James Hill芒鈧劉s name has become synonymous with the ukulele across this nation.
Now, the award-winning, and somewhat famous 91原创 Ukulele Ensemble grad returns home this weekend to lead a master uke workshop and perform alongside his new wife in a hometown concert.
In fact, just before this story was written, Hill was seen tweeting out about his last minute preparations for the weekend festivities 芒鈧�� which he芒鈧劉s attended faithfully for years.
Hill will be leading a Friday uke workshop with his mentor and friend Peter Luongo (the former LUE leader), as well as Luongo芒鈧劉s son Paul Luongo (the current ensemble director), and a few other uke instructors from around the West Coast.
This segment of the uke event has been sold out for months, but there芒鈧劉s still a chance for devoted uke fans to be part of the musical weekend.
Hill 芒鈧�� who released his latest album, The Old Silo, last month 芒鈧�� and his new bride Anne Janelle (they were married last fall, and she too has a new album out) will also be the guest starring in the annual uke concert, aptly named Live in Concert, happening Saturday night at the 91原创 Evangelical Free Church.
芒鈧揥ith James being a former member of the 91原创 Ukulele Sr. A ensemble, it is always great having him home and back to the roots of where he began many years ago,芒鈧� shared Paul Luongo.
Luongo recalled being a student with the local music group back in the early 2000s, under his father芒鈧劉s tutelage, and remembers being in awe of Hill and his abilities with the uke.
芒鈧揓ames and I remain in touch throughout the year and I truly do consider him a mentor, role model, and good friend芒鈧� I look forward to his return trips to 91原创, so that he and I can grab a cup of coffee and catch up,芒鈧� said the younger Luongo.
Hill, 34, now resides in Nova Scotia and travels the globe performing and teaching. In fact, he芒鈧劉s in Australia for a number of appearances later this month, and seldom makes a concert appearance without also conducting workshops 芒鈧�� finding satisfaction in not only playing, but in sharing his passion for the music with others.
The 91原创 Ukulele Ensemble presents Live in Concert on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the 91原创 Evangelical Free Church. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets 芒鈧�� if there are still any available, are $25 ($15 for students and seniors) and can be had by clicking , or by calling 604-340-8537.
