If you'd like to skip the famous person gossip and head straight to my segmant, it starts at 5:25
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
SC/Georgia Photos
Some photos and stories from the last few weeks:
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| York, SC. Some of these historic men include: Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General Thomas Sumter, General Daniel Morgan and SC Author/Historian William Gilmore Simms. And now Ukulele Performer/Bicyclist Aaron Lee. |
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| I always enjoy riding past a farm that advertises grass fed beef and free range eggs. Food has been a big theme of this trip and it's nice to see the source of what is probably some really good grass fed beef. Mmmm. |
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| Our Community Farm Project, a Multicultural Sustainable Urban farm run by Refugees from Burundi through Refugee Family Services. In late November the farm is still producing hot peppers and other produce, but getting ready for winter. It was great to get to take a look at the farm and then ride over to an amazing show put on by RFS and the Southeast Ukers at Fellini's Pizza. |
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| I love public transportation and bicycles and in Atlanta, I was able to use a combination of the bicycle and the metro to be everywhere I needed to be for the weekend. Public transportation and bicycle infrastructure have a ways to go in Atlanta, but they both work. My challenge to Atlantans is to use the bicycle as transport -- by getting out there on your bike, you are promoting bicycle awareness among drivers. Eventually the infrastructure will come. |
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| Tropicana Orange Juice makes it's way north from Florida. A great example of food in transit. This trip has taught me to pay more attention to where my food comes from and how it gets from the source to the consumer. |
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| Cafe Campesino in Americus, GA. This fair trade coffee roaster and cafe hosted the final show of the tour along with the Fuller Center for Housing. |
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Other things South (and North) Carolina
I have had a great time at all of my most recent tour stops, great people, great shows, great community. I mention Spartanburg and Greenville in posts below, but here are some other stories from the last week or so.
On Saturday, I had two shows scheduled, one from 10-12 AM and one at 2 pm. Naturally they were approximately 21.7 miles apart, which is a doable ride in 2 hours, assuming everything goes right. I wrapped things up a bit early at the KidSenses Childrens Museum in Rutherfordton, NC and started riding towards Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs. I told myself I would not check the time, but just keep riding. I rolled in at 1:20 pm, in plenty of time, and a ride of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Not bad. At Gardner-Webb, I played for Hopefest 2010, which was billed under the title "Bringing People Together for Something Good"-- A perfect fit for my tour. I had a lot of fun playing and I really enjoyed some conversations with students. I also had the opportunity to paint a ukulele on a block of wood, which I left behind.
Last night I played in a black-lit clothing store in a show sponsored by the Clemson Students for Environmental Action, who have recently changed their "A" from Awareness to Action. Being aware isn't good enough any more, it's time to act. I have been very impressed with the passion and the knowledge that these students have for environmental and sustainable issues. There is a lot going on at Clemson, including, but not limited to, a new wind turbine testing facility and a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.
On Saturday, I had two shows scheduled, one from 10-12 AM and one at 2 pm. Naturally they were approximately 21.7 miles apart, which is a doable ride in 2 hours, assuming everything goes right. I wrapped things up a bit early at the KidSenses Childrens Museum in Rutherfordton, NC and started riding towards Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs. I told myself I would not check the time, but just keep riding. I rolled in at 1:20 pm, in plenty of time, and a ride of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Not bad. At Gardner-Webb, I played for Hopefest 2010, which was billed under the title "Bringing People Together for Something Good"-- A perfect fit for my tour. I had a lot of fun playing and I really enjoyed some conversations with students. I also had the opportunity to paint a ukulele on a block of wood, which I left behind.
Last night I played in a black-lit clothing store in a show sponsored by the Clemson Students for Environmental Action, who have recently changed their "A" from Awareness to Action. Being aware isn't good enough any more, it's time to act. I have been very impressed with the passion and the knowledge that these students have for environmental and sustainable issues. There is a lot going on at Clemson, including, but not limited to, a new wind turbine testing facility and a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The Essence of the Ukulele
I was fortunate enough to share the stage with Snidely Sidewinder and the Unrepentant Uke Boys, a band who, as I mentioned to the packed house at the Coffee Bar, has captured the essence of the Ukulele. The group started early this year, featuring members of varied musical experience, from absolute beginner to composition professor, but they all went through the process of learning the ukulele together. The point of this group is not to be the most musically amazing thing you've ever seen, but to be an act, an experience, something bigger than the music.
The Snidely Sidewinder show has become immensely popular in Spartanburg, SC because it is fun and accessible to everybody. Who doesn't get into a show where you are encouraged to wear a fake mustache?
