A Ukulele Orchestra with Pizzazz

The spunky ukulele orchestra you loved last season returns! Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is headed back to bring down the house at The American Theatre on Saturday, March 12 at 8pm!

The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra started their musical journey with humble beginnings. They were founded in December 2005 when musicians Age Pryor and Bret McKenzie joined to play music in a small café’ called, Deluxe. After a few months passed the word got out and what was known as just a few friends playing ukuleles, is now a touring orchestra! They have toured the USA, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and headlined major arts festivals across New Zealand and Australia.

Rule #1:  “If you know the words, sing along. If you don’t know the words, sing along!”

The performers in the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra are drawn from all corners of New Zealand’s musical spectrum, and they hold down a fascinating array of day-jobs, including mental health nursing, street photography, jazz performance, environmental sustainability, film production and design.  While the original line-up remains intact in spirit, the touring group sees occasional changes due to individual members’ schedules and family commitments. Unannounced special guests and surprise ring-ins are a highlight of the band’s performances. 

 From left to right: Andy Morley-Hall, Francis Salole, Stephen Jessup, Gemma Gracewood, Age Pryor, Megan Hosking, Bek Coogan, Carmel Russell, Daniel Yeabsley, Sam Auger

Did You Know?

Wellington has a spectacularly beautiful harbor, amazing ocean life (seals, penguins, orca, dolphins), one cable car, one bucket fountain (it’s a fountain made of buckets that tip water into each other), and rather a lot of ukulele players.

When it comes to creativity and a good time, this colorful orchestra never skips a beat! The versatile musicians have released 4 EPs and a full-length album, which debuted in the New Zealand Top 10 and topped the New Zealand Indie Music chart. They have performed on film, television and commercial soundtracks, and collaborated with many of the greats of Kiwi music. They’re a festival favorite and have become a mainstay of the 21st Century ukulele revival.

Watch this entertaining music video of Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra singing ‘Dreaming of You’ by The Coral.

Dance the night away with this lively orchestra at The American Theatre on Saturday, March 12 at 8pm!

Purchase tickets here: http://bit.ly/21tKk75