A very different summer...

Marko and i taking a musical break on the sidewalk
Photo courtesy of Sanne Donders

Yep, a very different summer than what we planned. SIGH Kind of a bummer. We had just finished up 3 projects at the end of June and we're feeling pretty proud of ourselves and looking forward to a well deserved break when financial disaster struck BIG TIME. CRAP!

I spent a week trying not to cry, but did, and trying to figure out how in the hell we were to go on. And yes, we've come up with a plan. However, we've had to completely re-arrange our plans which unfortunately meant canceling several trips to visit friends and play, so that sucks. (We love you, Dublin, we'll be there next year for sure).

Anyway, although our funds are depleted, we thankfully have lots of materials and tools to work with so we are busy fixing up our front room. It used to be a store and we are going to renovate it into a Music Salon. (I believe it was actually a music store once, but more about that later) It'll be a place where we can exhibit our Ukuleles, Homemade- Instruments and Amps & Art Work. We'll also host small workshops in this space. After the salon is finished we'll be working on getting some more pieces done to fill it up and will also be working on our musical act, planning projects & figuring out some creative fund raising techniques. Thus, a major summer TO-DO list. Thankfully, after a week of cussing, tears and too much drinking, i've regained my positive attitude and am just looking at this time as a new phase in our creative career. Very curious what the coming cultural season will bring.

I really hope you all are enjoying your summer. Take Care & Have Fun!

The Swan Market

There is a new 'lifestyle' market in my neighborhood (Rotterdam North) called the Swan Market. There you can find design items, crafts, vintage goods, affordable art, good eats and everything in between. It's really wonderful and a great thing for the neighborhood. Marko and i set up a booth with all of our goods from The Jumping Flea Market & also played a bit of music at the spring edition. Here's a look...
Me & Romano behind the stand
Some of our cool handmade & vintage wares from 'The Jumping Flea Market'
Paul Blom testing 'The Maritza'

Get In That Kitchen & Rattle Those Pots & Pans

Ukulelezaza playing my Baritone Cigar Box Ukulele...

Last Friday at the 15th Ukulele Jamboree during Route du Nord at Rotabs Style Center i raffled off one of my Cigarbox Ukes. Amazingly, Ukulelezaza won it! When he got home he made a video of himself playing it. So wonderful to hear my instrument played by one of the best. WAAAA! This is so FAB...