Not only is Snidely Sidewinder Spartanburg's finest all-ukulele band, but they are the Hub City's most bike friendly band, as they bike commute to many of their gigs around town. Check them out if you get the chance!
The Snidely Sidewinder show has become immensely popular in Spartanburg, SC because it is fun and accessible to everybody. Who doesn't get into a show where you are encouraged to wear a fake mustache?
Not only is Snidely Sidewinder Spartanburg's finest all-ukulele band, but they are the Hub City's most bike friendly band, as they bike commute to many of their gigs around town. Check them out if you get the chance!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Building Partnerships
While playing in Spartanburg, SC, a show hosted by hub-bub.com and Partners for Active Living at the Coffee Bar, I noted to the audience that so much great work seemed to be going on in Spartanburg because different groups were working together. After the show, one of the partners for active living and baritone ukulele player, Ned, echoed my thoughts, saying "that's why we've been so successful". Looking back on my tour, this has certainly been a theme. The organizations that have community support and are working with various other community factions, including business, government and other organizations, are the ones that have provided me with the most memorable experiences.
Today, on a tour of downtown Greenville, SC, Ed, of the Greenville Organic Foods Organization, pointed out the downtown recycling collectors, which are a collaboration between the art community, local businesses and the government. Each collector features the work of a local artist and an advertisement of a local business. The collectors are paid for by the advertisement, local businesses and artists get some exposure and recycling becomes easy and fun. Win win win. I am looking forward to playing in Greenville tonight.
Today, on a tour of downtown Greenville, SC, Ed, of the Greenville Organic Foods Organization, pointed out the downtown recycling collectors, which are a collaboration between the art community, local businesses and the government. Each collector features the work of a local artist and an advertisement of a local business. The collectors are paid for by the advertisement, local businesses and artists get some exposure and recycling becomes easy and fun. Win win win. I am looking forward to playing in Greenville tonight.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
North Carolina
North Carolina brought many a good time and a wide variety of experiences. Weather that ranged from 80 degrees and sunny to tornado warnings, places to stay that ranged from camping on the side of the Blue Ridge Parkway to an 19th century mansion in Asheville.
Great shows and great friends in Elon and Greensboro. Thanks everybody for coming out and singing and thanks to Elon Outdoors and the Green Bean for providing the venues. I had a great time in Boone hanging out with the guys of the Boone Bicycle Initiative and, as the temperature dropped below freezing in the mountains, decided to ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville. Still not sure if it was a good idea, with the vistas weighing in on the positive side, and the elevation gain weighing in on the slightly more challenging than I had signed up for side.
The Dance Music Mix and a day and a half of riding, got me up and over the mountains with elevations rising to 5300 feet on the shoulder of Mt. Mitchell. Needless to say, I was exhausted for my Saturday afternoon show at Laurey's Catering, a benefit for Chefs Move to Schools. After a Saturday night of playing the dance floor in a human discotheque for Halloween, I played a song for the Jubilee Community on Sunday morning, and enjoyed a much needed day off from riding.
On Monday, I rode to Hendersonville and joined the folks from the Bountiful Harvest Community Garden for a performance as a part of their year end celebration potluck. It was a great honor to be among this community of gardeners, who support and help each other and enthusiastically promote gardening in Hendersonville.
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| Mac and Beanee Weenee. A culinary delight. |
After one last show at Bacintyme in Fort Mill, SC, I now have a week off (from riding at least). I'll be back in the Carolinas next week for more shows in NC, SC and then on to Georgia.
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
VA to GA shows from Leg 2
The following is a list of shows and organizations that happened between Oct 17 and Nov 3, 2010 in Virginia and North Carolina:
October 17, 2010 - Alexandria, VA
Four Mile Run Farmers Market
4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue - 9:00 am
October 19, 2010 - Harrisonburg, VA
The Little Grill is a collectively owned restaurant that has ties to many community based projects in Harrisonburg. This show will benefit the Petrol-Free Gypsy Carnival Tour, a Harrisonburg based bicycle music and art tour.
621 N Main St - 8:00 pm
October 20, 2010 - Charlottesville, VA
Random Row Books is a used bookstore. The evening will feature a meal at 7 and will benefit the Charlottesville Quality Community Council
315 W Main Street - 7:00 pm
October 21, 2010 - Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg Grows is an urban farm that takes a hands-in-the-dirt approach to teaching others how sustainable food production promotes a healthy planet.
Show at Rivermont Pizza, 2496 Rivermont Ave - 8:00 pm
October 23, 2010 - Roanoke, VA
Sharebike's core mission is to make sustainable, community-friendly transportation available to all in the Roanoke Area.
