Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
April 9 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm EDT
Center for the Performing Arts
8148630255
cfpa@psu.edu
They play ukuleles, they sing, they say funny things, and they whistle. But the musicians of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain bring a lot more to the table than a salute to their genre-bending covers of well-known songs. The seven-member ensemble will return Stateside to tour in celebration of its fortieth anniversary.
Since its founding in 1985 by George Hinchliffe and Kitty Lux, the ensemble has been known as a quintessential British musical performance. The self-described “much-loved national institution” gives vibes of all-around good humor, light-heartedness, well-being, and joy with an engaging and energetic performance.
Only the seven artists, their voices, and their ukuleles lead an evening of light antics and technically superior playing skills to their versions of popular hits spanning the 1960s through the twentieth century. The ensemble’s discography includes versions of Broadway show tunes, and songs by Eurythmics, ZZ Top, Nirvana, Lady Gaga, The Muppet Show, Paul Simon, and more.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain previously performed at Eisenhower Auditorium for CPA in 2015 for its thirtieth anniversary tour.