I just returned from some gigs in Europe. This was going to be just a vacation but I got several offers I could not refuse. It was my pleasure to be "special guest from the USA" at the London Ukulele Cabaret in London, England in October, 2014. This event is hosted by the wonderful entertainer Tricity Vogue and is always a blast. I played there in 2013 as well. Another highlight was giving a workshop / concert in Amsterdam, Holland for the Ukulele Club of Amsterdam. It was very gratifying the response I got at those shows.
This summer I did several uke festivals including a week long workshop in the Columbia Gorge overlooking the Columbia River. Also, the Oakridge Ukulele Festival had me back this year for a three day festival that was a lot of fun. These festivals are a mix of workshops, concerts and jamming. My workshops were packed! You get to hear some excellent artists at these festivals. The act that knocked my out was Victor & Penny, a swing duo from Kansas City. Victor plays smokin' swing guitar while Penny handles most of the vocals and some solid rhythm on the ukulele. Check 'em out if you can.
Right now I am working on finishing up a new blues oriented CD and I am also starting a ukulele CD that with have an ensemble sound in the backing. I have had a lot requests for a uke CD so here it comes.
Also, check out some new videos on You Tube we just did that are getting a very good response. I just learned that my video of "Big River" finished in the top 5 in a viewers poll for best ukulele video for 2013 in the UK. Wow, that is pretty cool. Somehow, I got a pretty good following for my uke playing in England. A couple of ukulele websites...Uketoob and Ukulele Hunt regularly post my videos and that has helped a lot get my name out in Europe.
Amsterdam, Holland October, 2014
Uke workshop for Amsterdam Uke Club. October, 2014.
Shot at the London Ukulele Cabaret in October, 2014. This starts with the tail end of "I Fought The Law" and host Tricity Vogue and audience calls James back for an encore of this classic Johnny Cash tune. This is a monthly event in London, England and they often have special guests.