Archive for Saturday, February 17, 2007
Seniors treated to ukulele’s charms
February 17, 2007
Advertisement
Ukulele Lady
Audio slideshow of Emily Russell playing the ukulele for residents of the Presbyterian Manor as part of the American Music Academy Community Outreach. Enlarge video
Emily Russell grew up in Hawaii, playing the ukulele just like everyone else.
When she moved to Lawrence in the 1960s, however, she didn't give it up. And now, the 74-year-old woman uses her talent to entertain seniors in local nursing homes and to teach others about the instrument that had its origins in Hawaii in the late 19th century.
The mother of four children and six stepchildren has a musically inclined family. Whenever they get together, Russell said, they bring out the instruments and sing and play together.
"The ukulele is excellent for accompanying a singer. Something about making eye contact with the person who's singing is special," Russell said.
Among Russell's favorite songs to play on her ukulele are gospel songs such as "Amazing Grace," "You are My Sunshine" and various Hawaiian melodies.
Russell doesn't reserve her music for just her family, though. She is an instructor at Americana Music Academy and she also helps to entertain residents and staff at Presbyterian Manor, Pioneer Ridge and Brandon Woods.
"What I do with the ukulele, I consider an outreach project for Americana," said Russell, who also plays the mandolin and fiddle.
More like this
- World-class ukulele collection assembled in Rhode Island home November 3, 2002
- Never break the chain 11 comments / July 13, 2007
- 'Uprooted' musician finds voice by going home February 8, 2004
- Weekly family jam session is music to their little ears November 18, 2006
- Family album October 7, 2005
Top ads RSS
- Factory Outlet $1800/Mo. Starting Pay Its the holidays and we ...
- NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS Come by the store and fill ...
- Live On Site Manager- Self storage complex in Kansas City ...
- DERMATOLOGY Nurse Seeking LPN/MA for dermatology practice in Lawrence. Part-time ...
- Traffic Safety Specialist 2 Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office Topeka ...
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Obama finding it harder to blame Bush for job woes November 7, 2009 · 58 comments
- FINAL: Daniel Thomas runs for 183 yards in KSU's 17-10 victory over KU November 7, 2009 · 53 comments
- Blog: Dillons, Hyvee, And Checkers---I'Ve Shopped And Compared. See The Results. November 8, 2009 · 6 comments
- Mass shooting worst ever at U.S. military base; 12 killed November 6, 2009 · 188 comments
- Poll: Would you vote the same way today as you did for president in 2008? November 6, 2009 · 61 comments
- CritiTech leader has stake in lab building November 7, 2009 · 35 comments
- Blog: I Am A Stripper. November 3, 2009 · 318 comments
- House narrowly passes health care bill November 7, 2009 · 5 comments
- Emergency crews respond to multiple injury, car versus motorcycle accident November 6, 2009 · 50 comments
- Maine repeals gay-marriage law in historic vote November 4, 2009 · 240 comments
- Woman passes driver’s exam on 950th try November 7, 2009
- Sacred landmark: Capital campaign drives changes at ECM in its 50th year at KU November 7, 2009
- Kansas Supreme Court chief justice said budget problems could force courts to close November 6, 2009
- Hot dog vendor enhances downtown flavor June 22, 2009
- Conference on Kansas tourism slated for later this month October 5, 2009
- New traffic plan for sand facility proposed November 7, 2009
- FINAL: Daniel Thomas runs for 183 yards in KSU's 17-10 victory over KU November 7, 2009
- Kansas father, son bring good behavior program to Lawrence junior high school November 5, 2009
- Regents Chairwoman asks legislators to put away the budget knife November 6, 2009
- KU graduate student in critical but stable condition after chemical contamination November 5, 2009
17 February 2007
at 7:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
nugget (Anonymous) says…
Emily is a super cool lady. Bravo, Emily!
17 February 2007
at 8:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Kookamooka (Anonymous) says…
Really well done audio slide show. I hope more people tune into it. The article is fine but the multimedia is great.
17 February 2007
at 2:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
mommaeffortx2 (Anonymous) says…
I used to work in ret. hom and the residents all loved it when she would come in.
She is always happy and fun she always would take time to talk to the people, laugh with them and just really seemed to enjoy life.