James Hill – Mariposa Talks Interview

James Hill – Mariposa Talks Interview

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In this interview for the Mariposa Talks series, ukulele maestro James Hill tells us why he chose the ukulele over the violin (it was more fun), talks about some exciting new directions he’s taken in his latest album, and addresses the question of whether the name of his instrument should be pronounced “yuke-a-laylee” or “ook-oo-laylee.”

 

Here’s some live performance videos of James Hill for your enjoyment:

Voodoo Child (Hendrix Ukulele Cover)
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)

Ever-Lovin’ Jug Band Romping Through Mariposa

Ever-Lovin’ Jug Band Romping Through Mariposa

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jugBandThere’s something special about a jug band!

It’s like comfort food, tunefulness, history and fun all rolled together into one entertaining, wholesome package.

The Ever-Lovin’ Jug Band is this and more, with their original tunes in the style of the jug bands of the 1920s, plus some old-time, ragtime, and music of other bygone eras as well.

The band features five fine performers that juggle duties between guitar, kazoo, banjolin, violin, washtub, washboard, banjitar, cello, banjo, tuba, fiddle, vocals, and jug, of course.

Their first album, Tri-City Stomp, released on CD, vinyl and via download, is a musical romp through tunes and ditties that will really get you’re your juices flowing.

They’re coming to Mariposa Folk Festival this summer. Check it out!

Balancing Fervour and Trance, Acoustic and Electric, MAZ is Coming to Mariposa

Balancing Fervour and Trance, Acoustic and Electric, MAZ is Coming to Mariposa

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MAZThis exciting quartet has bridged the space between electric jazz and French Canadian folk with brilliant results. They describe themselves as a bold assertion of Quebec’s traditional identity with a modern edge but, to their audience, they’re pure spirit-moving, fun-loving, aural magic. Their debut album, Telescope (2011), garnered a Juno nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year plus three nominations at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. In their dynamic live performances, the band pulls off a daring balance between fervour and trance, and acoustic and electric, on tenor banjo, violin, electric guitar, mandolin, keyboards, bass and podorythmie (footwork like step dancing or flat footing while sitting in a chair).