Contact: Richard Koch Performing Arts Manager richard.koch@artsglenallen.com 804-261-6208
Third Annual UkeFest Virginia Returns November 7th and 8th With More Ways to Participate! New, Nationally-Known Performers and More Opportunities to “Play with the Pros” as Festival Returns to The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, Virginia Successful Festival Features Two Days of Award-Winning Music by Marcy Marxer, Gerald Ross, Stuart Fuchs, The Aloha Boys and More! Many Performers Also Hosting Workshops Open to the Public! (Glen Allen, Virginia – July 14, 2014) More music and more chances to learn from and jam with the pros highlight the return of the Third Annual UkeFest Virginia on Friday and Saturday, November 7th and 8th at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen in Glen Allen, Virginia. The sweet sounds of the ukulele will fill the air in suburban Richmond as musicians and ukulele lovers from across the United States celebrate the four string dynamo that most anyone can play. UkeFest Virginia features wall to wall music and even more of the popular workshops where fans can learn from their favorite performers as well as Ukenanny Jams where fans can actually play with festival performers! From serious concerts to informal jams, workshops, to open mic performances, as well as artisans and vendors: all the fun is designed to put a spotlight on the unique and mesmerizing ukulele. UkeFest Virginia kicks off Friday evening, November 7, with a 2nd Stage concert from 7-9 p.m. by The Broad Street Ramblers and by Stuart Fuchs followed by an open ukulele jam until 10:00 pm. The Broad Street Ramblers are devoted to exploring the roots and branches of America's traditional music, performing everything from Blues to Old Time to Hawaiian tunes. Stuart Fuchs is a performing artist, multi-instrumentalist, music educator & workshop facilitator. He plays everything he can get his hands on, but specializes in Ukulele, Gypsy Jazz & Classical Guitar, Didgeridoo, and Percussion. Beginning 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, UkeFest Virginia rolls into high gear. Throughout the day there will be concerts, inspiring workshops, ukulele jams, open mic & Community Stage opportunities, artisan displays and sales as well as craft and food vendors. The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen * 2880 Mountain Road * Glen Allen, VA 23060 * Info (804) 261-ARTS (2787) * ukefestva.com Page 1
Saturday concerts include performances by: - Two-Time Grammy® Award Winner Marcy Marxer is a formidable powerhouse of sound, with a repertoire of traditional and contemporary folk, old-time country and swing music. - Gerald Ross blends the sounds of jazz, blues and swing while creating a ukulele style uniquely his own, whether playing in any number of genres. - The Aloha Boys are Hawaiian born and bred; they have brought traditional Hawaiian music with pleasant harmonies across the globe for decades. - Skye Zentz is a Soul Singer with a Folk Heart and a plethora of songs in varying styles up her sleeve. Her music has been described as "a cozy home with many wildly decorated rooms.” -A Finale Jam featuring many UkeFest Virginia artists will close the festivities in a big way with a rousing gathering of talent at 10:00 p.m. Don’t know how to play or want to learn some new techniques? Many people from beginner to advanced come to UkeFest Virginia to learn at one of the many Workshops given by actual festival performers! Classes run for approximately one hour beginning at 11:15 am, 2:45 pm and 6:15 pm, cost $20 each and feature instruction from many UkeFest performers! This is one of the most popular and unique aspects of UkeFest Virginia and spots in the workshops are sure to fill up fast. Back by popular demand, Ukenanny Concerts offer attendees the opportunity to play some songs with the pros. Fans are encouraged to bring their uke and join the fun! Ukenanny Concerts take place on November 8 at 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. In between the concerts and workshops, fans can check out the Community Stage and jam sessions held spontaneously throughout the Cultural Arts Center. Ukuleles will be available for purchase - buy a uke and start playing! UkeFest Virginia tickets are on sale now, with both a UkeFest Unlimited Access Package, which includes all concerts and three workshops for $100 or Individual Tickets, which are available for all concerts ($15 each in advance, $18 at the door) and workshops ($20 each.) An entire area of the festival does not require an admission fee - you will be able to hear regional musicians in mini-concerts, jam sessions, and budding performers during the open mic sessions. Plus, the merchant, artisan, and food vendors will also be accessible in the free festival area. To purchase tickets as well as complete information, schedules and performer’s biographies, please visit UkeFestVa.com. * * * UkeFest Virginia is produced in collaboration between the River City Ukulele Society, The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen and ukulele enthusiasts everywhere!
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen * 2880 Mountain Road * Glen Allen, VA 23060 * Info (804) 261-ARTS (2787) * ukefestva.com Page 2