Young Ukers on the big stage

Gisborne Girls’ High student Keira Coogan won the solo/duo section of the East Coast Smoke Free Rock Quest finals with ukulele performance of original songs. The young musician will now perform as part of the Young Ukers evening next week.

The winner of the solo/duo category in the East Coast Smokefree Rockquest finals will be a headline act at the Young Ukers night next week.

Ukulele player, and singer-songwriter, Keira Coogan, is an up-and-coming artist who will be part of an evening devoted to young ukulele players of all abilities.

The evening will be made up of ukulele performances from close to 200 children from nine schools, a combined performance of two songs from the combined groups, individual and solo performances and strumalongs the audience is invited to be part of.

Some of the arrangements teachers have helped with are amazing, says Gisborne Ukulele Underground co-organiser Sheridan Gundry.

“We are absolutely rapt to have nine schools taking part — Ilminster and Gisborne intermediates, Te Wharau, Matawai, Wainui, Mangapapa, Makaraka, Te Hapara, and Gisborne Girls’ High.

“We know they will have a great whanau presence there on the night but we encourage anyone to bring a ukelele and come and support our young players.”

Gisborne Ukelele Underground hosted Young Ukers for the first time last year at the Gisborne Bowling Club. The event was so popular, this year’s event will be at the War Memorial Theatre on Friday, June 15, 6pm start. Entry $5 at the door.