The Big Hits… On Small Instruments!

Ukuleles are small. Yet, ukulele duet Greg Doyle and Wendy Matthews play the big hits, favoring swing and vintage tunes – as well as a few things you might not expect to hear on uke. The Fleas have been playing together as a ukulele duo since late 2006, united by a common love of the music from the 20s through 50s. As the Fleas soon discovered, ukes are perfect for these cheerful, melodic tunes. The Fleas feature both Greg and Wendy on vocals, often in harmony.

Greg Doyle, on baritone uke, is a guitarist whose musical interests span Swing to Surf and beyond. He has been playing guitar since his teens and was a long-time member of Vic Schwarz’s Acoustic Workshop, a Hudson Valley-based, six-piece string band. Greg teaches uke and guitar privately.

Wendy Matthews, on soprano uke, was charmed by the instrument’s portability and quirkiness, and took it up a few years back to accompany her singing. She has been singing and playing a variety of instruments since her teens. In a previous life, she was a member of Bad Attitudes, a four-woman music and comedy troupe.

The Fleas have delighted audiences in venues as varied as the Clearwater Festival, Hoot on the Hudson, Ukulele Cabaret and New York Ukulele Festival, as well as street fairs, restaurants, libraries, art openings and private parties across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine. On her travels, Wendy has also performed in exotic locales such as Honduras and Borneo!

Looking for a great gift? The Fleas' full-length CD, "It Had To Be Uke" is now available! Get it directly from us: $15 + 3.50 if you'd like it mailed to you. Just use this link to our PayPal page.
Also available for download on CD Baby and Amazon.

Wedding? Special birthday? Cocktails on the patio? Let the Fleas add some fun to your next event: edukatedfleas@edukatedfleas.com

Friday, August 31

See you in September!

🎼Swing Jam! Sunday, September 9th, 10 am til 1:30 pm. Bank Square Coffeehouse, Main St. Beacon, NY. If the weather is good, we'll be out on the patio! All instruments and listeners welcome.


💐Ukulele send-off for Paul Cundari For those who knew and played with Paul, Georgia is arranging a ukulele send-off for him on Saturday, September 22nd. Please email me if you would like to attend. 

🎸 First Connecticut Ukulele Festival! Saturday, September 29th, 12 noon til 9:30 pm, Suzuki Music School of Westport, 246 Post Road East, Lower Level. Workshops! Including one from the Fleas, plus an open mic and group strums. Plus, evening concert featuring CT performers including the Fleas, Uncle Zac and more, plus headliner Victoria Vox! More info and tickets here. 
 
🍽 Brunch at Note Kitchen! Sunday, September 30th, 11:30 til 2:30 pm, Note Kitchen & Bar, 227 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT 06801. Bethel's best restaurant -- delicious, innovative food, plus there is always music at Note! What could be better? No cover charge.


SAVE THE DATE!
The Second Hudson Valley Ukulele Invitational will take place on Sunday, Nov. 18th from 2:30 til 5:30 pm! Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon NY! Stay tuned for details! Lots of great uke acts, playalongs and more! 
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Tuesday, August 7

Dog Days of August with the Fleas!


🎼Swing Jam! Sunday, August 12th, 10 am til 1:30 pm. Bank Square Coffeehouse, Main St. Beacon, NY. if the weather is good, we'll be out on the patio! All instruments and listeners welcome.

🎤 Fluke at Molten Java! Friday, August 17th, 7:30 til 9:30 pm, 213 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel CT. Molten now serves beer and wine, so come join us for a happy Friday libation, a snack and some fun tunes! No cover charge, tips appreciated. Fluke is Julie Sorcek, flute and Wendy Matthews, ukulele.  

Saturday, August 18, noon until ? Putnam Park, Bethel. Rain date Saturday, August 25. Bring your uke and food and drink to share and join the happening!

🍽 Brunch at the Towne Crier! Sunday, August 19, 11:30 til 2:30pm, Towne Crier Cafe 379 Main St., Beacon NY. Join us for our Ukulele Swing brunch! Tasty, toe-tapping tunes and tasty food! No cover charge.

🎶 Celtic Night (with a little swing on the side), Sunday, August 19, 5:00 til 7:30 pm, The Abbey Restaurant and Bar, 132 Danbury Rd., New Milford CT
Wendy and Greg will join host Uncle Bill Whiskey (AKA Bill Wisnowski) as the special musical guests at Celtic Night! We'll be doing some swingy Fleas tunes and Tin Pan Alley favorites along with Celtic and Americana music! The Abbey has terrific food and drink specials at happy hour prices! No cover, tips appreciated.

LEARN TO PLAY THE UKE! Join Wendy for the Beginner 1 series of three workshops in Bethel:
  🎸Beginner 1 ukulele classes
What: Uke Beginner 1. Join Wendy for a series of three workshops that will get you started with easy chords and progressions. You'll be playing tunes in no time!
Where: Upstairs at Molten Java in Bethel, CT
When: Mondays at 7pm, Aug. 13, 20 and 27
Cost: $45 for all three classes. To sign up please email Wendy at edukatedfleas@gmail.com! Space is limited.
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