Thermalele's sing praise for hot new ukelele craze

Libby Stulen and Margaret Kelly practice their chords. Photo / Stephen Parker

Ukulele enthusiasts have come out in force for a Sunday singalong as part of Rotorua's Hot Lakes Ukulele Festival.

For many at the KiwiPaka Bar in Rotorua yesterday it was also an opportunity to learn the basic chords and play contemporary and traditional ukulele music with members of Rotorua ukulele group The Thermalele's.

Libby Stulen said she did a course a couple of years ago and then did nothing, but the festival had inspired her to come back and try again.

"It's quite easy compared to a guitar. It has only got four strings."

She said The Themalele's made playing and singing look easy.

Julie Graddy has been playing the ukulele for three years and is a member of local group Highly Strung.

"The great thing about the ukulele is you don't have to know many chords to play songs. It's easy."

She said there were websites that will adapt music for ukuleles.

Margaret Kelly, a member of The Thermalele's, said the ukulele was affordable, mobile and "people smile when you play".

She said one of the reason for the ukulele's comeback was it was undergoing a revival in the schools. "It's easier to sing and play at the same time unlike a recorder."

The festival will continue into November with plans for another two workshops.

Ms Kelly said there had been a reasonable turnout at the festival so far.