513 S Jefferson Street - 7:00 pm
October 25, 2010 - Elon, NC
Elon University Campus Coffee Shop. Elon Outdoors is sponsoring this show and will be promoting future trips, events, and general sustainability.
10:00 pm
October 26, 2010 - Greensboro, NC
The Green Bean
341 S. Elm Street - 8 pm
October 28, 2010 - Boone, NC
The Boone Bicycle Initiative is dedicated to increasing bicycle usage in and around Boone, NC by addressing safety and awareness while distributing bikes at little or no cost to members of the community.
Show At: Espresso News
267 Howard Street - 7pm
October 30, 2010 - Asheville, NC
Laurey's Catering afternoon show will benefit Chefs Move to Schools.
67 Biltmore Ave - 2 pm
November 1, 2010 - Hendersonville, NC
Bountiful Harvest Community Garden
5:30 PM
November 3, 2010 - Fort Mill, SC
BacInTyme
124 Confederate St. - 7:00 pm
November 11, 2010 - Spartanburg, SC
Presented by Partners for Active Living and the Hub Bub. With Snidely Sidewinder and the Unrepentant Uke Boys, a Spartanburg Ukulele based band.
November 13, 2010 - Boiling Springs, NC
Gardner-Webb University Hopefest 2010 Gardner Hall Patio. 2:00 pm
October 17, 2010 - Alexandria, VA
Four Mile Run Farmers Market
4109 Mt. Vernon Avenue - 9:00 am
October 19, 2010 - Harrisonburg, VA
The Little Grill is a collectively owned restaurant that has ties to many community based projects in Harrisonburg. This show will benefit the Petrol-Free Gypsy Carnival Tour, a Harrisonburg based bicycle music and art tour.
621 N Main St - 8:00 pm
October 20, 2010 - Charlottesville, VA
Random Row Books is a used bookstore. The evening will feature a meal at 7 and will benefit the Charlottesville Quality Community Council
315 W Main Street - 7:00 pm
October 21, 2010 - Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg Grows is an urban farm that takes a hands-in-the-dirt approach to teaching others how sustainable food production promotes a healthy planet.
Show at Rivermont Pizza, 2496 Rivermont Ave - 8:00 pm
October 23, 2010 - Roanoke, VA
Sharebike's core mission is to make sustainable, community-friendly transportation available to all in the Roanoke Area.
513 S Jefferson Street - 7:00 pm
October 25, 2010 - Elon, NC
Elon University Campus Coffee Shop. Elon Outdoors is sponsoring this show and will be promoting future trips, events, and general sustainability.
10:00 pm
October 26, 2010 - Greensboro, NC
The Green Bean
341 S. Elm Street - 8 pm
October 28, 2010 - Boone, NC
The Boone Bicycle Initiative is dedicated to increasing bicycle usage in and around Boone, NC by addressing safety and awareness while distributing bikes at little or no cost to members of the community.
Show At: Espresso News
267 Howard Street - 7pm
October 30, 2010 - Asheville, NC
Laurey's Catering afternoon show will benefit Chefs Move to Schools.
67 Biltmore Ave - 2 pm
November 1, 2010 - Hendersonville, NC
Bountiful Harvest Community Garden
5:30 PM
November 3, 2010 - Fort Mill, SC
BacInTyme
124 Confederate St. - 7:00 pm
Past South Carolina and Georgia Dates (November 11 - November 23, 2010):
November 11, 2010 - Spartanburg, SC
Presented by Partners for Active Living and the Hub Bub. With Snidely Sidewinder and the Unrepentant Uke Boys, a Spartanburg Ukulele based band.
The Coffee Bar 188-A W Main Street - 7:00 pm
November 13, 2010 - Rutherfordton, NC
Kidsenses Childrens Interactive Museum - exhibits and special workshops stimulate the imagination and educate the mind. A morning appearance.
172 North Main Street - 10-12 AM
November 13, 2010 - Boiling Springs, NC
Gardner-Webb University Hopefest 2010 Gardner Hall Patio. 2:00 pm
November 15, 2010 - Greenville, SC
Greenville Organic Foods Autumn Potluck and Concert. This event will include the Greenworks Greenville Monthly Networking Event (6pm) followed by a potluck (6:45) and ukulele concert.
