FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 11, 2011 Strathmore Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series Presents UKEFEST 2011:

PUT UP YOUR UKES

Strathmore Concludes Summer Concerts by Going for Guinness World Record Uke Strum-a-long

NORTH BETHESDA, MD Uke players of all ages and experience levels will pluck, pick and strum their way to a Guinness World Record at Strathmores third annual UkeFest on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 beginning at 7 p.m. In addition to an evening of live performances by local uke aficionados, Strathmore will attempt to convene more than 851 intrepid uke players and curious community members to use the tiny ukulele to surmount a monumental task beat the world record for Largest Ukulele Ensemble at its most popular summer concert of the season. For more information, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org. The current record for Largest Ukulele Ensemble was set on June 20, 2009 in London when 851 uke players performed in unison at the London Uke Festival. Washington, D.C. will steal this most auspicious title at promptly 7:30 p.m.; uke players must register to participate by 7 p.m. Ukuleles will be available for purchase on site beginning at $30 from House of Musical Traditions. A notary will be in attendance to verify the final count. Players can put their game faces on at two Warm-Up Workshops leading up to UkeFest 2011. In the Beginner Ukulele Workshop, Grammy-winner Marcy Marxer will have novices exploring the basics of the instrument and learning simple songs. In the Intermediate Ukulele Workshop, swing master Gerald Ross will upgrade skills to include chords, soloing and classical arrangements. Both classes will be held in the Education Center on August 23, 2011 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $22.50 for Strathmore Stars. Local two-time Grammy-winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer will emcee UkeFest 2011. Audience members can come early for impromptu performances by roving street performers and an interactive warm-up strum-a-long. The Riders, a returning crowd favorite consisting of amateur musicians from the Riderwood Retirement Community, will open the festival with a spirited uke chorus in their

signature Hawaiian shirts. Spinning the gamut of experience levels are the young performers of the Piney Branch Kids Ukulele Ensemble and the accomplished musicians of The Washington Ukulele Orchestra. Also performing in the festival is Gerald Ross, a uke soloist known for his infectious good humor and blending of jazz, blues and swing. Pop-folk duo and former Strathmore Artists in Residence The Sweater Set will pluck at your heart strings (Washington Post) performing original songs about the perils of courtship, lust and heartbreak, while Baltimores uke chanteuse and fellow AIR alumna Victoria Vox will share her upbeat and clever modern compositions. UkeFest 2011 is sponsored by Kala Ukuleles. Parking & General Information For free outdoor concerts, parking is available at meters along Tuckerman Lane or for $4.75 in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage, payable by credit card or SmarTrip card only. Enter at Tuckerman Lane. Dogs are not permitted at outdoor concerts. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a low beach chair. Food and beverages are available from the BBQ Shack during outdoor concerts. Available fare from the grill includes BBQ chicken, pulled pork, all-natural beef and vegetarian burgers, all-beef hot dogs, desserts and side dishes. Available refreshments include soda, wine and beer. The BBQ Shack is operated by Restaurant Associates. A Ben & Jerrys ice cream truck will serve frozen delights during the event. About Strathmore
Strathmore is an established arts presenter and cultural destination that nurtures art, artists and community through creative and diverse programming of the highest quality, and is home to the Music Center at Strathmore, a 1,976-seat concert hall and education complex. The Music Center at Strathmore is located just off Rockville Pike or at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, MD, and is immediately adjacent to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station on Metros Red Line and a half-mile from the Capital Beltway. For more information, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

### Strathmore is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. Strathmore is also supported in part by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

Strathmore Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series Presents UkeFest 2011: Put Up Your Ukes Wednesday, August 24, 2011 7 p.m. Roving Street Performers and Warm-up Strum-a-long 6 p.m. Free, no tickets necessary Sponsored by Fidelity Investments Gudelsky Concert Gazebo 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852 Parking available in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage for $4.75 For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.strathmore.org or call (301) 581-5100.