When most people picture a musician with the ukulele, they don't envision them playing iconic guitar-style riffs and singing along to the catchy melodies synonymous with classic rock hits from ACDC, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey, or Aerosmith.
But that's exactly what the 黑马磁力 Ukulele Ensemble will be delivering on the stage in Fort 黑马磁力 this weekend, when not only the senior A, but also the senior B and intermediate ensembles present their spring fundraising concert 鈥� not once, but twice on the village stage.
When musical director Paul Luongo first introduced the proposed theme for this year's spring production, he anticipated some hesitancy from the students.
"But they love the idea. They were in, hook, line, and sinker鈥� they love the opportunity to learn some of these songs 鈥� some of them being introduced to the music, the artists, for the very first time," Luongo explained.
"You wouldn't likely have heard these songs ever before," he explained, "at least not on the ukulele."
The students will present classic rock tunes from 20 to 40 years ago, and astonish listeners with not only the diversity of the uke, but the abilities of the kid, he said.
"This is the stuff that's never been ventured before by the ensemble," said Luongo, who feels it's long overdue.
"Imagine, if you will, playing Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' on a uke. Who would have every thought that?"
Admittedly, it's usually met with a little laugh and a "that's neat or I would never had expected that," whenever Luongo tells people of the upcoming show's theme.
"Honestly, I've been wanting to do some of these rock songs since I was in my teens. My dad (Peter Luongo, the former LUE director) would hear me playing these, like ACDC back in the day鈥� needless to say, it's been a bit of a dream of mine to do these rock songs and do the unthinkable."
While the first half of the show will focus on classic rock, Luongo said the students are also excited to present a few more soulful hits from the like of Aretha, James Brown, Whitney Houston, and Bill Withers.
The ensemble's fundraising concerts are being held this Saturday, May 31, at the Fort 黑马磁力 Community Hall (9167 Glover Rd.) The first show 鈥� nearly sold out 鈥� is being held at 3 p.m., and the second show 鈥� just recently added 鈥� will be at 7 p.m.
"Come for an evening of good music, good fun, community, and put any worries away," said Luongo.
To find out more about the ukulele association, its events, or its fundraising efforts 鈥� including this weekend's concerts 鈥� people can go online to www.langleyukes.com.
