Who: Fruke Fest

Where: Carlew House and Grounds at Carclew

When: 3rd March

Fruke Fest, the first Fringe Ukulele festival in the world, was lucky enough to find it’s debut in little old Adelaide. With a mix of local and interstate talent, Fruke Fest brought together ukulele players of all ages and skill levels to strum the audience into a state of relaxation. If you’ve ever heard a ukulele then you know a few strums are enough to help calm your nerves, so imagine what a whole 7 hours can do.

Presented by Ukulele Death Squad, a band as surprising as their name, the day was intended to offer a range of uke related activities for any level of interest. Local groups, such as Blackwood Ukulele Group (BUG), brought us hits from the 70s in ways we hadn’t heard before. Whilst interstate band the Gypsy Rumblers captivated us with stories of their missing left shoe to the sounds of some psychedelic uke. There were also workshops that ran all day for players of any level.

The day was brought to a close with the Ukulele Death Squad themselves. And what a close it was! For reference sake, let me describe them as Mumford & Son-esque with the energy levels of a kid after some red cordial, and then add a little flamenco twist. If you’re not sure what that even means then check them out yourselves! They’ll be playing WOMADelaide this weekend 5pm Sunday on the Zoo Stage.

4/5 stars

-Erin Heffernan