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Ukulele Band Brings Generations Together

Over the past decade or so, the ukulele has grown tremendously in popularity among a wide variety of people, helped by its use by popular artists such as Jason Mraz and Ingrid Michaelson.  The trend hit the Midlands recently when University of South Carolina music student Tim Hall got a grant to start the Cola (not Columbia, though that’s where it’s located) Ukulele Band.  Since its beginning, the band has attracted members of all ages, from elementary school children to grandparents. 

Hall’s friend Don Russo helped organize the band and he says the ukulele’s popularity can be traced to the facts that the instrument is inexpensive and easy to learn.  Jessica Skinner now leads the group, which practices monthly at a Columbia music store, and she says it’s a happy instrument.  Her student, retiree John Finch, is a fan of the Beatles, whose music he grew up on.  He gives another solid reason to play the music of the Beatles, Van Morrison, the Drifters and more: it makes him feel young again.  Good reasons, all.

Tut Underwood is producer of South Carolina Focus, a weekly news feature. A native of Alabama, Tut graduated from Auburn University with a BA in Speech Communication. He worked in radio in his hometown before moving to Columbia where he received a Master of Mass Communications degree from the University of South Carolina, and worked for local radio while pursuing his degree. He also worked in television. He was employed as a public information specialist for USC, and became Director of Public Information and Marketing for the South Carolina State Museum. His hobbies include reading, listening to music in a variety of styles and collecting movies and old time radio programs.