Bringing magic melodies to Mondays

 

Scores of the musically-inclined, and lovers of song and strum, have tuned into a new local monthly event, celebrating an age old instrument and turning Monday evenings into a night of fun and harmony.  

Held at the local Mangawhai Tavern, the first ukulele ‘Magical Monday’ evening on March 12 attracted over 50 people with a further 70 on the second night, April 9. 

The monthly event is a ‘celebration of ukulele song, great food, plenty to drink and the finest people in Kaipara all gathered in the same place at the same time’, organiser and ‘4 in a Bar’ ukulele band member, Miguel Hamber says. 
“Magical Mondays is an avenue for people to make music in a group and have fun doing so,” he says. “A large number of clever and artistic people live in Mangawhai, just the sort who enjoy making music. Some play ukes, some sing, some do both and others are just happy to be in the same room as so many talented people.” 

Miguel says the appeal of the monthly strumalongs and singalongs is the non-threatening environment. 

“If you play a wrong chord or sing a dud note in a room full of 100 people, who’s going to hear you?” he says. “Many of these people used to ‘do music’ when they were young but gave it away as careers and raising families consumed their days. Now they have time to spend, doing the sorts of things they used to enjoy or taking up new activities they’ve always wanted to do.” 

Created in the 1880’s by Portuguese cabinet makers who also introduced the four stringed instrument to Hawaii, the name ‘ukulele’ loosely translates in Hawaiian to ‘jumping flea’, due to the quick finger movement of the players. 

Favoured through the 20th century because of its simplicity and portable size, the inexpensive instrument features in a range of musical genres including country, jazz and popular harmonies.

Conducted around three sets of eight songs with a break for drinks in between, Magical Monday’s may also feature regular guest musicians.
“Judging from the comments, everyone had a marvellous time but we know we can get better. Thanks to everyone who came and to the staff of the Mangawhai Tavern for making it such an enjoyable evening,” Miguel says. “The next night is May 14… the Tavern and the band are working together to make the next magical Monday even more memorable, so bring your ukulele, your best singing voice, your wallet and someone to carry you home. Entry is free so you're guaranteed to get value for money.”

 Magical Mondays, Mangawhai Tavern, second Monday of each month, 7pm – 8.30pm. For more information visit magicalmondays.weebly.com.


Formed especially for the Magical Mondays, ‘4 in a Bar’ is, from left, Lesley Smith, Miguel, Rosemary Cranswick and Elaine Hamber, all former members of Auckland ukulele groups.