These men could be on an Hawaiian isle, but, in reality, they are much more accessible to you. Meet the Ukulele Connection. Members include Paul Engwall from Lyndon, IL, standing; seated left-to-right, Aaron Johnson, Morrison, IL, and Jim Roeder, Silvis, IL.
The Ukulele Connection plays a unique blend of musical styles including standards, popular, bluegrass, and gospel songs. Bass, tenor, and banjo ukuleles–along with a tuba, guitar, and harmonica–provide the background for their three-part vocals.
- Paul plays the tenor ukulele, harmonica, and guitar in addition to singing vocal leads and harmony.
- Aaron plays the bass ukulele and the tuba as well as sings harmony and vocal leads.
- Jim sings lead vocals and plays the tenor ukulele, banjo ukulele, and acoustic guitar.
Engwall stated, “We are pretty well known in Morrison. In fact, our very first performance as a trio was at Resthave Nursing Home. Since them we performed for the Morrison Rotary, the [Odell Public] Library Fundraiser, ‘Dessert Fantasia’ at Morrison [United] Methodist Church, and at Blue Goose Run.”
“We played at the Heirloom Café in Thomson on three occasions and will return there on [Saturday,] July 19[, 2014,] to play the ‘Shin Dig’ from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.,” he added.
In June 2012, the Heirloom Market & Café opened at 2200 Illinois Route 84, Thomson, IL. The phone contact is 815-259-0125.
“On [Saturday,] July 26, we will be playing a lunchtime ‘Brown Bag Concert’ at the Moline[, IL, Public] Library. We [also] have the Morrison Farmers’ Market on the schedule for July 26.”
Two gigs in one day–any musicians dream! Find out for yourself what joy they bring to audienes.
The ensemble’s set list follows. You will hear several favorites and find new tunes ro enjoy.
Set 1
Man of Constant
Neon Moon
Rave On
Toes (capo 2)
Summer Time
Pencil Thin
Old Time Rock and Roll
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Ob La Di
Seminole Wind
Knee Deep
A Pirate Looks at 40
M.T.A.
Long Gone
Travelin’ Band
Set 2
You’re Mama Don’t Dance
Route 66
The Weight
Fields of Gold
Centerfield
Let Her Go
Ripple
Hey, Baby
Wayfarin’ Stranger
At This Moment
Barbeque 2
Redemption Song
Shame and Scandal
Nobody Knows You
Wagon Wheel
Set 3
The Night is Young
When I’m 64
You Ain’t Going Nowhere
Diggy Liggy Low
I’ll Be Seeing Ewe
Run Around Sue
Red Riding Hood
Poor Boy’s Delight
Dancing Shoes
Ghost Riders in the Sky
Dixie Down
Do-Do-Do
Peggy Sue
Chicken Fried
Johnny B. Goode