PARROT TALK

Bobby Lee Rodgers to Headline Green Parrot Ukulele Association

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“In terms of improving one’s mood and general outlook, I consider the ukulele to be the big gun.”- Louden Wainright III

The next meeting of The Green Parrot Ukulele Association will be held on Monday, August 15, at 9 p.m. with co-hosts Tim McAlpine and Jay Gewin and this month’s special host jam/jazz guitar phenomBobby Lee Rodgers, who promises to take his uke to places no uke has gone before.

As a professor of Jazz Studies, Rodgers was one of the youngest professors to teach at the Berklee College of Music. Rodgers’ songwriting/instrumental/vocal skills have led him to great places, notably collaborations with The Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends, The Allman Brothers and Widespread Panic.

Following the same format as the well-attended, high-spirited June and July shindigs, the meeting will begin with a Workshop at 8 p.m. for those just starting out on the instrument. Basic instruction and chord and song sheets will be provided. At 9 p.m., there will be featured performers, an open mic and a play-along in no particular order.

For those who missed the last months’ events, they were outstanding, with an ever-growing congregation of uke-bearing aficionados in attendance, most of whom crowded the stage for a few nimble and professional sing-along covers of popular songs to wrap up an already lively night.

It is obvious from last two month’s turnout that there is a serious Key West ukulele scene simmering just below the surface,” said John Vagnoni, Green Parrot manager. “We also see this as a unique way for Key Westers to meet people and make music at the same time.”

So dig out that old ukulele from your attic or closet and strum your way into a four-string stupor at Green Parrot Ukulele Night, Key West’s only ukulele-powered jam session.

Come to just listen or join in. All levels are welcome and remember, spare ukes and instruction are available for those who want to try them out.



The Green Parrot is your Southernmost Center for Uke Culture of every kind, and is located at the corner of Whitehead and Southard streets. For additional information call The Green Parrot at 305-294-6133.