Ten ukulele players led by Bill Toy, hope to attract new musical recruits in Paisley. On Thursday 3 November at 2pm, his group will perform a medley of tunes before Paisley & District u3a. Members can then try out this instrument for themselves. Mr Toy, from Lanark & District u3a, will also share how their ukulele group started. Anyone interested in this or u3a is welcome to pop into the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley PA1 1ND that afternoon. Doors open 1.30pm for refreshments. Current members can use a pre-arranged Zoom link for the performance and talk.
u3a chair, Kathy O’Donnell said: “This promises to be a fun-filled meeting. We will be treated to pieces which showcase the musical diversity of this popular instrument. The ukulele resembles a small classical acoustic guitar yet its unique sound makes people smile. Some of us may remember the expert player George Formby or have listened to the current American virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro. This is a chance for the audience to have a go. If people enjoy it, who knows we might start up our own u3a ukulele group!”
Guest speaker Bill Toy remarked: “Music is an international language and it is always with you. It brings back memories it cheers you up and it can be played on everything from a penny whistle to a full orchestra. I’d been a u3a member for a couple of years when it was announced that a ukulele group was being formed. So, having played the mandolin, I signed up for the ukulele group. In 2022 we played at a Jubilee celebration!”
Details of local u3a activities and groups at: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome