BOT:

. . . . start time 7PM – end time 10PM. BYOGear (especially book lights and table stands), a dinner will be provided at a nominal cost and of course, always bring your Aloha and some extra to share with your Ohana and the Elks. Mahalo Nui Loa to Leslie and Joe once again for hosting our Kanikapila! Mahalo Nui to Linda for hosting us last week and for the weekly photos (below) . . .

We had an action packed week last week and it looks like we’re going to have an action packed month coming up for the UFOhana in June. Seems Summer and Ukulele seem to go hand in hand. Here’s a list of upcoming events the UFOhana has been asked to participate in. Please take note of some the requirements and limitations for each event:

1. Marin Home & Garden - Location: Marin Center Start Date: 6/1/2013 12:30:00 PM End Date: 6/1/2013 12:55:00 PM
   This has a 12 participant Limit. Pease email me at ufosql@kahua51.org ASAP if you will be participating. First come First Serve . . . . We will be provided free Tickets to this event (I’m hoping two per person so you can bring a guest if you like). 
   
2. Fairfax Festival - Location: Fairfax Redwood Stage Start Date: 6/8/2013 12:30:00 PM  End Date: 6/8/2013 1:30:00 PM
   No limit imposed. But the stage is not very large.
   
3. Fairfax Eco Fest -  Location: Fairfax EcoFest Stage Start Date: 6/9/2013 12:00:00 PM End Date: 6/9/2013 1:00:00 PM
   No limit imposed. But the stage is not very large.
   
   Below is a map of the Fairfax Fair and EcoFest Events, and a link to the site: http://www.fairfaxfestival.com/ 
   
   
   
4. Marin Arts Show - Location: TBD Start Date: 6/15/2013 11:30:00 AM End Date: 6/15/2013 12:15:00 PM
   This has a 12 participant Limit. So please email me at ufosql@kahua51.org ASAP if you will be participating. We’re still waiting for confirmation on this event but I would still like a heads up on who will be attending . . .
   

Ok, so here was are, back to last week’s happenings . . . . below left: The WGK Trio (Wally, Gary, and Keone – aka Old Guys Rule Trio).

Above Left: Aunty Val and her posse . . . and yes, that it Rick! Aloha Rick!. Below: Another Great Day at Wahine Moe Moe . . .

Below left: Charlotte and her ‘BOOM!’ of the Sea . . . Miki Maui does Lahaina Luna for us and Barbara picks Limu from the sea . . .

Below: a special event at the Marin Rod and Gun Club . . . Kaleikoa plays for Mother’s Day Brunch . . . Linaka helps out with some hula . . . Old Uncle Ed gives us a thumbs up . . . we gotta teach him the 'Shaka’! Mahalo Sandy for introducing us to them. We’re hoping to participate in more of their events, stay tuned everyone . . .

It’s been a loooooong day, got just enough left to say Mahalo Nui Loa to all of you for keeping Aloha alive within the UFOhana. Don’t forget to send some out to those in need . . .

Uke-Ku
A Moment of doubt,
Forever becomes never,
The sadness of loss . . .

Aloha Ahi Ahi,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Aloha UFOhana,

We’re at the 101 Sunny Hills Drive, Parkside Apartments Club House in San Anselmo this Friday. Start time 6PM. End time 10PM. BYOGear, BYKaukau and of course BYAloha. Please note our Loading Zone below, marked by a Pink Flamingo and Pink Tape. As you enter the long drive way, on your right, it’s #10 under the cover stalls. The management has asked that we not unload in front of the Club House area due to complaints by the tenants. Again, please use our Loading Zone unload/load your gear and park your car down in the street below. Mahalo!

Here’s an aerial view of the apartments . . . courtesy of Google Maps . . .

Below: A gig Kaleikoa did for the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California. Check out the Mamo Sisters!

Below: Last Friday’s Kanikapila, held at Sue’s Hale, Mahalo Nui Sue! Woa, is that our sassy hula ti . . . uh, babes!

