Sarah Maisel

WHAT a BLAST!!! Holy cow! There are many photos in my photo album, but in this post, I will have a few of the highlights.
Not only was it absolutely beautiful- but there was so much talent. The other teachers there were, Andy Andrews, Joel Eckhaus, Dave Egan, Jason Arimoto, Gerald Ross, Mike DaSilva, Kumu Pomaika’i, and Heidi Swedberg. All of them were phenomenal to work with. I was set to teach a class with Rick Turner, but unfortunately he was too ill to join us, so we got to see Mike DaSilva instead.

The first day was a so busy- I must admit, after teaching 4 classes that day I was wiped out… BUT there was jamming to be had afterward and the show had to go on! We had great bonfire and sing a long. Everyone got their chance to lead the group and it was quite a treat.

The 2nd day was even better than the first- my classes were in full swing. Dave Egan had stepped in to help me teach a class  on arranging Jazz tunes; he gave a lot of great advice and he was a pleasure to work with. The 2nd day was also the day that I realized that I was going to have to watch what I was eating. The food was SO good, and I was stuffing myself a little too much… Plus the meal times would just sneak up on you- next thing you knew the bell was ringing and it was time for a meal. If you were ever hungry at this place, it was your own fault. That evening was more jamming- but we also did a fun raffle, where I got to model the AMAZING vintage Hula Outfit. The proceeds went to benefit a school music program. It was awesome.

I was fully expecting to be totally wiped out by day three, but honestly, I was full of energy! I was ready for my students and happy to be teaching. I was so proud of my first class of the day; the Jazz Arranging class (also called Cheap Tricks – HA!) was quite a challenge. Folks were ready for me to step it up a notch and show them the tune, “Misty”. We got through the A section of the song, which, if you think about it, is 3/4 of the tune. I was so thankful they were up for the challenge. AND I will (I promise) put up a video this coming weekend for you guys! Thank you for your patience.  Also that day I got to teach with Gerald Ross. Honestly, this was a highlight of the retreat for me. I had never been able to have the chance to play with him, and it was so much fun. I learned a lot from doing tunes with him, and it was excited to hear about how he approaches songs.

That evening was amazing- it was too awesome for words.. FIRST of all we had a surprise guest- Mr. Jim D’Ville… Or Coup D’Ville (his twin brother). No one (except a few selected few) knew he was coming and it was a real treat. He also did some performing; I always enjoy seeing his performance- he did the song “Penetration”, that 60′s Surf hit, and it was awesome. Also, to start the evening off, we had the BATTLE OF THE BANDS! I was so proud of my band- “Sarah and the Number 2s”. They came up with great ideas and all I had to do was type them up. Thank you so much to my fabulous group! The other bands were also amazing- so much creativity and guts. I was so impressed at how well people put themselves out there; great job to everyone- wow!

After the Saturday evenings performances- there was even more music. Gerald Ross was going to be leaving at 3AM, so for a good send off, we stayed up and jammed till it was time for him to leave. I had a great time jamming with Joel, Dave, and Gerald. There was magic in the air. Eventually- others joined us, and we got every teacher involved in the Jam, including some of the “students”. I use the term students loosely, cause they taught me a thing or two….

I hope I get to come back next year- it was just way too much fun not to do again. I had great traveling companions- My friends Doug Hansen and Rich Maschner. We stopped at “In and Out” on the way up to Asilomar, and then on the way back, stopped and visited James Dean’s last stop! We had a blast, and let’s do it all again NEXT YEAR!!!

Planning the tour using the book, “It’s a Big BIG World”.

Some things in life seem too good to be true…. And this news is definitely one of those times in my life that just feel that way. Oh a whim, I wrote to the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain. I knew I was way too late for the deadline, but I figured nothing ventured nothing gained. Shockingly, TWO DAYS after I had written them, I knew I was going to be performing at their festival June 21-23. I lost my mind and bounced around the room (I happened to be at my day job when I found out). It was amazing and I couldn’t wait till they announced it on their website so I could tell everyone. Nothing could get better…. Until January 25….

