From Gaga To The Valkyries! The Ukelele Orchestra Of Great Britain Returns To The McCallum

The McCallum Theatre welcomes the return of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain on Sunday, March 31, at 7:00pm. Since selling out the McCallum in 2016, audiences have eagerly awaited their return.With a repertoire ranging from Lady Gaga to "The Ride of the Valkyries," The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain tackles an ambitious range of music-on just four strings. This group of genre-benders performs covers (with vocals!) of pop, jazz, country, and classics from film, along with anything else they think is ripe for the picking. Formed in 1985, the group has become something of a national institution in the UK.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is "sheer fun and outright daffiness tied to first-rate musicality and comic timing," raves The New York Times.

When The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain puts on a show, there are no drums, pianos, backing tracks, or electronic trickery. Instead, audiences can look forward to lots of catchy, foot-stomping tunes on ukuleles, a bit of comedy, and sheer fun. The orchestra is renowned for witty entertainment and novel interpretations of music and songs from across all genres. Expect anything from Tchaikovsky to Nirvana via Otis Redding, EDM and Spaghetti Western to go through the ukulele orchestra blender and emerge as a stomping, uplifting and thought-provoking show.

The group is "virtuosic," raves Guitar Magazine. Founded in 1985, the orchestra's first gig instantly sold out. A working band, playing an "outsider" instrument that has become an international institution. The current group has been performing together more than 20 years, delivering standing-room-only concerts around the world. The ensemble has played prestigious venues, including Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and New York's Carnegie Hall. They performed, by invitation of The Prince of Wales, at the private 90th birthday party of Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle.

The orchestra is "frighteningly talented and awesome!" proclaims Time Out magazine. The Ukulele Orchestra has released CDs and DVDs on their independent label. The latest studio album, By Request - Songs from the Set-List, features previously unrecorded songs by the orchestra, most requested by fans. The orchestra's music has been used in films, plays, and commercials. The Independent praised, "Impressive solo voices and an absolute mastery of strum, pluck, and twang ensured the sheer joy and beauty of the music was never lost in the comedy. Perfectly polished professionalism."

PERFORMERS

Jonty Bankes - The member of the orchestra, who in addition to playing the bass ukulele, whistles virtuosically. Born and raised in Lincolnshire, and began playing the ukulele as a youngster playing George Formby. Joined the Ukes in 1992. Has worked with Ray Davis, John Mayall, Louisiana Red and Chuck Berry, appeared on numerous CDs with other artists, and was a London bus driver.

Peter Brooke Turner - The tallest member of the orchestra. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, and grew up in the Soviet Union, Brazil, America, Finland, and Italy. Joined the Ukes in 1995. Has worked with Des O'Connor, Jules Holland, Shaking Stevens, and Vic Reeves. Lent his ukulele to Tiny Tim for a London gig. Fronted his own Ukulele Kings uke rock group. Has released several solo CDs.

Will Grove-White - The member of the orchestra that joined the group at 16. Born, and grew up, in London. Joined the Ukes in 1991. Had to have written permission to take the day off school to appear on TV with the Ukes. Has won several Royal TV Society awards for his documentaries. Fronts his own Will Grove-White and the Others band. Has released several solo CDs.

Leisa Rea - The member of the orchestra who first trod the boards at the age of 5 as an Andy Capp impersonator. Born and raised in Manchester. Started playing the ukulele last century. Joined the Ukes this century in 2006. Has straddled the worlds of Comedy, Theatre and Music (winner of the 2009 Musical Comedy Awards). Written for, and performed on stage, tv and radio, including BAFTA nominated BBC comedy "Miranda."

Ben Rouse - The member of the orchestra most likely to be caught pulling ukulele rock poses. Born in Cornwall and started playing the ukulele in 2011 after playing the guitar since he was 11. Joined the Ukes in 2015. Bought his first ukulele after watching the Ukes on TV. Works as a solo performer, teaches the ukulele, runs workshops, and arranges classical pieces for publication. Has released his first ukulele solo album Love of Rin.

David Suich - The member of the orchestra with the longest hair. Born in Kent, grew up in London, studied in Leeds. Started playing the ukulele in 1980 and joined the Ukes in 1985, and has worked with Rik Mayall, Malcolm Hardy. Also known as "Joe Bazouki", a Glastonbury Festival compere over 20 years. Fronted his own groups including Friends of the Monster and The Missing Puddings, and supported Screaming Lord Sutch. Has released several solo CDs.

Richie Williams - One of the original members of the orchestra. Started playing the guitar aged 6. Played at the Cavern Club. Joined the Ukes in 1986 and again in 2003. Has worked with Mary Wells, Martha Reeves, Edwin Starr, Ben E. King, Snake Davis and the Alligator Shoes. Worked with many other bands including his Three Men and a Bass. Has his own recording studio and a collection of vintage guitars.

Musical Director - George Hinchliffe
Manager - Jodi Cartwright
Sound - Doug Beveridge

Tickets for this performance are priced at $88, $68, $48 and $28. Tickets are available at the Theatre's website at www.mccallumtheatre.com or by calling the McCallum Theatre Box Office at (760) 340-2787.

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