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BY LB INDY STAFF
The Susi Q ’ s Ukefest is back . Victoria Vox and Jack Maher are teaming up once again to lead a ukulele workshop and offer a concert that will set feet tapping and heads bobbing .
“ Stylistically , it ’ s a bit Americana , jazz , folk , and pop , but really , there are no boundaries ,” said Maher .
This fun event , one of the Susi Q ’ s most popular , takes place Nov . 19 , starting with the workshop from 4 p . m . to 5 p . m ., followed by a concert from 5:30 p . m . to 7 p . m .
The Susi Q is honored to host the talented musical duo who , since eloping in 2016 , have been writing and performing together in between their seperate gigs . They ’ ve frequently been featured on the national stage , including Jay Leno ’ s “ Tonight Show ” and in the Wall Street Journal , so their presence is quite a coup for the Susi Q . A few questions answered Did you know that the word “ ukulele ” means “ jumping fleas ?” It ’ s said that when Portuguese sailors arrived at the Hawaiian Islands , locals were fascinated by the speed of their fingers on the strings of a small guitar that would later evolve into the ukulele – hence the name .
The Susi Q caught up with Vox to ask a few questions .
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SQ : What do you believe it is about ukulele music that makes people feel so joyful ?
VV : Ukulele music , or rather , the instrument , has got it all . Some people feel nostalgia for the ukulele from their childhood or a trip to Hawaii , and others love the instrument for its musical versatility . The beauty is that anything can be played on a ukulele . People love its playfulness , but it can also be unassuming and heart-warming .
SQ : What attracted you to the ukulele ?
VV : I used to play guitar , but someone gave me a ukulele in 2003 . By popular demand , I fully traded my guitar for the uke by 2009 . The ukulele proved to be a great tool for songwriting and travel .
SQ : Your mouth-trumpeting skills are amazing . When and why did you first develop this skill – or is it an art form ?
VV : It ’ s what happens when one spends too much time alone in the car . I discovered my mouth trumpet in the summer of 2006 . Once I decided that I was going to stick to it , I began listening to Chet Baker to hone in on emulating trumpet tone and technique . It helped that I played trumpet in high school , too . Being invited on the Tonight Show
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Renowned ukulele musicians Victoria Vox and Jack Maher will host a workshop and performance at the Susi Q on Nov . 19 . Submitted Photo
with Jay Leno and featured in a cultural piece in the Wall Street Journal were some high notes . Not to blow my own horn !
SQ : What did you enjoy most about the last time you performed at the Susi Q ?
VV : Gosh , That was before the pandemic . We are so excited to come back . It ’ s a great facility . I ’ ll teach a ukulele workshop followed by a performance with projected images / animations that inspired my new album , Nirvana in REM .
Whether you pronounce the word “ oo ” kulele ” or “ you ” kulele , you will have a fabulous time at the event , learning how the most jolly of all instruments is played and listening to the fabulous sounds of Jack & the Vox .
Susi Q encourages interested people
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to sign up soon as this event is popular . Light refreshments will be served , and beer and wine will be available by donation .
For more information about Jack & the Vox , visit www . jackandthevox . com .
Register online at www . thesusiq . org and click on Classes . To RSVP by phone , call ( 949 ) 715-8105 .
The Susi Q offers a wide range of educational and fun programs , classes and clubs for older adults – though all ages are welcome . The Susi Q ’ s Care Management Department provides free consultation , education and practical resources for vulnerable seniors , enabling them to stay safe , informed , and independent . For more information on The Susi Q , the portal to access the best of Laguna ’ s community resources , visit www . thesusiq . org .
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