Jody’s Joyride

I recently had the opportunity to explore Tokyo, Japan and let me tell you – it was nothing short of amazing! From the bustling city life to the serene temples, there was never a dull moment during my trip. First things first, I have to mention the food. From sushi to ramen, every meal was a delight for my taste buds. And let's not forget the convenience stores – they have everything from hot meals to matcha Kit Kats! But what truly made this trip unforgettable were the people I met along the way. Some old friends, some new, but all of them added something special to my experience. I had the opportunity to reconnect with former students and even play pickleball with a group of locals in Setagaya – talk about cultural immersion! Speaking of cultural immersion, attending a Southern All-Stars concert in Chigasaki was an experience like no other. The energy and passion of the fans made it impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. But it wasn't all about the big city life – I also had the chance to visit some beautiful temples and shrines. The peacefulness and history of these sites were a nice contrast to the busy streets of Tokyo. Overall, my time in Tokyo was truly special and something I will never forget. The people, the food, the culture – it all came together to create a one-of-a-kind experience. If you ever have the chance to explore Tokyo, I highly recommend taking it.

After my return from Japan, I had the opportunity to perform on board the Disney Cruise Line with the incredibly talented Honoka and Maia Mayeshiro (former Ukulele Hale students). It felt like a dream come true to be able to step on stage in the Walt Disney Theater and work with such an amazing cast and crew. But let's be real here, one of the biggest highlights of being on a cruise is the food. And let me tell you, the all-you-can-eat buffet on the Disney Cruise Line did not disappoint. From savory dishes to decadent desserts, there was something for everyone. But what made this experience truly special was the people we met from around the world. From fellow performers to crew members to guests, we were surrounded by such diverse, talented and friendly individuals.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 16th Annual Dukes Ukes Contest at Kahala Mall. And let me tell you, it was an event to remember! The talented finalists from Ukulele Hale took home 1st place in all 4 divisions, showcasing their incredible skills and love for the ukulele. But to be honest, everyone was a winner in my eyes. From strumming melodic tunes to singing beautiful lyrics, each competitor exuded courage, compassion, and humility on stage. It was truly heartwarming to see such passion and dedication from these young musicians. And it's not just about the competition, but also about the camaraderie and support between them. It was a true celebration of music and talent. I have to give a shoutout to Ukulele Hale instructors Gina Sunada and Cody Chung as well - their guidance and mentorship clearly showed in the impressive performances by their students. Without their dedication and hard work, this event wouldn't be possible. As I left the competition, I couldn't help but feel inspired and uplifted by the amazing display of talent, passion and aloha for music. It's events like these that remind us of the power and beauty of music to bring people together. So here's to another successful year at the Dukes Ukes Ukulele Competition! Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, instructors, parents and everyone involved in making this event a memorable one.

16th Annual Dukes Ukes Contest Final Standings:

12 and under ukulele performance - 1st Place Cruz Ferreira (Ukulele Hale)

11 and under ukulele w/ vocals - 1st Place Lina Takabayashi (Ukulele Hale)

12 and over ukulele performance - 1st Place Shota Oba (Ukulele Hale)

13 and over ukulele w/ vocals - 1st Place Miyu Akina (Ukulele Hale)