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International champion to headline ukulele festival
Yuta Uchiumi, “JazzoomCafe”, known as Japan’s established technical ukulele player, will be the headline performer at the First Annual Marianas Ukulele Festival on Oct. 11, 2014. (Contributed Photo)
JazzoomCafe’s finger tricks and “speed playing” techniques are beyond comparison. He was the MVP winner at the 2011 International Ukulele Competition held in Honolulu, and was featured in many local publications in Hawaii. He has also performed at ukulele festivals in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and New York. His stage style is very unique. His martial arts costume on stage serves as a reminder of his previous career as a wrestler in Japan.
JazzoomCafe has also released an iPhone application “JazzoomCafe’s Hi-tech Ukulele.” He also was featured in a compilation CD of Walt Disney Records!
Yuta will also be conducting a free ukulele workshop that will be open to the public. His appearance is made possible by a generous donation from DFS Saipan Ltd. Other sponsors include Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, Kanile’a Ukulele, Chong’s Corp., Team PDI, CCVI, and the Marianas Visitors Authority.
The First Annual Marianas Ukulele Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at the Tipiyeew Cultural Village – Carolinian Utt in Garapan, Saipan from 12pm to 6pm.
Interested ukulele performers may obtain a registration form at the Carolinian Affairs Office (Garapan), Joeten Kiyu Public Library (Susupe), or KKMP radio (Cabrera Center). For more information, or to contribute a donation or provide support, email marianasukefest@gmail.com, or visit www.marianasukulelefestival.org. (PR)
