Ukulele Concert, Stokesley Town Hall

THE ukulele is growing in popularity and residents of Stokesley were treated to an extravaganza of all levels of playing in a cafe-style setting at the town hall.

The entertainment was divided into three sections, with the excellent Suzanne Dalton as compere.

The Stokesley String-A-Longs, formed last September, warmed up the audience with an eclectic mix of genres, singing and playing to such classics as Bye Bye Love and Enjoy Yourself.

The audience was soon joining in and the enthusiasm of the group was infectious. They were congratulated on performing their first concert after only seven months as a band.

Next up were Stokelsey Strummers, who have been together for just over a year. The oldest member is Kenneth Broomfield, aged 94, a musician and a published author, who started playing when he was 15.

Their set featured an electronic acoustic ukulele, a bass ukulele and the kazoo. They did justice to the creative arrangements of Dave Bentley, their teacher, and the fun and enjoyment they were having was clear to see. The group showed skill and versatility in jazz, blues, country and pop, and a spectacular reworking of Leaning on a Lamppost, Russian-style.

After the interval, it was the turn of The Uketopians, the youngest member being 12 year old, Alec Peach. Tilly Fallows, 16, did a clever solo in Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, showing us the versatility of the ukulele.

The genres tackled and different instruments played with style and commitment showed why this band is so much in demand.

The applause at the end of their set reflected the excellent night which was had by all.

All three groups performed together for the finale. Special mention was made of Dave Bentley, the man behind the arrangements and inspirational teaching.

Proceeds were for Great North Air Ambulance. For concert information, visit uketopians.co.uk.

Jan Hunter