Summer’s warmth inspires a bit of tropical adventure for local arts presenters. Homer uke enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Bunnell Street Arts Center and Homer Council on the Arts are collaborating to present an exciting array of uke performances and workshops over Labor Day weekend.

We’ve invited husband-wife Richard Tom and Mele Fong, teachers and professional entertainers from Maui, Hawaii.

This duo comes highly recommended by Marilyn Kirkham and Doug VanPatton of Homer, who studied with them in Hawaii. 

Locals and visitors will enjoy learning unique ukulele strums in seven hours of class instruction and attend concerts by the Hawaiian Serenaders which include “Ukulele Tour of the Hawaiian Islands, ” on Aug. 30 at HCOA, and “Ukulele Mixed Plate: Hawaiian, Pop, and Jazz Favorites,” at Bunnell on Sept.1. Workshop participants may join in some songs. Hawaiian attire suggested.  

You can learn more and register for classes, which are open to everyone, at www.UkuleleMeleOnMaui.com.  Join us for this celebratory serenade to summer’s splendor. Because especially if the weather’s gone “south” we’ll need this lift. 

The arts aren’t just for fun, you know.

They’re for mental health, too.

Asia Freeman

Executive/artistic director

Bunnell Street Arts Center