ordered me a soprano ukulele with an instruction book, I taught myself to play. I tried baritone ukulele and guitar and always went back to my baritone. As the new kid in middle school, I brought my baritone to play at recess and it helped me make new friends.
During high school, I sang in several church choirs, including a folk group, played flute in my school band, and kept playing piano, but I played my ukuleles less frequently. In adulthood, I continued singing in church choirs and even a gospel quartet.
A couple of years ago my friend Glenda invited me to the ukulele jam sessions at the Broadmoor Branch of the library without even knowing I had played. I had a great time! With a little cleaning and new strings, my ukuleles are back in business. Once again my baritone is helping me make new friends with this wonderful group of musicians. We have a great time practicing together and playing for groups around our area.
In addition to Ukulele Gumbo, I enjoy walking, reading, yoga, and gardening.