Daily News-Minder, Fairbanks: Alaska musician takes the ukulele to entertaining heights

With a stage name like Ukulele Russ, one might imagine Hawaiian shirts and inoffensive luau music or maybe a bunch of kid-friendly songs espousing the benefits of making friends and learning to tie shoes. But that’s about as far away from reality as possible.

HorizonThink: Russell Copelin (Ukulele Russ) in Kalamunda, Western Australia

Known for both his musical workshop and live performance ability Russ leaves a lasting impression and motivation with participants and audiences. The workshop in Kalamunda sold out several days before the event.

KTVA: Mic Check in the Morning

Daybreak got a unique treat Friday, as Alaska’s ukulele wild man brought his layers of looping guitar riffs and vocals for a Mic Check in the Morning.

Uke Planet: Ukulele Russ – Laundry

I find a lot of loop pedal users spend far too long laying down layer after layer of sound, eight bars of picking, overlaid by 8 bars of percussive taps, overlaid by… But not so here folks! In addition to Ukulele Russ’ clear talent as a performer and singer, what struck me instantly was the quick jumps from loop to loop. A real foot tapper of a backing riff, terrific rhythmic vocals a middle section showcasing Russ’ talent on the harmonica (which is sensational) and some imaginative and exciting blues ukulele riffs.

RNZ: One-man Alaskan band

Colin Peacock interviews a survivalist and ukulele virtuoso from Fairbanks, Alaska, who makes his second visit here for masterclasses, workshops and concerts in Auckland, and plays two songs live on his ukulele, U-bass, loopers, and harmonica.