Commonly associated with music from Hawaii, the ukulele has recently enjoyed a revival. From alt rocker Eddie Vedder to pop star Bruno Mars, contemporary musicians are incorporating the ukulele into their hits.  This February, join local ukulele instructor Cinda Johnson for a series of four lessons geared for the beginning ukulele player. The classes are free and open to the public but registration is required as space is limited. Instruments will be provided and participants must be 12 years or older.

Originally called the machete, ukulele roughly translates as “jumping flea” in Hawaiian. Brought to the islands in the late 1880s by Portuguese immigrants the ukulele quickly gained popularity among the indigenous people, including King David Kalakaua. According to Johnson, the ukulele remains popular today because it easily learned and it’s portable. “Even people who feel like they are non-musicians can still be successful with the ukulele,” she says.

Johnson has been teaching ukulele for over ten years. She currently does ukulele therapy for seniors at assisted-living homes, retirement homes and hospice facilities. For more than 30 years, Johnson has shared her passion for teaching, performing, magic and music as a children’s entertainer. During the beginning ukulele classes, people will learn basic strums, chords and a selection of songs. “We will learn how to have fun with this silly little instrument,” says Johnson.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 541-312-1032.