Every year, for the past 3 years, I have attended the NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. It’s a great chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones. This year I got to represent DaSilva Ukuleles and the Takumi Ukulele Company. The performances that we did at the booth lead to this next big announcement- WORLD TOUR! It’s official, it’s announced; I will be performing at the Cairns Ukulele Festival in Australia July 4-7. The festival producer, Gaby Thomasz saw our performance and I was hired. It was so exciting and this is truly a dream come true.

But Sarah, how will you get there, by boat? Many of you may ask this question- or at least those of you that know my MAJOR fear of flying ask. Well, I’m going to learn to get over my fear (or at least use some heavy duty drugs) and fly around the world. I can’t let fear get in the way of such amazing opportunities… But I must share  a quick story. I told my father about the world tour; instead of saying “I’m proud of you, kid.” or “That’s wonderful”, he said, “You know that you have no excuses anymore about not coming home for a visit, right?”…. That’s my dad!
SO- a HUGE thank you to all of you that have supported me. Without your help and encouragement these doors wouldn’t be opening. It’s gonna be a world tour, y’all!

Jim D’Ville, Nicole Keim, Aaron Keim, & Sarah Maisel

HOLYMOLY this was so much fun!!! My favorite part was the snow; honestly, it was AWESOME! Of course I say this coming from a place that has no weather what so ever. People in San Diego get upset when it is cloudy, let alone when there is some kind of precipitation. Not only did I get to hang out with the fabulous Jim D’Ville, but I also got to know Aaron and Nicole Keim better. Also known as the Quiet American. It was great to swap stories and have good laughs with them. They are such a sweet and talented couple. The rooms we stayed in were very nice- and I loved where we had our classes. We had a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. I’m surprised anyone could pay attention to me because of the lovely surroundings. All of my students were great- they hung in there till the very last class and I’m proud of them for it! The little mini concert that we threw Saturday evening was a blast. I got to perform with Jim, Aaron, Nicole, and EVEN Doug! Hopefully I’ll be asked back to teach, cause it was such a great time. I even got a chance to do some relaxing… Which at a uke event, is unheard of! Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful time… You can check out pictures at by clicking HERE or the Photo Gallery.

Sarah Maisel & Paul Tillery at the San Diego Ukulele Festival 2012

Yes folks I’m SUPER late in writing a post! Things have just been SO busy… I had a GREAT time at the festival. Paul and I got a standing ovation for our performance! It was so rad!!! AND Not only did I get to see Brittni Paiva and her mom LeAnn, they brought me CHOCOLATE COVERED MACADAMIA NUTS! I was so happy, and I’m still munching on them as I type. I can’t believe I still have some left. Also, for the first time, I got to meet Lorenzo Vignando (Ukulollo). What a great guy- it’s like I’ve known him all my life. Let’s hope I have the chance to go to tour Italy now, wouldn’t that be awesome? The only major bummer about the festival was that I didn’t really get many pictures…. But I have many great memories.

Daniel Ho & Sarah Maisel

I know it is late for me to be doing an update, but here it is! September has been such a whirlwind… From recording my third album to performing at the Wine Country Uke Fest! I had a fantastic time there. It was awesome to see old friends, like Gerald Ross, Jim D’Ville, and Paul Hemmings. What an amazing treat to make new ones! I was honored to perform with Daniel Ho. He is such a sweet and kind person, as well as an amazing musician. Thank you so much Daniel, you are the best! With us was Lynn Sokolow- who did a GREAT job backing us up on bass! She and her husband, Fred were so much fun to busk with at the Farmers Market Saturday morning. You can check out pictures HERE at my Photo Gallery.
Besides performing, I got to teach three classes. We had a great time and my students were fantastic. It always feels good when people leave your class being able to play what you’ve taught. They were quick learners and it was a real treat.
On the drive home, I stopped by Mike DaSilva’s shop and got to look at my uke in progress!!! It was so exciting, I can’t wait till it’s done. It was my first time at his shop, so it was awesome to see. Hopefully I’ll be able to get myself up there so I can do a class and performance. I think it would be a lot of fun.
Feel free to check out pictures in my photo gallery- most of the photographs were taken by my good friend David Iriguchi, of The Happy Ukulele. He is a great luthier and he and his wife grow the yummiest GARLIC!
I hope to return to Wine Country, it was a beautiful festival. The weather was perfect, everyone was so nice and inviting… It was all around a fantastic time! My only complaint is that it was too short…