I’ve been in Qukulele since its start. I went with a friend to a back room in a pub in Hove and the rest is history! It’s been lovely getting to know new folk in the band and also playing with friends I knew before we formed. Three of us are in the same bookgroup.
I really enjoy our practices, especially when we have been working hard on a song and it finally comes together and we can hear that the harmonies and arrangements are working well. But for me the best thing about being in the band is the performances. Each gig is different and each set list is different as well. We have played in some very different places: tiny tiny stages in pubs with sticky carpets, a dressing room with a dead mouse, dressing rooms that are toilets (literally), the stage at The Pavillion (one step closer to being at The Dome) and the dizzy heights of a dressing room with an iron and a shower (Ropetackle we want to come back!).
We’ve had audiences that have loved us, danced to our music, sang along with gusto and others who have carried on eating and chatting to their mates (and in one case having a conversation across us). No matter – every gig is good fun, even when we outnumber the audience, and that’s happened a few times.
My most recent memorable performance was when the band kindly came to play at the University of Brighton for the end of term lunch and my farewell as I have left my job there as a lecturer in education. I had arranged it as a surprise and we did a few numbers and got a fab reception. ‘Though it hurts to go away it’s impossible to stay’ – never were the words to our new Eurovision medley more true!
I’m not the most adept player in the band (cough) but I love singing and performing and especially adding to the comedy and campness of the band. My current favourite is ‘Big Spender’ where I just play an assortment of percussion and get to wear long gold gloves. I was also the only skirt wearer in the band but now have a pal in Samantha. I think I still have the most wigs though!
However I also like to sing ballads and especially ‘Dream a Little Dream’ with the lovely Ruth who has a great voice. Lizzie and I keep threatening to do a country duet together – suggestions gratefully received – please comment!
I really enjoy our practices, especially when we have been working hard on a song and it finally comes together and we can hear that the harmonies and arrangements are working well. But for me the best thing about being in the band is the performances. Each gig is different and each set list is different as well. We have played in some very different places: tiny tiny stages in pubs with sticky carpets, a dressing room with a dead mouse, dressing rooms that are toilets (literally), the stage at The Pavillion (one step closer to being at The Dome) and the dizzy heights of a dressing room with an iron and a shower (Ropetackle we want to come back!).
We’ve had audiences that have loved us, danced to our music, sang along with gusto and others who have carried on eating and chatting to their mates (and in one case having a conversation across us). No matter – every gig is good fun, even when we outnumber the audience, and that’s happened a few times.
My most recent memorable performance was when the band kindly came to play at the University of Brighton for the end of term lunch and my farewell as I have left my job there as a lecturer in education. I had arranged it as a surprise and we did a few numbers and got a fab reception. ‘Though it hurts to go away it’s impossible to stay’ – never were the words to our new Eurovision medley more true!
I’m not the most adept player in the band (cough) but I love singing and performing and especially adding to the comedy and campness of the band. My current favourite is ‘Big Spender’ where I just play an assortment of percussion and get to wear long gold gloves. I was also the only skirt wearer in the band but now have a pal in Samantha. I think I still have the most wigs though!
However I also like to sing ballads and especially ‘Dream a Little Dream’ with the lovely Ruth who has a great voice. Lizzie and I keep threatening to do a country duet together – suggestions gratefully received – please comment!