UPCOMING EVENTS AT UKE REPUBLIC
OUTGOING EVENTS
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Kirk Jones at Frog Rock Brewery - Sponsored by UKE Republic!
Join us on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at Frog Rock Brewing Co. in Austell, Georgia for an exciting day of ukulele fun and fantastic performances, brought to you by UKE Republic—your favorite One-Stop-Ukulele-Shop! Location: Frog Rock Brewing Co. 2764 Broad St, Austell, GA 30106-3204 Workshop: "Easy Song Intros" Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Cost: $20 (pay Kirk directly via QR code or cash) Learn simple, fun song introductions from the talented Kirk Jones. The workshop will take place next door to the brewery at the CoWork space. Free Performances: Relax and enjoy free live performances in the green space behind the brewery! Limited seating is available, but we recommend bringing camp chair/s or blankets for extra comfort. Guest Performances Start at 3:30 PM: 3:30 PM – WGUE (West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble) 4:30 PM – Marc Powers 4:50 PM – Cheeky Tiki Trio 5:30 PM – Kirk Jones takes the stage for an unforgettable closing performance! Performance tips are appreciated. Mark your calendars for a day full of music, friends, and ukulele joy! |
PAST EVENTS
THE WEBB-TIGER UKULELE DUO
A groovin' union of two ukuleles with compelling and versatile vocals! Jazz, Rock, Blues, country, Folk - both originals and way cool covers! Lisa Webb and Bob Tigert have long been well-respected musicians in Music City, but when they both showed up at a Nashville Ukulele Society meeting a few years back, they realized that their styles and talents complemented each other almost instinctively. Soon, Lisa asked Bob to record one of her songs with her, and the chemistry just worked. Since they started appearing together in 2021, they have played at festivals across the country, in the recording studio, in clubs and concert stages, and on various social media outlets - each with momentum-building success. One of the more in-demand duos in the ukulele community - straight from Music City!!! 
PETEY MACK
Petey Mack, aka Pete McCarty, is a radiant and endlessly cheerful pied piper of ukulele fun, known for his remarkable ability to build vibrant communities through the sheer joy of music. Hailing from the charming Southern states of America, Petey Mack is not just a musician; he's a passionate advocate for the ukulele and its power to transform lives. Over 15 years ago, Petey Mack experienced a love affair that would forever alter the course of his life. It all began when he stumbled upon a humble four-stringed instrument that had often been the subject of mockery or confined to outdated music. However, a fateful encounter with Jake Shimabukuro's now-iconic performance of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in a viral video changed everything. That night, Petey Mack acquired his very own ukulele, eagerly awaiting its arrival with bated breath. In his quest to master this fascinating new instrument, Petey Mack turned to YouTube, immersing himself in the virtual company of ukulele enthusiasts from around the world. Many of these early connections have evolved into deep and enduring friendships, a testament to the sense of community and camaraderie that Petey Mack fosters. A genuine country boy with a warm-hearted, people-loving spirit, Petey Mack's approach to the ukulele can be distilled into a simple yet profound philosophy: the "KISS" theory, which stands for "Keep It Simple, and Strum." He believes in making music as approachable and enjoyable as possible, emphasizing the pure pleasure of playing above all else. When asked about his cardinal rule, Petey Mack never hesitates. He simply says, "Yah gotta have FUN!" This golden rule encapsulates his ethos perfectly – that music, especially the ukulele, should be a source of joy and laughter. Whether he's encouraging new players, leading spirited sing-alongs, sharing captivating stories, or simply having a good time, Petey Mack's presence is like a ray of sunshine in the world of music. With his ukulele in hand and an unwavering commitment to spreading the love of music, Petey Mack is a beloved figure who continues to inspire and uplift those lucky enough to cross his path. 
