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

Sunday, October 1

October with the Fleas!

 🎼 Swing Jam, Sunday, October 8, 10am til 1pm. Bank Square Coffeehouse, Main St., Beacon NY. Find us at Bank Square in our old spot or out on the patio if the weather is good. Consider bringing a chair. All instruments welcome! Note to Jammers: We are working on updating the book. It's a group effort, so if you'd like to volunteer to find or make charts, please let me know! 

  🎶 📚 Elting Memorial Library Fair, Saturday, October 14th, 9am til 4pm. Fleas play at 1pm! Elting Memorial Library, New Paltz, NY. Book sale, food and much more, with music all day! For more information: https://www.eltinglibrary.org/fair

 🎵🍴 The Fleas return to the Towne Crier, Sunday, October 22nd, 11:30 til 2:30. Towne Crier Cafe, 379 Main St., Beacon NY. Join us for our Ukulele Swing brunch at the Crier! Toe-tapping tunes and tasty food too!!! Reservations recommended, no cover charge.

There's still time to sign up!
🎸 Learn to play the uke! Wendy will be launching a NEW beginner group starting Tuesday, October 3rd at 4pm in Redding CT and continuing weekly. If you've always wanted to learn, here's your chance. Reply to this email to request more info on how to join. Intermediates: There may be one or two spaces open in my ongoing intermediate class, Tuesdays at 2:30. Private lessons too. Contact me if interested.

And, save the date!!
🎸🎤 Sixth Hudson Valley Ukulele Invitational! Sunday, November 19, 3:30 til 6pm. Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon NY. The Ukulele Invitational returns for another year! Bring your uke and join the fun: There will be a host of great performers (lineup coming soon), plus play-alongs for everyone to participate in. Don't miss it! Suggested donation: $5.


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