Crescent Studios 1040 W Washington Street - 6:45 pm
November 16, 2010 - Clemson, SC
Clemson University Students for Environmental Action - 8 pm
November 18, 2010 - Athens, GA
Bike Athens promotes transportation and land-use policies that improve alternative modes of transportation, including pedestrian, cycling, and public transit options. The mission of our organization is to make alternative transportation a practical, convenient, and safe option for all citizens of Athens-Clarke County.
Concert at The Globe 199 N. Lumpkin Street - 8:00 pm
November 19, 2010 - Atlanta, GA
Benefit for the medical clinic associated with the Open Door Community
Show at Javalords 1105 Euclid Avenue - 8:00 pm
November 20, 2010 - Atlanta, GA
Fellini's Pizza on LaVista - show to benefit Refugee Family Services which has an urban farm run by refugees from Burundi. With special guest Chris DiGirolamo.
2820 LaVista Road NE - 8:00 pm
November 21, 2010 - Atlanta, GA
195 Arizona Ave - 8:00 pm
November 23, 2010 - Americus, GA
The Fuller Center for Housing builds and repairs homes for those in need, has a local covenant partner that builds homes in Americus. Show at Cafe Campesino, a locally owned fair trade coffee shop.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Virginia
I can't believe it's already been over a week since I left Washington, DC. Lots to talk about so I'll get right to it.
DC
I was very lucky to be added last minute to the Four Mile Run Farmers Market and had a great morning playing for those guys and reconnecting with some of the folks from Velocity.
Harrisonburg
Had a really fun show and some great mexican food at the Little Grill. Nick Melas played a great opening set and it was a lot of fun to hang out with all those connected with the Little Grill and the Petrol-Free Gypsy Carnival Tour, and amazing bicycle musical tour that happens every May and powers their PA system with bicycle generators. I also made a sweet purchase (pictured below) at Roses - the Ocean State Job Lot of the south.
Charlottesville
After a day of riding the mist/rain and up and over Rockfish Gap, I ended up in Charlottesville for a wonderful community-based evening. The folks at Random Row Books had organized a community dinner with donated food and a great turnout enjoyed a meal of pasta with eggplant sauce, 2 salads, sweet potatoes and french bread, while seated around a makeshift banquet style table. The show was really fun, and I was really glad to see some great kids (and great adults) have a great time.
Lynchburg
Lynchburg Grows put on a really amazing fundraising event and in addition to splitting the donations, got 10% of the proceeds from Rivermont Pizza in the process. Rivermont Pizza created a special menu using produce from the 6 acre urban farm and it was all amazing. The evening was a true celebration of a great group of people who are doing some fantastic work. I was fortunate enough to stick around on Friday as well and help out on the farm, which was the best possible way to spend a day off from riding. Lynchburg Grows is a really cool operation, and I recommend stopping by if you are anywhere near Lynchburg. A special thanks to all those who made me feel at home on my visit!
Roanoke
Really cool show in Roanoke at Sharebike, with probably the best percussion section of the tour and some great dialogue with the audience about my observations of the tour. Riding in and out of Roanoke, although hilly (some might say mountainous) was some of the most beautiful rides of the trip. Also it had been 70 degrees and sunny with out fail from Thursday-Sunday.
DC
I was very lucky to be added last minute to the Four Mile Run Farmers Market and had a great morning playing for those guys and reconnecting with some of the folks from Velocity.
Harrisonburg
Had a really fun show and some great mexican food at the Little Grill. Nick Melas played a great opening set and it was a lot of fun to hang out with all those connected with the Little Grill and the Petrol-Free Gypsy Carnival Tour, and amazing bicycle musical tour that happens every May and powers their PA system with bicycle generators. I also made a sweet purchase (pictured below) at Roses - the Ocean State Job Lot of the south.
Charlottesville
After a day of riding the mist/rain and up and over Rockfish Gap, I ended up in Charlottesville for a wonderful community-based evening. The folks at Random Row Books had organized a community dinner with donated food and a great turnout enjoyed a meal of pasta with eggplant sauce, 2 salads, sweet potatoes and french bread, while seated around a makeshift banquet style table. The show was really fun, and I was really glad to see some great kids (and great adults) have a great time.
Lynchburg
Lynchburg Grows put on a really amazing fundraising event and in addition to splitting the donations, got 10% of the proceeds from Rivermont Pizza in the process. Rivermont Pizza created a special menu using produce from the 6 acre urban farm and it was all amazing. The evening was a true celebration of a great group of people who are doing some fantastic work. I was fortunate enough to stick around on Friday as well and help out on the farm, which was the best possible way to spend a day off from riding. Lynchburg Grows is a really cool operation, and I recommend stopping by if you are anywhere near Lynchburg. A special thanks to all those who made me feel at home on my visit!
