Ukulele man on mission | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Ukulele guru Mike Dickison is today poised for the sound of 3408 nylon strings resonating across the Heretaunga Plains.

The Christchurch man is here to help strum up support for a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest ukulele ensemble, intent on breaking the current record of 851 ``ukes'' which was accomplished in London this past  year.

The author of Kiwi Ukulele will also take a few workshops as part of the two-day Hawke's Bay Ukulele Festival hosted at the Hawke's Bay Opera House, Hastings.

As a prelude to the record attempt, the Hawke's Bay Schools' Ukulele Orchestra yesterday boasted the sonorous sounds of their instruments, assisted by the
acclaimed Wellington Ukulele Orchestra, who will perform tonight.

Mr Dickison believes the numbers at last night's student gig were testament to the ``third wave'' of the instrument's popularity.

``Ukuleles were popular in the 20s, again in the 50s and again now,'' Mr Dickison said.

Until recently the uke was known as a joke instrument, in part due to the irreverent follies of 60s American musician Tiny Tim, he said.

``It took the instrument decades to recover.
 

``Today, I think people are starting to realise that not many of us play instruments anymore. And because of that wish to play something, the ukulele is non-threatening, and very accessible. Unlike a guitar, it has only four strings and we have four fingers 
- so it makes sense.''

Mr Dickison and fellow organisers are desperate to flush closet players from their hides to earn their place in history if today's record is to be achieved.

``We're abiding by all the Guinness regulations, including registering players and the
attendance of dignitaries to verify the feat.

``Anyone is welcome to come along. I'm having an introductory session at 11am, so
we have an hour to practise the three simple songs we intend to play.''

The record attempt will begin at noon today at the Hawke's Bay Opera House.