Below: Delicious! ʻai ā māʻona (eat all you want)! Ellie even made some Hawaiian Style MAC Salad! Not, it’s a new kind of iPad! Definitely much more delicious than one and in 3D!

Below: John fills in for Sandy on the Kona Bob Stick Bass . . . mahalo John!

Above: Left Sue (our Lovely Hostess) and Carmen . . . . Below: The action at Sleeping Lady . . . Charlotte does one for Brudda Dave . . .

Below: a few new faces joined the Ohana, below right corner, Skie and Charley (youngest Ukulele Player yet) join in on “You Are My Sunshine . . .”, he was quite amazing, strumming and singing at such an early age . . .

Below: Rick’s doing to a Honky Tonk Woman  . . . eeeeeyaaaaaaaaaa-a-h . . .gimme, gimme, da’ kine . . .

Uke-Ku
Patiently he waits,
Heart beating in silent time,
Shadows growing long.

Take Care All!

Aloha,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Aloha UFOhana Sue has generously offered to host our Kanikapila this Friday. Mahalo Nui Loa Sue! If you need her address please email me at UFOSqL@Kahua51.org  or leave me a message on this blog. Start time is 7p, End 10p. BYKauakua, BYOGear and BYOAloha. Also want to send a Mahalo Nui Loa out to Linda and Leslie of the Elks for hosting the last two Friday Kanikapila. You guys are the Bestest!

Also want to wish Brudda Bu a belated Hauoli La Hanau. We missed you last Friday, sorry we couldn’t sing for you personally.

Here are some of the memories from last Friday at the Elks . . . below upper right, that’s Sandy and Alex . . . neighbors of Laurette and Mike!

Above lower right: Mike, our Turantino-ish friendly neighborhood Elks Lodge Bartender and just above him Tad, also of the Elks . . . as for the rest . . . it’s just the Usual Ukulele Suspects.

Below: Charlotte sharing a hula and hula knowledge with the UFOhana. Below right, our new Keiki member, Alex, joins in on In A Canoe . . .

Below lower left: Brudda Tom give the ‘Stink Eye’ while blowing his harp to Honky Tonk Tita . . .

Of course we got to it all over again at Wahine Moe Moe . . . new Ohana, new hula dancers and we even got a Hana Hou this time!

Below: Hey, KimoB . . . Huh?

. . . .Ooooooh I like your smile and your fingertips . . .  like the way that you move your huuuuuuuuuuuula hips !

Above: Lower right, Wally tries out for the Fairfax Gondolier job . . . .

Uke-ku
Shadows dance on walls,
A Golden light fills the room,
The Days linger on . . .

Ok, take care everyone! Got to get back to working on our July 20th Ukulele Competition! Don’t forget to reserve the date now!

Aloooooooooha!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Wassaup UFOhana! Surprise!

Thought I’d get an early start on the blog this time around and send this link around to a 3rd and Official Video of our Flash Mob. Mahalo to Tucker and his video crew for sharing this with us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUs4hxnGQXc

So we’re at the Elks this Friday. No menu notice yet from the Kaukau Kitchen but I’m sure it’ll something Ono-licious as it always is.  Again please be sure to sign in if you will be attending . . .

Btw, since we’re on the topic of the Elks. Be sure to reserve July 20th for our 3rd Annual PIKO Fundraiser. We’ve decided to change the format this year and add an Ukulele Song Contest to the mix. We’re going to call it “HELE ON UKULELE”, loosely translated meaning “Bring It On Ukulele”.

We’re still working out details of the Contest but we will definitely require an Ukulele as the primary instrument in the contest and it’ll be divided into Keiki (kids up to 15 years, with support from David Tachera of ‘Ukes for Kids’) and an Adult division. There’s even been mention of a “3 Chords or Less” division. Sign up will be on the day of competition and on a limited, first come first serve basis! We’ll also have Kanikapila in between sessions as well as Free Ukulele and Free Hula lessons throughout the event. Of course there will be prizes for winners of each division. All included in the $10 entry Fee, children 15 and under are free. I understand that the Elks will be providing traditional as well Hawaiian Style picnic foods. There will be Ukulele Vendors, the Hana Hou Table (Hawaiian Clothing and Artifacts), He’e Nalu Canoe Club maybe in attendance and others. Please pass this onto your own Ohana and bring them by! Don’t forget to practice!

So here are some memories from the past week . . .  first our weekly Friday Night Kanikapila at the Parkside Club House . . . Mahalo Nui Linda for arranging the space and the photos!

Above lower right corner: Brudda Tom goes to town on the harp . . . below Aunty Val, Charlotte, Ellie show us how it’s dones . . .

Below: Honolulu I’m Coming Back . . . and check out Siera who just came back from Honolulu in her striking dress, proud Daddy, Chris.

Yes, believe or not, we get to do it again at Wahine Moe Moe! Mahalo to John and Crew for pitching in on the Tri-Corder Scans during Linda absence . . .

Below: check out the newest (and youngest) member of the UFOhana Band! I think we have a keiki Jake in the making here!

and of course what is Ukulele without Hula . . . jus’ Ukulele! Mahalo to the Ina Cano’e dancers and to Sarah Wolfe in sharing her Aloha with us!

Ok, everyone have a great week! Stay healthy and malama pono each other!

Uke-Ku
a late night message,
the sound of a heart breaking,
saving the keiki…

Aloha Nui Loa, A Hui Hou!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Wow! What an action packed weekend last week was! Mahalo Nui Loa to all that participated in the flash mob last. I’m sure you’ve all seen the video uploaded last week and also posted on the MarinIJ.com site. Here’s another video recorded by Linda that I just uploaded showing a close-up view from inside the ‘Lion’s Circle’. So wonderful to see all the smiling faces and positive energy that flowed that day. Mahalo Nui Loa to Tucker for arranging this fabulous event!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCEg-wVvd7A

. . . and a few images from that day . . . though the video really says/sings it all . . .

This week we will be meeting at 101 Sunny Hills Drive Club House this Friday. Again, on behalf of the Apartment Manager, PLEASE DO NOT UNLOAD IN FRONT OF THE CLUB HOUSE! There is an unloading Stall, #10, on the right as you come into the apartment complex. It’s marked by a Pink Flamingo and Pink Duct Tape (see photo below) . . . Run time from 6:30p – 10:00p, BYOG, BYKaukau and plenty of Aloha . . .

  

Please be sure to move your car as soon as possible to the street to allow other Ukulele Pilots to unload. Mahalo . . .

Here are the images from last Friday at the Elks:

Above lower right . . . Linda and Elk-vis . . . mooohalo, mooohalo very muuuuch . . . .

Above lower left: Brudda Bu and Dillon doing their Pancho and Lefty duet . . . below Barbara does ‘Flowers of the Sea’ hula . . . above right middle: KimoB making short work of the Pork and Chicken Adobe!

Below: Robin and Cindy tandem hula . . . and Ina Cano’e . .

Above lower left: Ellie in the beautiful hula dress she sewed just for the Elks! I understand she also does Aloha Shirts . . . hmmmmm.

Then we did again the next day at the Sleeping Lady . . .

Below: the hula just keeps coming . . .  Lucky for us! Above Lower right: Future Ukulele Pilot . . . and above right: the Mascot.

Ok, I’m really tired now . . . it’s been a long week . . . looking forward to see you folks again . . .

Uke-Ku
Many wonder why,
Reason known only by one,
Echoes of sadness . . .

On a more somber note, I want to ask every one to send their positive thoughts, Mana and Aloha out to the families and victims of the Boston Marathon incident . . . so sad to think that this is now happening in our own Country . . . such insanity . . . keep spreading the Aloha. Hopefully, it will eventually touch those that need it most  . . .

Malama Pono each other,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Aloha UFOhana. Here we are on Hump Day, sliding down into another fabulous Friday at the Elks. I understand that Chicken and Pork Adobe are on the menu this Friday!