POSSUM KINGDOM RAMBLERS
Hailing from the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, the Possum Kingdom Ramblers are a musical trio that defies convention and genre boundaries. Comprising three incredibly talented members, they infuse their distinctive brand of music with elements of bluegrass, folk, and a hefty dose of nerdy charm, earning them the affectionate moniker "nerdgrass" enthusiasts. Jas Ingram is the soulful storyteller of the group, wielding an impressive array of instruments including the ukulele, saw, harmonica, Jew's harp, kazoo, and of course, a captivating voice that serves as the band's melodic anchor. Ricky Zero takes on dual roles as both vocalist and the band's steadfast bassist, anchoring the rhythm and harmony that complements their unique sound. Bambi Lynn is the band's virtuoso, juggling vocals, mandolin, guitar, and even the washboard to add texture and depth to their music. The Possum Kingdom Ramblers have masterfully woven their passion for bluegrass with a deep appreciation for all things nerdy. Their lyrics are a playful tapestry of science fiction, video games, and other geeky phenomena, infusing a lighthearted twist into traditional bluegrass themes. In 2017 their hit song, "Space Cat" is a favorite among their fans. This catchy tunes tells the whimsical tale of a feline astronaut exploring the cosmos, capturing the hearts of audiences who appreciate both the nostalgic twang of bluegrass and the whimsy of nerd culture. The song's infectious melody and clever lyrics solidified their reputation as innovators within the "nerdgrass" movement. Their energetic and eclectic performances have graced stages at music festivals and events throughout the Southeastern United States, leaving audiences tapping their feet and craving more. With their unique sound and infectious enthusiasm, the Possum Kingdom Ramblers have carved a niche all their own in the world of music. They are celebrated not only for their undeniable talent but also for their fun-loving spirit. Their ever-growing fanbase is a testament to their ability to bring joy and laughter to the world of bluegrass, making them a cherished and memorable addition to the musical landscape. |
BRY HARRIS
Meet Bry Harris, The Ukulele Tropical Troubadour and singer/songwriter whose music transports you to a sun-soaked paradise with every strum. With his infectious tropical melodies and laid-back charm, Bry Harris is the embodiment of a musical island getaway. Bry's journey in the world of music began with a notable stint as a member of the acclaimed Parrot Island Band. This band, known for their beachy and Jimmy Buffett-inspired tunes, was a sonic vehicle that transported listeners to the shores of paradise. Bry's unique contribution to the band was his ability to infuse their performances with the playful spirit of the ukulele, a role that endeared him to fans and fellow musicians alike. One of the high points in Bry's career with the Parrot Island Band was the release of their debut CD, Parrot Island Getaway. This album featured a collection of songs penned by Bry himself, each one dripping with the essence of tropical escapism. The music caught the attention of radio stations from coast to coast, including those in Key West, California, New York, and Ohio. The airwaves resonated with Bry's melodic tales of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and the simple pleasures of life. In 2009, the Parrot Island Band received a nomination for the Trop Rock Music Award for Duo/Trio of the Year by Margarita M.A.F.I.A. This recognition was a testament to their ability to capture the hearts of audiences, transporting them to a place where worries melted away like ice in a piña colada. But Bry Harris is more than just a ukulele enthusiast and performer. He is a master storyteller who uses his music to whisk his audience away to the world of island breezes, tropical cocktails, and sunset serenades. His songs, whether played in the Parrot Island Band or as a solo act, are a sonic passport to paradise, inviting all who listen to join him on a musical journey to a place where the cares of the world are forgotten. So, if you're ready to embark on a melodic adventure to a sunnier, happier place, look no further than Bry Harris, the ukulele tropical troubadour. His music is your ticket to a world where every day feels like a beach day, and the ukulele is the soundtrack to your paradise. SILVIA ON-THE-UKULELE
PERFORMING UKULELE GROUPS:
The West GA Ukulele Ensemble
The West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble is a group that share the love of music, singing and playing the ukulele together. Sharing this fun instrument and the joy it brings through performances as well as donating our time and effort to various nonprofit organizations.
Meets on Saturday at 10:30am next to Uke Republic, 1st Floor Meeting Room, The Threadmill Mall, Clarkdale, GA 30111. We welcome beginners to advanced players of all ages. Come play with us! 
The GUM Strummers
Born in pandemic times, the GUM Strummers are a joyful ensemble of guitars, ukuleles, mandolins, kazoos, spoons, drums, voices and more. Their fun, energetic performances will leave you thinking: "That was better than I expected! Encore!"
In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was roaring through our world, Catherine Fox was roaring for music. As Guitars, Ukuleles, and Mandolins (GUM) became commonplace at socially distant outdoor gatherings at Catherine's house, the string fever spread quickly and GUM strummers was born. One of the many things that make the GUM Strummers special is that they are composed of a talented crew, with many members being accomplished multi-instrumentalist musicians. You never know what you'll see and experience and no two performances are the same. All of their performances will delight and surprise you. |
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ONGOING EVENTS
Come jam with the west georgia ukulele ensemble
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Check the West GA Ukulele Ensemble's FaceBook Page for announcements.
Meetups per usual are Saturday's 10:30 am to 12:00 pm next to UKE Republic. |
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UKE Republic will be vendors at the 2022 Chatsworth Ukulele Festival
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UKE Republic will be vendors at the 2022 Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway TBUG
UKE Republic will be a vendor at the 2022 Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway 11/4/2022 - our 13th year with TBUG!
