Grandpa Uke ...entertaining LIVE tonight at Nex Hypermart, Serangoon.

The last 2 months or so I have spent much of my time going through all my collection of song books, song files, music CDs, music albums for the purpose of re-organising the many resources for easy retrieval based on song index, song type and other such things.

 In doing so, I found it was necessary to look at many of the song lyrics to correct obvious mistakes. Many of these songs did not come with music notes or even chord tabs. So, I had to source for them on the internet. When that produced nothing, I play the song out myself and write down the chord tabs.
It was a time-consuming labour of love.
In doing so, there were many bright moments like when I found better chord arrangements for a previously popular song...with good intro and a good ending as well.

My work is not finished yet. Will require many more months of hardwork.
Tonight,  Tuesday 29 March 2011...something interesting is happening at NTUC Fairprice Hypermart at Nex Serangoon Central. The Hypermart is located on level 3. Nex Mall is above the Serangoon MRT station.

From 7 - 9 pm,  Unk Dicko and Richard Chee my close ukulele partner, will be entertaining "live" within the premises of the Hypermart. Grandpa Uke is what we will call ourselves. Some members of my Minstrel Performing group may also be coming.
NTUC Fairprice has engaged us to provide "live" songs and music within the store.
Why Tuesday ?
I think it's because Tuesday is the day seniors aged 60 + get more discount than other days of shopping.

So come on down to shop and join in the night of music and fun.
We will be playing a very good selection of songs. And if you have a personal favourite just shout it out and we will oblige.

See you there!

Active Agers Awards 2010 - entertainment by..Part 3

The evening's entertainment was provided by the versatile duo of Robin and Terry.
Robin did his magic on rhythm guitar and also lead while Terry added the all important bass quality to their singing style.
They must have picked their songs most carefully knowing well beforehand this was an 'oldies' event!
All the songs were from that great era of music...the 50's to the sweet 70's.
They slowly got the listeners warmed up as they gently played those familiar old songs.
As soon as Terry played the intro to that great Russ Hamilton's hit ... I whispered to D2 "Rainbow! ". Sure enough, that got everyone clapping and snapping their fingers as we at our table sang along with Robin and Terry. More joined in, caught by our infectious singing.
We could see that the duo was very motivated and appreciated our warm response to their music.
It was no surprise then that the very next song after that was the one song most old timers will always associate with Russ Hamilton.."We will Make Love".
That got everyone in the hall swooning and grooving again.
D2 wrote out a request for Johnny Horton's " North To Alaska" and R and T responded superbly!
When they took their break, both walked over to our table and thanked us for the support.


Robin and Terry... the entertainers

Rita Chua was introduced as S'pore's own Teresa Teng

Another entertainer for the evening, Rita Chua, catered to those who love Mandarin songs.

Rita said she has not been performing in public for quite some time but decided to do so for this event. She asked the audience to forgive her as she may be "rusty". It was not necessary. She still had a good voice and stage presence and gave quite a good rendition of Teresa Teng's numbers.

The VIP table with President Nathan and Mrs Nathan

Our table # 9

Our Table # 9

A surprise birthday cake was sent to me by the House

After the main course of our dinner, a few waiters approached our table. One was holding a platter with a birthday cake on it. He said to me, " Happy Birthday sir! "

Taken aback, I thanked them but asked who arranged or sent it.

He smiled and said, " It's on the house sir. "

A few others including Eleanor Yap came over and all sang"Happy Birthday" to Unk Dicko.

D2 helped spread the cake around.

On reflection, I have had many a birthday celebrations over the years but Never with VIPs present. And never with the President of Singapore, seated 2 tables away, also present.