Ukule-le-Chéile: Learn the ‘uke in Kinsale this winter at a fun (and free) workshop

If millennials have a sound, it’s the ukulele.
Back in the day, the bright, colourful accents of the ukulele were a familiar sound to our once-young and enthusiastic ears.
Songs by famous singers like Jason Mraz ‘I’m Yours’, Train’s ‘Hey, Soul Sister’ and Vance Joy’s ‘Riptide’ take us back to a time when Alan Watts quotes determined our college choices, heels were still being worn to the club and chicken fillet rolls were under €3.
The West Cork Ukulele Orchestra has, without doubt, kept our love and wonderment for this tiny instrument alive over the years with their fantastic shows and dedication to the ‘uke. Together since 2010, they have performed all over Ireland from sellout gigs in the Cork Opera House to Áras an Uachtaráin and every festival in between.
Now, Dr. Kevin McNally- of the famous West Cork orchestra- is running free classes in Kinsale for adult players of the ukulele who either want to learn from scratch or improve their skills in a relaxed and laid-back setting.
“Led by Dr. Kevin McNally of the West Cork Ukulele Orchestra, the sessions use popular songs to unlock the basic techniques of playing and singing for fun,” reads the poster by WCUO.
“Kevin has run these classes for ten years, as well as giving masterclasses at ukulele festivals around the country. The emphasis is on inclusion, playfulness, and giving you the confidence to strum your little heart out.”
The lessons will take place in a four-week block on Wednesday afternoons starting next week on November 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. The 3pm slot will be for complete beginners and the 4pm lesson will be for intermediate players.
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Ukule-le-Chéile takes place in the Kinsale Library and lessons are completely free of charge. To book, contact the library on (021) 4774266 or email kinsalelibrary@corkcoco.ie. Instruments will be provided.