Chance to try wonderful yet weird ukuleles

Feb 27 2010 by Jack Maidment, The Journal

WHAT can you do with a uke? More than you might imagine, as JACK MAIDMENT finds out.

The Newcastle collective describe their style as very tongue in cheek with a dash of 1930s Mae West naughtiness. They are due to play tomorrow afternoon.

Lady K, whose real name is Krista Puranen-Wilson and who is originally from Helsinki, Finland, believes that the Star & Shadow venue makes the event extra special.

“I think it suits the festival really well because it’s so down to earth; it’s perfect.

“When it’s sold out and everybody is singing and dancing, the atmosphere is great.”

Leon Millar, a 22-year-old music teacher and the guitarist, couldn’t agree more.

“I love the venue. It’s amazing,” says Lee, a member of Newcastle- based three-piece Vacation Pioneers, an acoustic folk pop group which cites The Smiths as a major influence.

“It has so much character and a really nice homely feel to it because it is run by volunteers.”

Vacation Pioneers will be one of the bands opening the festival this evening.

The festival also includes film screenings as well as the workshops and musical acts.

Spread over two days, it starts tonight from 7.30pm and goes on all day tomorrow from 11am-11pm.

Tickets are available on the door or from Newcastle Music: 0191 221 0595.