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Taking Over The World, One Ukulele At A Time

The ukulele is an instrument with a sound recognizable in a lot of today's music.

“I think it’s taking over the world because it’s easy to play. People like that," said Keikilani Lindsey, a performer of the ukulele from Hawai’i. He and his son were invited to perform at the 5th Annual Ukulele Festival at Willow Park in Logan last weekend.

“Ukulele is a simplified guitar," Lindsey said, "but it has its own voice. I like the way it simplifies music for people because music is a language that I believe can speak to everyone, no matter what language you speak, music always seems to cut through, and so if ukulele is a new vehicle for people I say, ‘More power to ‘em,’ ya know?”

It is a common myth that the ukulele originated directly out of Hawai’i, but according to a web guide on ukuleles, the instrument was traditionally developed from a shrunken guitar called a machete, which was created by the Portuguese people in the 18th century. It was then brought to Hawai’i where it flourished.

Lindsey, who is part Portuguese, says he’s noticed the instrument is popping up in small groups, which may be a reason why its popularity is growing.

“And it’s really encouraging to know that people have picked up this instrument that was brought to us from the Hawaiians and through the Portuguese," Lindsey said.