Mayor's ukulele strikes chord
MAYOR Val Schier got in some early practice on the strings yesterday as support grows to make Cairns the ukulele capital of the world.
Cairns Ukulele Festival event organiser Gabby Thomasz has presented a draft proposal to the Cairns Regional Council for the 2010 event as it was revealed the council would offer a $150,000-plus community-based event fund in its Budget for 2009-10.
The proposed festival, to be held over two days in different locations, will include a 1000-plus-person Guinness World Record attempt, a compilation CD of artists and extreme tourism events involving the ukulele the week before the event.
Torres Strait Islander musician Seaman Dan will be the event’s patron.
"I’m really impressed with the pride and passion that has been shown," Cr Schier told The Weekend Post.
"I didn’t come up with the idea, I was only reflecting the creative idea of many people in this town."
Ms Thomasz, who works at Music City, said she was confident the event would attract funding, given the worldwide support as well as local support from businesses and backing from the Australian Music Council.
"They see the value of the ukulele," she said.
"There is plenty of businesses that are interested in sponsoring. Because it is a unique event there has been quite a lot of support."
More details on the Cairns Ukulele Fesival website.
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Cairns Mayor Val Schier enjoys a ukulele lesson with members of the Cairns Ukulele Club.
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