UKE Republic will be vendors at the 2023 Inuhele - Atlanta's Tiki & Polynesian Pop Culture Weekend
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UKE Republic will be vendors at the 2023 Inuhele - Atlanta's Tiki & Polynesian Pop Culture Weekend, January 20-22, 2023.
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Memphis Uke-N-Roll Jamboree
April 21 – 24, 2022
Memphis, Tennessee
ABOUT WGUE
Ensemble Director: Peggy Killian
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About Us - West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble
The West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble is a harmonious community bound by our shared love for music and the joy of playing the ukulele together. Led by the talented and award-winning choral and band director, Peggy Killian, our ensemble is dedicated to spreading the magic of this fun instrument through delightful performances and heartfelt contributions to various nonprofit organizations. Our Journey Established in its infancy, the West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble is gearing up to create beautiful music together. Our journey begins with summer meetups specially designed for beginners. These sessions focus on imparting the basics, chord progressions, and strumming techniques. Starting in the fall of 2018, we will open our doors to intermediate and advanced players, who are also welcome to participate in our summer beginner meetups to guide and bond with fellow members. Our Mission - KUMU Under the banner of KUMU (Our Goals Are To), we commit to:
Join our vibrant ukulele community:
Meet our esteemed Director, Peggy Killian, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to our ensemble:
We invite you to join us every Saturday at 10:30am, right next to Uke Republic on the 1st Floor Meeting Room in The Threadmill Mall, Clarkdale, GA 30111. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, we welcome you to come strum, sing, and create beautiful music together with the West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble. Come play with us and be part of our musical journey! Meet West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble Director: Peggy Killian Director Emeritus Brass Instructor Subjects Taught
Obviously, many students have grown up with P.K. The Performing Arts Program at AHS has flourished under her direction and inspiration. Her various talents and unlimited creativity are only a part of the reason our students are so successful. Her compassion and concern for each of them encourages their best efforts. She was born in Chester, South Carolina and took piano lessons in elementary school, along with trumpet, guitar and voice during her high school years. She attended Brevard College on a music scholarship where she received an Associate Arts Degree in music. While attending Brevard, she played with the Asheville Symphony, received the Music Talent Award, and performed with the group "Bounty Three." She gained valuable experience touring with "Bounty Three" and promoting their recordings in the area. Colleges and Education
Her first teaching job was in 1971 at Marist School, which was an all boys school at the time. She was a female band director for an all male band. She came to Douglas County in 1972 teaching at Chapel Hill Middle School. She left Chapel Hill in 1990 after 18 years to become the Choral and Spring Musical Director at Alexander High School. She stayed in this position for 15 years before retiring after the 2004-2005 school year. She now works part-time at Alexander teaching the Chorus classes. Along with teaching, Ms. Killian works with the Tri-M Music Honors Society, Spring Musical, Show Choir, and the Band. Professional Experience and ActivitiesWhile at Chapel Hill Middle School she formed Pique & Company, a professional group of students, eighth grade through college age, that performed with various well known personalities. They were in TV shows and commercials in the Atlanta area, as well as working and performing with Tim Conway and Don Knotts. They also recorded a video for the MTV Basement Tapes program. During the summers she performed at Six Flags Over Georgia in the Crystal Pistol shows both in the orchestra and cast. She has also played in local clubs and did studio recording work with different groups. Professional Accomplishments and AwardsHer accomplishments since coming to Alexander are numerous. She has improved the participation in the Performing Arts by using her people skills, as well as her talents, to promote an interest in the program and the arts. She received a lifetime membership in the Parent Teacher Association for her outstanding contributions to education. She won first place in the County and District Instructional Fair for new ideas and strategies in teaching. She was Alexander's Teacher of the Year in 1994 and, according to her students, "She is our Teacher of the Year every year!" Ms. Killian was selected as Star Teacher for 2002. She also served on the Board of FAME and lobbies for better curriculum and exposure for her students to the performing arts. The "P.K." Philosophy Her Philosophy springs from her belief that the arts are fundamental. She agrees with the Greek philosopher who said, "We must educate the whole man, the creative side, as well as the intellectual side." She feels the arts are for everyone, not just a chosen few. This is one of the reasons she writes the Spring Musicals instead of presenting traditional shows. Ms. Killian believes this gives more students the opportunity to be "the star," and the variety of music presented appeals to a broader audience. It is also her intention to give students as many life experiences as possible. This is the only chance for some of these students to perform and for others it is a training ground for things to come. She writes much of the orchestration for the live music, as well as directing all of the dialogue and choreography, which is done after school and on weekends. |