Roanoke
Really cool show in Roanoke at Sharebike, with probably the best percussion section of the tour and some great dialogue with the audience about my observations of the tour. Riding in and out of Roanoke, although hilly (some might say mountainous) was some of the most beautiful rides of the trip. Also it had been 70 degrees and sunny with out fail from Thursday-Sunday.
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| These trains are full of Coal which is obtained my chopping off mountaintops in West Virginia and is sent by train through Roanoke to Portsmouth Harbor on the VA coast where it is shipped around the world (mostly China, I'm told). |
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ukulele by Bicycle Part 1: Photo Slideshow
A photo journal of the first leg of the tour in which I rode 900 miles and played 17 concerts between Portland, ME and Washington, DC. August 16 - September 10, 2010.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Velocity
The first leg of the tour concluded with a great show at the Velocity Bicycle Cooperative in Alexandria, VA. A great audience and a very cool space made for a fantastic way to end the tour.
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| 9/10 at Velocity Bicycle Cooperative |
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Philly, Baltimore, DC
A week of great shows (see photos below), a great weekend in Philadelphia, and some urban riding from Philly to Baltimore and on to Washington, DC, and I am more or less done with the tour. Highlights from the past week or so: A brief kayak trip on the Musconetcong River, a bike tune up by the guys at the Bethlehem Bicycle Cooperative, the audience at the Weavers Way Coop who all brought their own folding chairs to a former commercial garage where we held the show, a ride in the 2nd annual Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride, a roof deck performance with a view of the Baltimore skyline to a great gathering of nursing students, and an excellent crowd here in Washington last night to support the Mt. Rainier Bicycle Coop and The Neighborhood Farm Initiative.
One last show in Alexandria, VA on Friday. Stay tuned for the second leg of the tour, coming to the south in late October.
One last show in Alexandria, VA on Friday. Stay tuned for the second leg of the tour, coming to the south in late October.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
NY/NJ
New York has been the state of half days, with 3 days in a row of 30 miles or less. Had a really fun show in Kingston, NY and a great visit with my wonderful hosts Kristen and Miguel. Then rode past Ellenville and camped on the towpath of the D+H canal, the 1800's way to get from the Hudson River to the Delaware. In 2010 I recommend a bicycle. Found myself in Port Jervis by 11 am on Tuesday and had a great afternoon hanging out at the Port Java Cafe with Judy and whoever else popped in there. The show was really special, a great community audience, great singers!! Today I was lucky enough to ride on back roads through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area. A great ride, including the very challenging hill with brought me to the top of the Appalachians. I am currently at the Musconetcong Watershed Association Headquarters (A LEED Certified building!!) and it looks like it's going to be a great show tonight!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wild Oats
Had a great time at the Local Foods BBQ at the Wild Oats Market in Williamstown, MA. All of the food came from within 100 miles of Williamstown, and all of the food was excellent and included burgers made with 100% grass-fed beef; local, naturally raised BBQ chicken; salads made with locally grown vegetables; and grilled corn on the cob. My set was well received and I was fortunate to meet some great people who forwarded me a few links of interest:
Transition Towns Initiative - The Transition Towns movement is about building resilience in community to prepare for the decline of oil and climate change. This link goes to the northern berkshires chapter.
BikeLoc - Two guys biking across the US in support of local food and community!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
More Vermont!
After some great days off from riding in Burlington (which coencided perfectly with 2 days of rain), and a nice show for DREAM, I headed south to Middlebury on route 7. A beautiful ride, with the green mountains to the left and the adirondacks and lake champlain to the right. I had great visit with some old friends, and a great morning playing a the Middlebury farmers market. The ride continues to be amazing and both bike and body are in great shape. Should be in Williamstown, MA around midday tomorrow.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Photos
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| Heading out from Portland, ME on August 17 |
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| The Ossipee Mountain Grange Hall, home of GALA (8/17) |
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| Word on the street is that maple sugar is good for cyclists (8/18) |
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| Cars lining the dirt road for the community dinner at the Adamant Coop (8/20) |
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Days 3 - 6 in Vermont
Wednesday 8/18: Got a late start and ended up camping next to a Sugar Shack at the top of a mountain pass near Lyme, NH.
Thursday 8/19: Rode up and down 3 hills from Lyme, NH to South Royalton, VT and had a very nice time playing at the Farmers Market and the opportunity to eat some great local produce. Beets, Radishes, Tomatoes from a very generous farmer, and some local grass fed beef from the Luna Bleu Farm.