Aysus Mariayosef! It ees jus’ tu pantahstic! A wanderpul benew, pabulous mewsic and dayleeseeus pilipino puud tu! Maraming Salamat Joe Tato and Elks familia!

Sorry, my inner Pilipino got the better of me…

Ok, hope you all had a good rest last Friday. Though it was kind of strange not be strumming away on a Friday night. But that following Saturday we made up for it at the Sleeping Lady Café . . . as you can see there were the ‘usual suspects’ and a bunch of new ones showed up that day . . .

. . . including Brudda Kawika Tachera (below left second row in green flannel shirts with sun glasses on head) who runs Ukes For Kids (http://www.ukesforkids.com/).  Who we will be working with at our July 20th, PIKO Sponsored. Ukulele Mele(e) / Festival / Competition / Kanikapila / Fair / Kitchen Sink / Event at the Elks! So practice up for the competition / Uke-stravaganza! bring the family, bring your friends, there will be prizes for the Ukulele Contestants! The Elks will be sponsoring a food booth, The Hana Hou General Store will be there, Aloha Warehouse will be participating, and more . . . stay tuned for more information . . . I’m thinking maybe we should have a competition to name the event? Uke-Stock? Hmmmmmm . . . Peace, Love and Uke All!

Btw, my apologies for not hanging around to those of you that showed up at the Uke Fest last Sunday. I guess my Hawaiian / Tropical Jungle blood is still too thin for the cold gray day and winds. Though it was more than worth it to hear Troy Fernandez jamming in the school hallway! Kind of reminded me of the old days in High School  . . . . only funner! Too bad they couldn’t hold it this weekend huh? I hear it’s going to be nice . . . as uncle George K. would say, “Ono Grinds brah!”

Oh! I almost forgot. Remember way back when, when BAM came to one of our Ukulele Nights? Check out this link:

http://bammagazine.com/index.php/archives/342-ufo-ukelele-friends-ohana?utm_source=BAM+Blast++%2354&utm_campaign=BAM+Blast+%2354&utm_medium=email 

See / hear anybody familiar????????  Mahalo nui loa to Lopaka for making the BAM connection for us!

      

. . . above were a couple of the ‘new suspects’ . . . both are really cute but guess which one dances hula! And speaking of hula . . .

Btw, I hope you folks can make the Flash Mob this Saturday, you should have gotten an email from me by now. If not leave me a message here or email me at UFOSqL@kahua51.org if you’re interested in attending.

Until Friday . . .

Uke-Ku
Songs float heavenward,
Melodies add wings to flight,
Soaring across time.

Malama Pono Everyone!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Aloha Ahi Ahi UFOhana, due to lack of a venue, we’ll be taking a break this Friday from Kanikapila. We’ll see you Saturday at Sleeping Lady and hopefully some of you can make the Northern Ukulele Festival being held at Chabot College on Sunday. Check out this link for details; http://www.ukulelefestivalnorcal.org/ . 

Btw, the entrance fee is only for those wanting to view the performances. It’s free to peruse the vendors and ‘food booths’ which are located outdoors. We’ll be out there hanging out under a friendly shady tree. Although it may be cold on Sunday as they are predicting Cloudy conditions so you may want to dress warm just incase . . . BYOG!

Until Saturday here are some memories from the week before . . . below right . . . our youngest UFOhana Pilot Raphael . . .

Below we even got to celebrate Kawika’s Big Hawaii 7 OH! (no . . . . . .), Hauoli La Hanau Kawika! Lookin’ Gooooooood!

Below: The UFOhana Hula Hui Hulas On!

The following day it was onward to Wahine Moe Moe . . . watch out for them Titas! Dey wen bus you up gud if u give dem stink eye! But they do have great personalities . . .

As you can see above it was the ‘usual’ suspects all guilty of Uke-Addiction as charged . . . some more so than others . . .

Above: The Lei Kale (Ray Charles) Tribute Band and their lovely Hula Dancers Sensei Kalaki and Tita Kalaukia . . . apologies to Ray and fans . . .

