Two white guys doing a tribute to the InkSpots, who call themselves the WhiteOuts.Joel Eckhaus and Ralph Shaw met as performers and teachers at a succession of ukulele festivals around the US and Canada. The two tall, middle-aged, white guys, from opposite sides of the continent, discovered a mutual interest in the popular music of the 1920?s-1950?s, and each was immersed in the music of two of history?s greatest uke players, Roy Smeck and George Formby. They also shared a fondness for the great vocals of The Inkspots, and began "covering" their songs as "The Whiteouts" at the Portland Uke Fest, in 2007. A concert with Joel and Ralph includes vaudeville and music hall novelties, jazz and swing standards, rock ?n roll classics, and a healthy dose of side-splitting humor. Together, their voices, instruments, personalities, and wit combine in ways that exceed the sum of their parts and provide an evening of entertainment that could keep you smiling for days. (for more info, see www.myspace.com/thewhiteouts2).Joel Eckhaus, a native of exotic White Plains NY, was a founding member of the Vermont?s Arm & Hammer String Band in the 1970?s. He studied the ukulele in New York with Roy Smeck, Vaudeville?s Wizard of the Strings, and then moved to Maine and started some bands with memorable names like the Neverly Brothers, the Blue Sky Serenaders, the Pinetones, Al Dente?s Inferno, Ukulele Eck & the Fabulous Lacklusters, and his current group, Dos Eckies, a uke-abilly trio. He was also a part of the New England New Vaudeville Review, a 1980?s collaboration of mimes, magicians, acrobats, comedians, dancers, and musicians. Mild-mannered and droll, Ukulele Eck is known for his outrageous parodies of classic pop songs, as recorded on the Fabulous Lackluster?s CD "Tarnished Reputation". His insidious "On a Bicycle in the Nude" was briefly heard on NPR?s, All Things Considered. When not performing, Joel operates Earnest Uncommon Musical Instruments, making ukuleles, mandolins, and tenor guitars that are played and collected around the world. Ralph Shaw grew up in jolly-olde England and then moved to Canada, where he now performs regularly on Vancouver?s downtown mecca, Granville Island. His soaring tenor voice has been heard nationally on CBC radio, and he?s recorded 3 CD?s, including "King of the Ukulele", "Table for Two" and "By George!" (featuring music by George Formby), as well as a series of four popular instructional DVDs for the ukulele. A "sensitive" banjo uke player with an unrestrained theatrical flair, Ralph?s physical expressions and frenzied gyrations can move an audience to tears (of laughter). "Whether crooning a 1940s Inkspots classic, belting out a George Formby favourite or singing one of his inspired originals Ralph?s performances are electrifying, a truly world class act." "He yodels, strums ukulele and whistles like a state-fair champion?dressed to the nines, he captivates the audience - he charms and enchants?" Joel and Ralph will also be presenting a workshop for ukulele players of all abilities featuring the strumming techniques, songs, and instrumental solo styles of both Roy Smeck and George Formby.When: Saturday, April 18, 2009.
Workshops: 4:00-5:30
Potluck Dinner and Uke jam (if you got one bring it): 5:30-7:30
Show: 8-10
Where: Marv and Kathy Reitz?s--call 301-670-6716 or email reitz@verizon.net to reserve and to get directions.
Suggested Donation: Workshop only: $20 per person Show Only: $15 per person, The whole shebang: $30.00
Light refreshments, beer and wine will be served
Sponsorship: This concert is sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, and the Metropolitan Ukulele Association.