Friday 8/20: A beautiful day of riding up the valley of the 2nd branch White River. In Barre, VT I came across LACE (Local Agriculture Community Exchange), whose mission is "to provide a commons for family farms and their community where they can celebrate local food, LEARN from one another and build fellowship TOGETHER." LACE has a very nice store front in Barre which sells local food as well as local art and seems to be working towards being a great community center. I kept with the tradition of eating local, and had some local chicken salad for lunch. In the afternoon, I headed north from Montpelier, up a few hills until the roads turned to dirt and I eventually found myself walking into the Adamant Cooperative General Store. The Adamant Coop is a wonderful community in a beautiful spot and I immediately felt very happy to be there. In the evening, I peformed at their community dinner, which happens every friday throughout the summer, and is the perfect example of people coming together just to be together and to celebrate their community.
Saturday 8/21: Route 2 from Montpelier to Burlington is generally downhill, which was just what I needed on a somewhat cool and grey day. After a brief stop at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, where Rosetta and Melissa made me a farm fresh second breakfast, I made it to Burlington around 1pm and almost immediately fell asleep on a futon. In the afternoon and evening, I was lucky enough to attend a pig roast. Another great gathering of people - who came together to eat a local pig. I find it interesting, but not surprising, that local foods have played such a big role in the first week of my trip. We will see if the trend continues.
Thursday 8/19: Rode up and down 3 hills from Lyme, NH to South Royalton, VT and had a very nice time playing at the Farmers Market and the opportunity to eat some great local produce. Beets, Radishes, Tomatoes from a very generous farmer, and some local grass fed beef from the Luna Bleu Farm.
Friday 8/20: A beautiful day of riding up the valley of the 2nd branch White River. In Barre, VT I came across LACE (Local Agriculture Community Exchange), whose mission is "to provide a commons for family farms and their community where they can celebrate local food, LEARN from one another and build fellowship TOGETHER." LACE has a very nice store front in Barre which sells local food as well as local art and seems to be working towards being a great community center. I kept with the tradition of eating local, and had some local chicken salad for lunch. In the afternoon, I headed north from Montpelier, up a few hills until the roads turned to dirt and I eventually found myself walking into the Adamant Cooperative General Store. The Adamant Coop is a wonderful community in a beautiful spot and I immediately felt very happy to be there. In the evening, I peformed at their community dinner, which happens every friday throughout the summer, and is the perfect example of people coming together just to be together and to celebrate their community.
Saturday 8/21: Route 2 from Montpelier to Burlington is generally downhill, which was just what I needed on a somewhat cool and grey day. After a brief stop at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, where Rosetta and Melissa made me a farm fresh second breakfast, I made it to Burlington around 1pm and almost immediately fell asleep on a futon. In the afternoon and evening, I was lucky enough to attend a pig roast. Another great gathering of people - who came together to eat a local pig. I find it interesting, but not surprising, that local foods have played such a big role in the first week of my trip. We will see if the trend continues.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day 1 and 2
Yesterday I started the tour with a 60 mile ride from Durham, NH to Portland, ME. While it was cloudy all day, the rain held and I made it to Portland in plenty of time for the first show of the tour at the Local Sprouts Cafe. Local Sprouts is not only a local foods restaurant and bakery, but features a Community Supported Kitchen and several education programs surrounding the topic of local food. The food was amazing and the show was great too. After a day of reflection, I feel comfortable saying that the bacon cheeseburger that I had for dinner (made will all local ingredients) was the best burger that I have had in my life.
Today, I rode the very familiar route from Portland to Water Village, NH, while making sure to stop at the world famous rope swing on route 25. The evening featured a very special concert at the Ossipee Mountain Grange Hall, home of GALA (global awareness local action), a great organization working on all sorts of community building and sustainability projects. Josh Arnold, founder of GALA gave the audience a small lesson on the history of the grange, which was/is an organization that allows farmers and their families to work together, but more importantly, to come together and interact. Tonight, a group of us came together to share music, including some great singalongs and percussion performances by members of the audience. The grange is a great space to perform and to be with people and had a wonderful energy tonight.
I'll be riding towards Vermont tomorrow!
Today, I rode the very familiar route from Portland to Water Village, NH, while making sure to stop at the world famous rope swing on route 25. The evening featured a very special concert at the Ossipee Mountain Grange Hall, home of GALA (global awareness local action), a great organization working on all sorts of community building and sustainability projects. Josh Arnold, founder of GALA gave the audience a small lesson on the history of the grange, which was/is an organization that allows farmers and their families to work together, but more importantly, to come together and interact. Tonight, a group of us came together to share music, including some great singalongs and percussion performances by members of the audience. The grange is a great space to perform and to be with people and had a wonderful energy tonight.
