Calling record seekers. Want to help set a Guinness World Record? The only requirement is the ability to perform on a ukulele. Three summers ago, Strathmore started UkeFest to unite professionals, amateurs and beginners for one evening of strumming and song. With attendance surpassing expectations for the past two seasons, it has become a favorite with families.
After learning that the 2009 London Uke Festival captured the Guinness record for the most ukulele players performing in unison, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer knew that the Strathmore audience could easily top it. The two-time Grammy winners and uke teachers set about planning an evening that is sure to draw and delight uke fans of all ages.
| Onstage |
| UkeFest 2011: Put Up Your Ukes |
| Where: Gudelsky Concert Gazebo, Strathmore |
| When: 7 p.m. Wednesday |
| Info: Free; bring blankets or low beach chairs; refreshments: BBQ Shack, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Truck |
“There are so many ukulele players and ensembles throughout the area that Cathy and I wanted to do something visible to bring them all together,” Marxer said. “At past UkeFests, the ages ranged from seven to 102.
The audience is urged to arrive early Wednesday evening to enjoy roving street performers and the warm-up strum-along. To authenticate the record, each participating ukulele player must register before 7 p.m. The final count will be verified by a notary.
Before and after the witching hour of 7:30 p.m., when Marxer is confident the record will be broken, the audience will enjoy performances by many amateur and professional artists. Returning favorites include the Piney Branch Kids Ukulele Ensemble, the Washington Ukulele Orchestra, the Riders from Riderwood Retirement Community who dazzle in their colorful Hawaiian shirts, jazz ukulele player Gerald Ross, and the Sweater Set, former Strathmore artists in residence who have appeared on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
Marxer has played the ukulele since the 1970s and is excited by the number of people gravitating to the small instrument that Portuguese sailors took to Africa and beyond. Players can choose from several genres to pursue, perhaps the Hawaiian tradition, jazz and even the claw hammer technique developed by Fink.
“I believe we’re going to top the Guinness World Record easily,” Marxer said. “This has become the biggest event Strathmore holds, and I would not be surprised if 2,500 players show up. We’re ready for them.”
