Hello Dears,
How are you? It’s been a while, I’m sorry. I think the lack of posting over the summer reflects what a super busy time we have had of late! But now it’s time to catch up on what’s been going on. It feels strange to still be feeling quite summery at the end of October, but summer never really ended down our neck of the woods. Although the nights have been drawing in, we have been fortunate enough to still have more than our fair share of glorious sunshine most weeks and we haven’t stopped playing since.
Over the ‘actual’ summer months, we were lucky enough to be pretty gigged up with an array of different events. Stretching our memories all the way back to July, we started the season playing at a wonderful Birthday party in the most beautiful English Country Garden in Beaminster. We are country girls at heart and to be playing in such surroundings was a real treat.
At the end of July our sessions at The Portland Port began. We were to sit on the side of the dock and play to the passengers re-boarding their ship after a day out on the south coast and then play them off as they left. It was quite a surreal experience sitting right next to some of the biggest cruise liners in Europe, some ships were so high up that the passengers looked tiny waving at us from their balconies. We always got such a warm reception though, our music must’ve carried well as we got lots of them singing along and dancing. A few amusing highlights that we will remember include; the engine crew opening their side door to do a call and response sing and dance with us to Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary’; being honked at by the ships captain with the line ‘Baby you can drive my ship!’ (having just done our version of the Beatles ‘Drive my Car’); playing from inside an upturned shipping container when the weather was bad and jumping out of our skins every time the Nothe Artillery let off their canon as the ships left. We had so much fun, we hope to be back again next year!
Throughout the summer months, we played a number of great pub gigs in Weymouth at the Royal Oak on the harbour side and at Boho in town. We love playing both of these places, they have such friendly staff and customers and such a relaxed happy vibe. We were also lucky enough to have local drummer and all round hitter of objects David Hackett sit in with us on his Cajon a few times. We always enjoy mixing it up a bit and love playing with other musicians so this was a real treat. We look forward to more gigs at both places over the following winter months and perhaps more collaborations with who knows….?!
A massive highlight in August for us was playing at the brand new Forever Sun Festival in Dorchester. Although this was the only weekend of the summer is really rained, it did not put anyone off. It was a fantastic weekend of music put together by some great people, who ensured that there was a good selection of local talent on the bill as well as many well known acts. Our slot took place early on the Friday in the Curiosity Lounge, we had a good response and it was great chatting to the people who came up to us at various points over the weekend to say how much they enjoyed it.
At the end of August, we took ourselves off on a mini road trip to Brighton where we were booked to play a wedding. We travelled up the day before so we could enjoy a day/night there. We had such an amazing time exploring the vintage shops, record shops and music shops, as well as taking in the pier, some chips and doughnuts (anyone would think we’d never been to the seaside before?!) Finally topping off the night by finding the most excellent swing DJ – playing dance music from the 1920’s to the 1950’s – including so many of our favourites records! The wedding the next afternoon was a real treat too, set just outside of the city in a beautiful countryside barn. We really do get to visit some gorgeous places on our ukulele travels.
The first weekend in September started with two gigs at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage in Axminster. We loved this gig last year and were so happy to be invited back for both days of the Autumn Fair this year. The weather held out for the most part and everyone enjoyed the days activities and the definitely the food!
Mid September there was a very special gig for us when we played at my sisters wedding. We played her down the aisle (managing not to cry!) and during the signing of the register. It was such a wonderful day for all concerned and I felt honoured to be able to play the music for my beautiful big sisters big day.
At the end of September we played and did a workshop at a big Community Family Fun Day put on by Stacey’s dad for the Baptist Church in celebration of their anniversary. We love to be involved with our local community and there was such a spectacular turn out, we hope they make it an annual event and invite us back again!
So here we are at last to October. With already a few gigs under our belts this month and another three to come this weekend, we show no sign in slowing down just yet! Our first gig tomorrow morning is at a ‘Pretty Nostalgic Magazine’ gathering taking place in Bristol. We are super excited about this one, it’s always lovely to meet other vintage minded folk and with a day packed full of vintage entertainment, food, shopping and talks – what more could we want? Take a look at the event and our write up here:
http://prettynostalgic.co.uk/blog/til-uke/
Then finally Sunday night we are back at Boho in Weymouth again, from 5-7pm. Please do come and join us, we’d love to see you all there!
I promise the next post will be sooner (and shorter!) We are already getting excited about the lead up to Christmas! If you want us to play at your venue or your event do get in touch.
With love for now,
L x
tiltherewasuke.co.uk 