I'll be riding towards Vermont tomorrow!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Tour Dates (Part 1 Portland, ME to Washington, DC)
The following is a list of concerts that took place on the first leg of the tour from Portland, ME to Washington, DC in August and September of 2010. In total, Lee rode over 900 miles and performed 17 concerts in 26 days.
Monday August 16 - Portland, ME
Local Sprouts Cooperative includes a cafe, bakery and community supported kitchen. Their mission is to provide people in Maine with creative local and organic food.
649 Congress Street - 6:30 pm
Tuesday August 17 - Water Village, NH
Global Awareness Local Action is a great non-profit dedicated to making communities more sustainable, desirable and resilient.
3 Pork Hill Road - 8 pm
Thursday August 19 - South Royalton, VT
Royalton Farmers Market. 3:00 - 6:30 every Thursday on the South Royalton Town Green. I will be playing between 4 and 6.
Friday August 20 - Adamant, VT
The Adamant Cooperative features a local foods store, a buyers club, a special equipment club and supports local artists. They also host the annual black fly festival and many other community gatherings.
1313 Haggett Road - Dinner starts around 5:30
Sunday August 22 - Burlington, VT
DREAM is a youth based Village Mentoring organization that builds communities of families and college students that empower children from affordable housing neighborhoods to recognize their options, make informed decisions, and achieve their dreams.
House Concert - 117 N Winooski Ave - 7:00
Wednesday August 25 - Middlebury, VT
Middlebury Farmers Market 9-12 AM by the falls at the Marble Works.
Friday August 27 - Williamstown, MA
The Wild Oats Coop is a cooperatively owned natural foods market that buys extensively from local and organic food producers. On 8/27 they will be hosting a Local Foods BBQ to close out the Eat Local Challenge, a month long promotion of living sustainably and eating locally.
320 Main Street - 5:00 PM
Sunday August 29 - Kingston, NY
I'll be playing at MINT Tapas and Wine Bar in support of A Healthy Kingston For Kids.
One West Strand - 7:00 pm
Tuesday August 31 - Port Jervis, NY
Port Java Coffeehouse.
19 Front Street - 7:00 pm
Wednesday September 1 - Asbury, NJ
Musconetcong Watershed Association at the River Resource Center
10 Maple Avenue - 7:00 PM
Thursday September 2 - Bethlehem, PA
The Bethlehem Bicycle Cooperative is a part of the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation. CAT improves mobility, celebrates our community and the environment through education about safe pedestrian access, bicycling, public transportation and trail systems.
14 W Raspberry Street - 7:00 pm
Friday September 3 - Philadelphia, PA
Weavers Way Coop (Old Garage owned by the Coop)
542 W Carpenter Lane - 7:30 pm
Saturday September 4 - Wayne, PA
Saxbys Coffee
110 E Lancaster Ave - 7:00 pm
Sunday September 5 - Philadelphia (Mt. Airy), PA
InFusion - A Coffee and Tea Gallery. I'll be playing for Sunday brunch.
7133 Germantown Avenue - 11 AM
Tuesday September 7 - Baltimore, MD
House Concert
Wednesday September 8 - Washington, DC
Rooting DC Urban Gardening Forum is an annual free forum put on by a collaboration of organizations through DC’s Field to Fork Network. Mount Rainier Bicycle Co-operative aims to enable residents of Mt Rainier and the surrounding DC-area to own, maintain, and ride bicycles affordably.
The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Road NW WDC 20009 - 8:30 PM
Friday September 10 - Alexandria, VA
Velocity Bicycle Cooperative 204 S. Union St. 7:30 pm
Friday, June 4, 2010
About
Ukulele songwriter Aaron Lee will be promoting community building with the Ukulele by Bicycle Tour, planned for August 2010. The tour will consist of series of concerts in communities across New England, New York and Pennsylvania. Lee will ride his bicycle between them, carrying everything that he needs and camping out along the way. Shows will be set up 50-60 miles apart, and Lee plans on performing 4-5 times per week. Each show will benefit an organization that is doing work in the local community. In this way, the concert will provide a positive community experience as well as raise awareness for a local organization. In a global sense, the tour will promote the causes of living simply and sustainably (hence tour by bicycle), acting locally (working with a local organization), and the energy of bringing people together (the event will be a reason to get together).
