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Uke players participate in workshops at Ala Moana

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Kala Brand Music Company’s 2017 ukulele releases were on display at the ninth annual Ukulele Picnic in February.

Local entertainers have answered the call to support Music for Life’s effort to introduce the ukulele to a new generation of musicians.

Taimane Gardner, Kalei Gamiao and Jonah “Caz” Cazimero are among the featured instructors during a series of “Ukulebrity” workshops underway at Music for Life, located on the mauka side of Ala Moana Center’s Ewa Wing at street level near Sera’s and McDonald’s. Leo Daquioag, founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization, is coordinating the workshops in support of Mele Mei, the annual celebration of Hawaiian music and culture taking place on Oahu this month.

“I just want musicians to know they can show their support for the community in different ways,” Daquioag said.

Gamiao will host a free 45-minute session at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, followed by Cazimero at 1 p.m. Thursday and Gardner at 12:30 p.m. May 20. Daquioag said additional workshops will be announced as more “Ukulebrities” are able to confirm dates.

Along with the free workshops, Music for Life is offering a complimentary tuneup and/or repair service for ukulele with light to moderate damage in May during regular mall hours (9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays). All repairs will be done on the premises with the goal of getting instruments into playable condition.

Call Daquioag at 753-7394, email leo@musicforlifefound.org or visit musicforlifefound.org for more information and an updated workshop schedule.

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