You may have heard that the ukulele was invented by Portuguese immigrants to Hawaii. Credit has been given to Manoel Nunes, Augusto Dias, Jose do Espirito Santo, and Joao Fernandes for its invention though the actual details of who did what are a little murky. The Madeiran Machete The ukulele is derived from the Portuguese…
Tag: Musical Instruments
Grandma’s Mandolin: She Never Played For Us
Growing up, I was intrigued by the musical instrument that sat on a shelf in our hall closet. It had a short neck, a round body, and beautiful wood patterns. I was told it was a mandolin. But, where did it come from? I imagined it was one of those things my dad acquired. He…
Who Knew He Played the Harmonica?
It is the the fifth anniversary of my dad’s death. These days the memories are fond and even balanced. My Dad was a great guy and frustrating all in one. Human, just like the rest of us. I thought I knew everything there was to know about my dad, except perhaps, his deep dark secrets….