In February of 2010, Lee released The Ukulele Project, a 14 song record in which all of the songs creatively and intentionally feature the word ukulele. Lee has performed all over New England both as a solo act and with his ukulele, piano, and upright bass trio.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Contact
Are you interested in hosting a stop on the Ukulele by Bicycle Tour? I am currently setting up the tour schedule for August and looking for stops in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. If you are interested but are located somewhere else, don't hesitate to contact me as I hope to extend the tour to the rest of the United States in the future.
Aaron Lee
aaronleebooking@gmail.com
Aaron Lee
aaronleebooking@gmail.com
Monday, April 12, 2010
Reviews
"The audience enthusiastically received the performance and gave him a rousing ovation. His main reason for playing the ukulele? “It makes people smile,” said Lee, which is exactly what it did."
- Will Gibney The Bates Student: March 23, 2010
- Will Gibney The Bates Student: March 23, 2010
The very talented Aaron Lee performed his Ukulele Show for a packed house at Salon Night at The Red Door Pottery Studio this past February. As soon as he walked on the “stage” his height and rich baritone voice, in stark contrast to the diminutive instrument he plays with loving familiarity, adds immediate atmosphere to the fun and whimsy of the songs that he has written.
The appreciative audience laughed, sang and even danced as Aaron proceeded through his repertoire of original tunes (which require that the word “ukulele” appears in each song at some point).
It is a great evening’s entertainment. Aaron’s CD is often played at our studio to lighten the mood after a long day at work.
- Elaine Xenelis Fuller, Owner of The Red Door Pottery Studio - Kittery, ME
Biography
Ukulele Player and Songwriter Aaron Lee is touring to support the release of his new album titled The Ukulele Project, which includes 14 original tracks that all creatively and intentionally feature the word ‘ukulele’ somewhere in the lyrics. In the studio, Aaron is joined by the talents of Jeff Bartolini on acoustic bass and Jeff Marion on Piano and Organ. He currently performs both as a solo act and with his trio.
Aaron stumbled across a ukulele in his parents’ basement and was quickly drawn to it for it’s unique sound and portability. As it happens to be the perfect size to strap on a backpack or a bicycle, the ukulele was always there when creativity struck, and Aaron began writing and performing ukulele songs. After several favorable reviews, he decided that this unique collection of songs deserved to be heard by a wider audience, and began work on recording the album.
The Ukulele Project takes us on a journey, stopping everywhere from the Androscoggin River in Maine, to the Andes Mountains in South America and everywhere in between. Aaron introduces Kaylee Ukulele, who likes to “sit between the dunes and play her ukulele”, proclaims that Arkansas should be known as “the ukulele state” and lets us know what happens if you break his ukulele. We are invited to begin our day by waking up with a ukulele, dance a ukulele waltz, and finish our day with a ukulele lullaby. The record is guaranteed to make you laugh and will leave you with a smile on your face and a ukulele song in your head.
Mission
Mission Statement
I will provide an uplifting community experience by performing ukulele music and travelling between concerts by bicycle.
I will provide an uplifting community experience by performing ukulele music and travelling between concerts by bicycle.
Why a concert tour by bicycle?
I am interested in practicing a simple and sustainable lifestyle, while spending my days engaged in two activities that I love, bicycling and music. I would like to provide a fun evening where people come together through music to support their community. I want to demonstrate that it is possible to do a concert tour without an automobile.
Goals
1. People will come together for a positive community event.
2. To raise awareness for an organization that supports the local community.
Downloads
Details
What I Bring
1. A one hour (or longer) ukulele concert
2. I will arrive and depart by bicycle, carrying everything I need.
3. Split a donation bucket with a local organization.
What I Need
1. A place to pitch a tent (or other sleeping arrangement)
2. A performance location. Anything from a living room to a coffee shop to a community space.
3. An audience.
Venue - Venues can be anything from a living room to coffee shop or community space, but they should be set up to encourage the audience to be focused on the show. The ideal venue will hold anywhere from 20-40 people.
The Show – The flow of the evening can be arranged to suit your needs. A standard show is two 30-45 minute sets with a 30-minute break for coffee, dessert and socializing. Other ideas include a potluck dinner or having a local musician, author or artist perform with me.
Partnering Organization – One of the goals of this tour is to raise awareness for local organizations that support their community. I am interested in partnering with any organization that works locally including those that do work in community building, sustainability, youth development, environmental action or eating locally. Any organization will make a great partner as long as they are working in the local community. If you want to host a show and don’t have a partnering organization, I can work with that as well.
Donations – A donation bucket will be passed around the room for voluntary donations. Proceeds will be split between the local organization and myself. This will help finance the cost of my tour and also raise money and awareness for the partnering organization.
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