by Mat Churchill

It might be a small instrument, but the 2010 Cairns Ukulele Festival is being billed as the biggest, most diverse ukulele festival ever held in the southern hemisphere.  

Tanks Arts Centre will be the venue for many of the ticketed performances which feature a stellar international and national line-up of artists including (but not limited to) Canadian ukulele virtuoso James Hill, multi-Grammy award winning Daniel Ho from Hawaii, and Australian ukulele legend Azo Bell.

Music styles on offer include blues, jazz, bluegrass, and pop so whatever your fancy you'll be able to get your fix.

And the great thing is, once you've bought your ticket you can attend all live performances, jam sessions, and several all-ages beginner and intermediate workshops.
 
 
To complement the ukulele action, there will be market stalls, including stalls by all major ukulele brands.  Anyone interested in learning to play the uke is encouraged to come along.

All the action kicks off at 10.30am on Sunday, 4 July.  Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketlink.com.au or by calling 1300 855 835 and cost $40 for adults ($35 concession), and $15 for children aged 5 to 12. Booking fees apply.

Hot off the press, we've just been advised by Quicksilver that as part of this inaugural Cairns Ukulele Festival, Green Island will be hosting two world-renowned ukulele artists at Great Adventures Ukulele Island Gig on Friday 2 July.   Hawaii-born Jason Arimoto and US artist Matt Dahlberg will both perform separate concerts and conduct kids’ workshops on Green Island.    Apparently there will be special travel offers available to ensure everyone can enjoy this fun filled day.

Reporter's Note: Wouldn't it be nice to see an original music festival such as this up here in Port Douglas?  Keep your eyes on the Newsport for an upcoming story about the live music scene in Port Douglas.