The kudos keep coming for members of the Langley Ukulele Ensemble.
Their annual concert trip to Hawaii, where they are traditionally hosted by the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, was a resounding success, said the LUE’s music director, Peter Luongo.
“The students were greeted with tremendous response,” Luongo said.
Hundreds of tourists came to the hotel for every one of the concerts. The tourists, he said, were visiting from Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many came from Canada, as well as Europe.
Funnily enough, interest in the ensemble from among Hawaiians continues to grow, he said.
There are so many who want to hear the concerts that every seat is filled at every concert, Luongo said.
Not only do the members entertain, they also give lessons on the four-stringed instruments.
This week (Aug. 20 to 24), students of the ensemble are giving lessons to more than 70 children at the annual youth camp at Gordon Greenwood Elementary.
In the meantime, the ensemble is preparing for the release of its latest album, A Ukulele Rock ‘n Roll Review.
It features covers of the Beatles, Chuck Berry, Tom Petty, Simon and Garfunkel, and Neil Young. One of the tracks is Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
The CD can be bought online at www.langleyukes.com, or at the Langley Ukulele Ensemble’s annual autumn concert which will be held at Peace Portal Alliance Church, 15128 27B Ave. in Surrey, on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
The venue, Luongo said, was chosen because there isn’t one in Langley for comparable capacity and cost.
Tickets go on sale on Aug. 25 and can be bought online at www.langleyukes.com or through the box office at 604-340-8537.
The Ukulele Masters in Concert will feature a number of guest performers who will be named in the coming weeks.