Ok, rest up everyone for Saturday and/or Sunday we going busy la’ dat!

Uke-Ku
And so here we are,
Staring at the dark abyss,
Moon Glow lights the way . . .

Take Care All.

Spok-U-Bom-Bye!

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Aloha All! Just thought I’d get this one out early UFOhana . . .

Once again we’re at 101 Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo, http://goo.gl/maps/HUyy1 .  Start time is 6:30pm, stop time 10:00pm. BYOGear, BYKaukau (something for the pot luck), BYHula and of course BYAloha. We were a little short on chairs last week, but not to panic, we have more chairs locate outside the Clubhouse on the lawn space.Otherwise you’re welcome to bring your own folding chair. The Clubhouse is located straight up the driveway towards the center of the complex through iron gates on the left. There’s usually a Red Corvette parked in front of the gates.

Once again, please do not unload in front of the Clubhouse gate as we’ve had complaints from Tenants about blocking their egress to and from the lot. We do have an ‘unloading zone’ available, Covered Stall #10, It’s the 10th covered parking stall on your right as you enter the complex . It’s marked by some PINK DUCT TAPE as shown below. If you don’t see the pink tape then probably someone’s parked in the stall unloading. This week I’ll also mark with with a PINK FLAMINGO tied to the pole, just so you don’t miss it.

It’s just a short walk from stall #10 to the Clubhouse. If you need help unloading please come to the Clubhouse, there usually someone there to help. Please move your car as soon as you’re unloaded to the street below. Be sure to park on the side nearest the park or your car will be towed! OK, I think that should cover it for landing instructions . . .

On behalf of Linda and myself I wish to send a Mahalo Nui Loa to all of you that attended our UFOhana 13th Anniversary Celebration at the Elks last Friday. You all made it such a special and magical moment, who says 13 is unlucky number? As you can see from the photos below there was definitely some magic in the air  . . .

A special Mahalo nui to Stephanie, Louise, Marion, Kini, Alan, Sue, Barbara, Tucker and Kalika for the beautiful Leis. Mahalo Leslie for sponsoring us once again at the Elks, and please send Joe and the others at the Elk our Mahalos as well. Mahalo Brudda Bu for the kind words and for helping out with leading the group. Mahalo to Sue for arranging that wonder song, you sounded great! Mahalo to Kimo, KimoB, Sandy, Joe, Tristan, Leslie, and Wendy (and your daughter) for providing wonderful ground support so the UFOhana Squadron can take flight! We couldn’t do it without you folks!

My fondest Mahalo and Me Ke Aloha Pumehana to Linda who continues to support me and the UFOhana in all that we do.  I am so blessed to have you all in my life . . .

Mahalo Nui Loa Akua for bringing us all together and for creating such a wonderful Ohana . . .

Below: The Squadron and Ground Crew preps for Pre-Flight . . .

Below: The UFOhana in full flight, with a load of passengers happily in tow . . .

Below: It’s always wonderful to see the Keiki Pilots enjoying themselves . . . jus’ like home . . . .

Below Left: Robyn and her Father strumming like Da’ Kine!  Right: a family checks out the Loco Moco . . . verdict’s still out I think . . .

Above Right: The Tita Table! Just above the Tita Table is the Senior PIlots table: Al (who has been with the UFOhana for 12 of 13 years), Bradda Bu (almost as long as Al) and Babara (running a close 3rd).

Below right: Receiving the beautiful Makana (gifts) from the UFOhana . . . left: Sue after gifting me with her Mele and leading the Ohana. Maika’i Sue!

Below: It was a night of fabulous Hula and Hula fashions . . . below left Charlotte dedicates a Hula . . . as does Linda and Barbara . . .

 

Below: The Corps D’Hula brings it on home . . . like Robyn says, “Come on Titas! We get this one!”

 

Below: Yes even Sandy (Bass Commander) and the -=SqL=- got swept into the “Hula Storm” , Kathleen and Susan shares a few of their signature Hula with the Ohana.

