If you follow Ukulele Tricks on Twitter, or if you are friends with us on Facebook, you probably saw a video I posted earlier this week of me playing my ukulele in Central Park.
A couple weeks ago, I went to New York City for the Do Something Awards kickoff party hosted by Kevin Jonas. The Do Something Awards recognizes young people who are making a difference in the world we live in. I was their representing my friend Morgan’s awesome organization Bands That Jam For Africa.
While I was there, I took my ukulele to Central Park to record some videos just for fun. Out of the blue, an older gentlemen came up to me and told me he wanted to sing the song “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue” while I played it. I figured, “Why not?!”
The funny thing was that I didn’t even know Julian’s name until AFTER we were done playing the song. He literally asked to sing with me 10 seconds before we recorded this video.
I was really taken aback by the whole experience. It showed me how powerful of a bond music can be. I didn’t know anything about Julian and he didn’t know anything about me, but here we are sharing in the pure joy of music together. It was a priceless experience.
The cool thing is that you and I don’t have to go far to have these sorts of experiences. We just have to be willing to step out a little bit. Don’t be afraid to step into those unknown places. In my case, it was playing music with someone I just met. I’m glad I did it.
This is what it’s all about! Great video.
That’s the exact feeling I had!
That is very cool. Nice job!
Thanks, Stan!
Great man, you can really feel the good spirit of music, i’ll try this if someday i go to USA, cheers!
Fernando, it really is cool to be able to play music in Central Park. However, I will say I learned something else from this experience. You don’t need to go to the USA to have moments like this. I’m sure there are a lot of people around you right now that would enjoy your ukulele playing. 🙂
Had a similar experience with Five Foot Two. I am just learning the ukulele and mostly play for myself. However, I played that song and several other “simple songs” for a 92 year old gentleman to whom I deliver Meals on Wheels. It didn’t matter if we sang flat, or I missed a chord, or strummed out of sync…we both had a ball!! This is a “friendly” instrument. People always smile when they see someone playing the ukulele. Works better than a puppy or a baby!!! Strum on!!!
That’s so cool!
I love that song. My friend’s mom would play her uke and intrduced us to all of these “old” songs that we didn’t know. Well done sir.
Thanks, Malissa. It’s an oldie but a goodie!
Wounderfull,the young and not so young playing together. If only I could fingers to find the cords again.
Hi Peter,
This song with chords and many others are available at http://www.ukulelesongs.com
Cheers,
Ken
Thanks Brett for sharing the beautiful video of you, playing the Uke with Julian, singing Five Foot Two at Central Park!!! I recognized that song, it’s a boogie/jive/rock ‘n roll song that was very popular during the Big Band era.
Well, it proves once again that “music is a universal language”! In addition, with music one can easily make friends, old and young alike, even of total strangers!
Keep on playing!!!
Ross
Very true!
Very nice Brett!
Hi, Brett,
Great little cameo!!
We sing a Barbershopr version of that over here in the UK at Milton Keynes, MK Acapella, but I just look forward to the day that I can strum an impromptu accompaniment to a new-found friend.
I am just getting to grips with my tenor instrument.
C, F and G are nearly approaching mediocre standard.
I need moral support.
Alan S
Hey Alan, you will get there! 🙂
DA
There is always one person you can rely on for moral support!!
That’s so funny. That’s the only song I remember the chords to, from when I played the ukulele 30 years ago!
It’s always interesting to me the songs that stick with us. There are songs in my childhood I just can’t get out of my head. I love that music has that effect on us.
Delightful! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Kia ora bro! Great video, thanks to sites like this I’m happily learning to play on my uke. And still enjoying the experience and learning something new each day! Thanks for the inspiration that you give others. Arohanui
Hello Brett, this is wonderfull, things like this make’s my day.Fantastic!!! Freddy
P.S.: Forgot to ask you Brett! What are the chords you used to accompany Julian’s Five Foot Two song? Thanks and have a wonderful day!!!
Ken posted a good link up above. I’d check that out! Right now, I don’t have any chords posted for the song on Ukulele Tricks.
About a month and a half ago I went to visit NYC with some friends. As we walked through Central Park (southeast corner) on bright sunny day I saw a young man about my age (early 20s) playing his Ukulele and singing along. We had just bought lunch from a street vendor, so as I ate my food I went and put some money in the case at his feet, and stood there to listen. After he finished his song he shook my hand and thanked me. We had a great conversation. I told him how I was learning the Ukulele. We shared a few tips. He told me he was just a college student, the Ukulele had been a gift, and he usually played in the park on weekends to earn some extra grocery money.
I don’t remember his name. But it was wonderful experience. Like you said the bond of music can bring two complete strangers together. It’s great!
This is a great story! Thanks so much for sharing, Hamish.
Oh, I love this!
My friends and I were by the beach once and this little girl started dancing to my uke, so I played the Teddybear’s picnic
for her. She was super sweet!
Awh, how nice!