Ukulele Babes
About us
Millennia ago, creatures crawled out of the primordial muck. Then a bunch of time went by and some guys from Portugal went to Hawaii and created the Ukulele. Then a bunch more time went by and free Ukulele classes were being offered at the Folklife Center of the Crandall library. Some generous person (who wishes to remain anonymous) gave the library money to buy a bunch of ukuleles and to hire an instructor. His name was Alex Grandy. Serendipitously, five women (and a bunch of other people) started taking the class. One intrepid lady had the bright idea to form a girls' band. So she asked a number of ladies if they wanted to be in a band. Some of them (foolishly) refused the invitation (who’s sorry now?) Four bravely (or perhaps foolishly) said “YES”.
The intrepid lady had to come up with a name and fast… The Ukulele Babes are the result. And the rest is history!
Filomena
Filomena moved to the North Country 20 years ago from New York City. Since moving North, she has been at times, an Adjunct Professor of Theatre, Town Justice, and Library Director. She is currently an Actor/Director, Fiber Artist and a Ukulele player in a Girl band!
Cathy
Cathy is a retired teacher, artist, outdoorswoman and ukulele
player. She spent many years working as a stage manager at
Folk, Bluegrass, Cajun and Zydeco festivals. These experiences
fostered a love of being immersed in live music and led her to the
ukulele. She performs in a ukulele orchestra and with The Ukulele Babes.
Joan
Joan first took up the ukulele in 2008, while living on Maui. After arriving in Glens Falls, she was thrilled to find the ukulele class at the Crandall Library, taught by Alex Grandy, where she met her bandmates. Since retiring from her graphic design career, she’s been painting, studying voice and piano, and playing ukulele with the Babes. This is the life!
Kathy
In addition to playing her concert uke, Kathy now plays ukulele bass with the Babes!
She has lived in quite a variety of situations in her adult life…. experiencing things she never would have imagined! Her career was with the federal government doing environmental management and conservation work. Her passion has always been wetland protection, and now she has added pastel art work and creating music with her ukuleles! Rock On!!
Photos by Cheryl Lawyer… Knitted scarves by Nancy Pasanen