. . . as if Friday wasn’t fun enough we took flight at the Sleeping Lady Cafe . . . .

Below: Charlotte whips the In A Canoe ‘paddlers’ into Hula Shape!

And then there was that Pekepeke horse on the Slopes of Mauna Kea below . . .

Below: Kila shows us her “Lovely Hula Hands” Hula. Ooooonolicius!

Below: what happens when the UFOhana Photographer gets bored ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Hey, I think those are my Wāwae!

Mahalo again to all for being so supportive and for bringing so much Aloha in our lives!

Remember Aloha only spreads if you give it away . . . .

Uke-Ku
Blur of memories,
Strangely familiar and warm,
Another Year passed . . .

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Hauoli La Hanau UFOhana! Happy Birthday to Us! We’re celebrating our 13th year of Friday Night Kanikapila at the Elks Lodge, located at 1312 Mission Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901. We’ll be starting at 7pm to 10pm. As usual they will be providing dinner a nominal fee from 6:30pm on. The menu is forthcoming . . .

Be sure to BYOGear (Bring Your Own Gear – Book Lights, music stands, Music books, of course Ukulele), BYOhana and Friends and be sure to BYAloha! And if you can, please wear your best dress Aloha attire . . . please don’t forget to sign the Guest Book as you enter the lodge.

Here are the images from our last Friday night. Below Charlotte assembles the ‘In A Canoe Paddlers’ . . .

Below middle, Kiana does an Oli for the UFOhana . . .

Below: The UFOhana Ukulele Pilots in full flight . . . .

Then it was on to Sleeping Lady for an St. Patrick’s Eve celebration . . .

Below right: Tucker and Tom lends a hand with the band . . .

Below: More hula and UFOhana Pilots in flight . . .

Ok, onward to Friday, see you folks soon!

Uke-Ku
Vibrations within,
Mele slowly emerges,
Ohana strumming . . .

Malama Pono,

-=SqL=-

:EOT

BOT:

Aloha UFOhana, it’s Kanikapila Hana Hou the Parkside Apartments Clubhouse! Once again we’re at 101 Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo. Start time is 6:30pm, stop time 10:00pm. BYOGear, BYKaukau (something for the pot luck) and of course BYAloha. We were a little short on chairs last week, but not to panic, we have more chairs locate outside the Clubhouse on the lawn space.Otherwise you’re welcome to bring your own folding chair. The Clubhouse is located straight up the driveway towards the center of the complex through iron gates on the left. There’s usually a Red Corvette parked in front of the gates.

Once again, please do not unload in front of the Clubhouse gate as we’ve had complaints from Tenants about blocking their egress to and from the lot. We do have an ‘unloading zone’ available, Covered Stall #10, located on the right just before you get to the Clubhouse. It’s marked by some PINK DUCT TAPE as shown below. It’s just a short walk from stall #10 to the Clubhouse. If you need help unloading please come to the Clubhouse, there usually someone there to help. Please move your car as soon as you’re unloaded to the street below. Be sure to park on the side nearest the park or your car will be towed! OK, I think that should cover it for landing instructions . . .

Below: The action last Friday, it was a little crowded but definitely a fun night for all . . . hey, is the Gerry G on the soprano?

Then it was onward to Sleeping Lady . . . below Charlotte leads the Hula Hui in Haole Hula .  .  .

Above right: Mallory and Elly our very own Daughter / Mother Ukulele Team . . . . Below 2nd from left: Amy pays us a visit from Santa Cruz . . .

Above left: Sophie newest member of our Keiki Ukulele Pilots. Above Right: Andrew gets a few strums in before his baseball practice. Wait a minute are those two Leprechauns . . . . nah, I was wrong they’re definitely Menehunes in disguise!

Ok, hope to see you folks tomorrow!

Uke-ku
Sunlight parts the clouds,
Dew glistens like gems on lawns,
Promise of new day . . .

Malama Pono All!

-=SqL=-

:EOT