Yep... This is Ukester Brown's place.

Taking some time "touristing" in the Los Angeles area, we are outside the Capitol Records building on Vine Street. No one rushed out to sign me to a contract, so I guess I'll remain an independent label... This is pretty close to the "stars" of Hoagy Carmichael, John Wayne, Arthur Godfrey, Roy Rogers, John Ford and too many more to mention on the "Walk of Fame".

This year while at the MilwaUKEe Ukulele Fest I made it a priority to find the "Bronz Fonz". I had attempted this last year, but was down in the area so early on a Saturday morning there wasn't anyone around to ask for directions! This year there were plenty of people there and I wasn't the only one getting a picture taken with him. This is a life size statue of bronze with painted jacket, t-shirt, jeans and boots. Milwaukee was the city where the Fonz, the Cunninghams and of course Laverne and Shirley lived. The water way behind us is the Wisconsin River, but you knew that!  AAAaaaaay!!

This was my first pilgrimage to Needmore, Indiana, to the UWC. It was as unlike and like a uke festival as it can get. I call this a "uke fest for the common man". Open mic for anyone willing to share their love of ukulele with those loving to hear it. My brother-in-law ( a hoosier) told me if it is in Brown County that it's gonna be like Woodstock. Well, from what I've read it may very well be the ukulele-love-in. I hope to be back some day and I'll be better prepared for the fun.  
In the photo I'm standing in the back row near the left wearing the blue shirt of the Two Harbors Uke Group. (My StrumMN shirt was worn the day before) While we were waiting for the photo to be taken a spontaneous play/sing of "You Are My Sunshine (my only sunshine)" broke out. Can't waste a moment! I'm not sure who took the photo- but thanks to whomever did! 
A BIG THANKS to Mike and Tookta of Mainland Ukes for sponsoring this fun time--

On January 28th, 2011, Brian K (founder of StrumMN in the black hat) and I (in goldish cap) went to participate in the first ever Trans-Global Uke Jam. 
The Cheez Land Uke Band of La Crosse, Wisconsin, linked up with the Blue Mountain Uke Group in Lawson, New South Wales, Australia to play simultaneously via the internet. Though there were some technical difficulties (the Australians were able to play with us, but we didn’t know it) the show did go on, and we are glad it did! Al, wearing the blue shirt is the founder of the Two Harbors Uke Group (THUG). He was there with a few of his friends as well as two other members- Mickie and Bruce from our group StrumMN. They are playing behind Brian.

The next photo shows more of the group on stage with the monitor to Australia. I am in the left side of the photo.                                                                                Photos by Lee Campbell.

I wonder how many more places we could use this slogan? It is posted on the back side of the Wisconsin Blood Center's sign two blocks away from where the festival was held. I spotted it when I went for a walk before the fest opened and it seemed like the perfect time for a picture. If you want to learn more about this wonderful one day event that was hosted by the Milwaukee ukulele club check out their website here. Photos of the days events are posted there to view. 

When I was growing up my family camped quite a bit for vacations. We drove by this "Voyaguer" in front of the Voyaguer Motel in Two Harbors, Minnesota, many times. I believe he used to have a canoe paddle in his hand. I've been told that some locals call him "Pierre, The Pantless Voyaguer". To put him into scale, I am 6"3" tall. My family has continued the "up north" tradition and really love spending time by Lake Superior. There is a very simple resort we like to stay at and the cabins are spittin' distance from the lake. We were there for four nights this year and had a very relaxing time. One night I had a wonderful time with T.H.U.G. (Two Harbors Ukulele Group) which is led by my musical friend, Al. Thanks Thuggers!

Here are some lovely photos of Lake Superior. 

This is at the corner of Harmony and Seventh St. in Osseo, Wisconsin. It's a nice little town a couple miles off of I94. These street signs were right across from the quilt shop my wife was shopping in. I was sitting outside on the "husband bench" playing my ukulele when I noticed my location and I couldn't miss the photo-op.