Learn 5 Island Songs for May
In Hawai’i, May 1st is also known as May Day is Lei Day. Invented in 1927 by an island artist and newspaper writer (Don Blanding and Grace Tower Warren) the spring celebration includes elementary school programs of island songs performed by each of the classes for the royal court. Don Blanding is also credited with the invention of the custom of tossing your lei overboard when you sailed from Honolulu, Oahu. If the lei came back to shore (and most did), it supposedly meant you would return to Hawaii someday. This month in keeping with the May Day tradition, you can learn 5 songs about the Hawaiian islands.
Listen to an audio sample by clicking on the song titles below:
1. All Islands – Hawaii Aloha – with Morse Code Strum
2. Maui – Maui No Ka ‘Oi – with Hum Ding-Ah Strum
3. Big Island – My Little Grass Shack – with I Wanna Rest Strum
4. Kauai – Hula o Makee – with Olapa Strum
5. Oahu – Honolulu I’m Coming Back Again – with I Wanna Rest Strum
Learn to play these songs by subscribing to Complete Monthly Online Lessons with unlimited access to 50 songs for $50 for 30 days at-a-time. Intermediate and advanced ‘ukulele players will have an easier time playing the songs with 2-13 chords. Learn more.
Questions? Schedule a private webcam lesson to learn with me from the comfort of your home.
Stay tuned for June’s theme of “5 Adventure Songs for Summer”
Aloha, Mele Fong aka Ukulele Mele
