A gift of 100 ukuleles brings a touch of aloha spirit to 29th Brigade Combat Team members in Iraq

Honolulu Star-Bulletin ^ | Sunday, August 14, 2005 | Gregg K. Kakesako

[Who dat?]

Who dat, you're thinking of Jake Shimabukuro, one of today's finest ukulele players.

Yep, that's him.

It's funny what a little (lot) of talent and a little (lot) of practice will produce.

I listened to his sample tracks. He's too much.

Recently I ran across a couple of homeless-type kids that were probably 17 years old. They were at the "Saturday Market" in Portland.

One had a ratty little drum kit and the other had a bunch of plastic buckets and stuff and they'd play a "duet."

They were actually pretty good, considering. Also, showed at least some initiative to load up their gear and drag it down there and set up and play.

It has always been fascinating to me to watch (or listen) to someone that is good at what they do...

[RosieCotton]

Here's hoping they're being used!

I think it's a cool idea.

[T. Buzzard Trueblood]

Bump.

[T. Buzzard Trueblood]

Well, it's less dangerous than sending 100 bagpipes.

True.

[T. Buzzard Trueblood]

Bump.

[T. Buzzard Trueblood]

Bump.

[dbeall]

I also play the uke. Loads of fun!

[dbeall]

It actually doesn’t take too long. I have learned that the learning curve for a uke is nowhere near as steep as learning the guitar, which I never quite could master.