Ukes play for likes at Morristown Onstage
This is the ninth in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
A quartet unlike any ever seen at the Mayo Performing Arts Center will take the stage next month, debuting an original social media satire to the tune of their ukuleles.
The Uke-A-Likes - composed of Kevin Coughlin of Morristown, Beth Bachmann of Morris Township, David Codey of Morristown, and Lisa Martin of Short Hills - are prepared to bring good fun to the theater with their performance.
“I suppose you could call us a novelty act,” Coughlin said. “We play ukuleles and assorted other instruments, and will be performing an original song that pokes gentle fun at the social media phenomenon.”
As the editor and publisher of the online news publication MorristownGreen.com, Coughlin is familiar with Morristown Onstage. He’s covered it every year since its inception – back when it was called Morristown’s Got Talent - but this year, he’s decided to join the show.
“The poise and courage of the amateur performers always impressed me, and made me wonder if I could face the music,” Coughlin said. “Sharing this experience with Lisa, Beth and David makes it really special. It's much more fun, and less scary, performing as a team.”
It was on the job that Coughlin first picked up ukulele a few years ago. While covering Folk Project's Uke New Jersey festival he met his future bandmates and got hooked though a monthly Morristown Uke Jam.
“I have noodled on guitar most of my life, and was determined not to start all over with another instrument,” Coughlin said. “But the ukulele is a seductive little charmer.”
It was at a Uke Jam that the band first came up with the song they’ll perform at Morristown Onstage.
“Most of us spend our waking hours glued to screens large and small,” Coughlin said. “It's how I make my living, and it's how virtually everyone communicates. It's kind of crazy when you think about it. We have more ‘friends’ than ever before, yet most of them we never see face-to-face except on a screen.”
So he decided to create a song spoofing everyone’s second life on social media and play it at Uke Jam.
“It got some laughs,” he said, “And seemed like a natural number for a competition where everyone votes via smartphones.”
Leading up to the competition, the foursome will try to have as many rehearsals as their busy schedules permit.
Personally, Coughlin said he plans to do what he can to ensure he’s healthy and ready for his big debut.
“I'm going to try to stockpile a few hours of sleep, while keeping the Purell handy in public,” Coughlin said. “We can't afford any nasty germs, can we?”
While the group is “old enough to know better” than to disclose their ages, they said they bring up the average age of the finalists significantly, which they’re viewing as a competitive advantage.
“We're hoping that our combined life experience-- a couple of centuries, give or take--translates to a seasoned performance,” Coughlin said. “(Winning) would teach a valuable lesson to all the young whippersnappers out there. You can teach an old dog new tricks.”
If they win, the group may add another “Uke” to the family and expect to embark on a world tour of libraries, middle schools and nursing homes. Should they “bomb,” they haven’t ruled out the Witness Protection Program.
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com
Morristown Onstage
What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.
Tickets: On sale to the general public on Feb. 1. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.
