News Archives
2025
Lots of great songs tonight at Corinda! Ukulele Friday at corinda 10th May 2025
Lots of great songs tonight at Corinda!.
Sally Carter Workshops 6th May 2025
Sally Carter workshops Sun 25th May Don’t miss out… Book now for these great workshops.
Bunyip Long Neck Tenor for sale 2nd May 2025
FOR SALE 1 x Bunyip long scale tenor ukulele.
BUMS Inc Newsletter for May 2025 2nd May 2025
This newsletter was sent to 387 BUMS members and 625 subscribers on 2 May 2025. .
A great afternoon full of wonderful music and four talented Open Mike performances at Geebung Bowls Club on Sunday! GeeBUMS April 2025 27th April 2025
A great afternoon full of wonderful music and four talented Open Mike performances at Geebung Bowls Club on Sunday!.
Rocking Northside Jam 23 April 24th April 2025
Geebung Bowls Club was rocking last Wednesday night with music from the Northside Jam. All 3 groups provided enjoyable and varying musical experiences. Check out what Adrian calls the coolest ukulele strum in the world in a video clip from 2020..
World Ukulele Day raffle draw 23rd April 2025
On World Ukulele Day (2 February 2025) we launched a raffle with a handmade ukulele as the prize. The raffle was drawn at the Coorparoo jam on 2 April, and the winner was ALISON ROLLO. She couldn't wait for a formal presentation and hurried from Eatons Hill to Toowong to collect it. President, Sylvia Hunt, presented the ukulele (for the cameras) at the Ferny Grove on 16 April. Thank you to all the people who bought tickets in the draw..
Ferny Grove jam on a high 22nd April 2025
The Easter spirit was in full force at the Ferny Grove jam in April with about 60 players joining in the fun. Great to see Kevin Buckley step up to the mic and Edwyn Jones play bass for the first time at a jam. Congratulations to Alison Rollo - winner of the World Ukulele Day raffle. The handmade ukulele was presented by President Sylvia. .
Ukulele Friday joins BUMS 17th April 2025
On Friday the 11th of April, a happy gathering of some 23 ukesters celebrated Ukulele Friday joining Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society. The jam was run by Corinda local ukulele royalty, sisters Gabi Liddle, and Jen Reynolds, along with Jen’s talented sons Sam and Ayden Reynolds. Ukulele Friday lead a jam at Corinda on the second Friday of the month. Check them out at the next jam on 9 May..
WE BUMS has been cancelled for April 31st March 2025
Sadly, the two rooms in the loft are being used on Tuesday 8 April. WE BUMS is cancelled. See you on 13 May (hope it's a luckier day for us).
Well-travelled visitor at Northside jam in March 28th March 2025
Usual fun at Geebung on Wednesday night with a special visitor from afar. Welcome back Yvonne. .
BUMS Newsletter for April 2025 28th March 2025
Copy of the newsletter that was sent to 381 members and 629 subscribers..
Ukulele Friday are a BUMS jam 25th March 2025
BUMS has invited Ukulele Friday to officially join the BUMS stable of Jam Venues. We will be holding a celebratory ceremony on Friday the 11th of April.  Set leaders, Gabi, Jen and Sam would love to see you at the Corinda Bowls Club, 58 Hall Avenue, Corinda, 4075. ·.
Vocal Workshop review 23rd March 2025
Elizabeth Ross maintained her reputation as a superb workshop presenter on 22 March at Coorparoo. The workshop was challenging, informative and fun. The exercises were excellent and often amusing and we all came away having pushed ourselves to try something new (often many times). Read on for more..
First post Alfred jam 13th March 2025
A big thankyou to all who came to our Westside jam on Wednesday 12 March. We had 45 people, and I think we lived up to our reputation as the Happy Jam. I think everyone was happy to leave the rain, wind, floods and power outages behind to sing and play their Uke’s. We had a couple of lovely new ladies too. We hope to see everyone again next month on 9 April. .
What jams are on week ending 14 March 9th March 2025
Local councils have been asking us to stay home and stay safe. Our jam coordinators have considered local conditions and where their jammers come from. Flat Lizard was held today to a small group of players. WE BUMS and Ukulele Friday @Corinda have been cancelled. The Westside jam is still on at this stage but check the website or the Member Jungle App before you venture out on Wednesday. .
What songs will be played at a jam? 8th March 2025
Want to know what songs will be played at a jam?  This month we'll be adding more information to the jam description, including a list of songs to be played at a jam.  Check out the WE BUMS and Westside events in Member Jungle..
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is looming down on Southeast Queensland. It is forecast to bring very strong winds and heavy rains. We have decided to cancel the Coorparoo jam on Wednesday 5 March. Please stay safe and we look forward to resuming normal activities after all this has passed. Coorparoo jam 5 March cancelled 3rd March 2025
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is looming down on Southeast Queensland. It is forecast to bring very strong winds and heavy rains. We have decided to cancel the Coorparoo jam on Wednesday 5 March. Please stay safe and we look forward to resuming normal activities after all this has passed..
BUMS Inc Newsletter for March 2025 1st March 2025
The March newsletter was emailed to 377 members and 628 subscribers on 1 March 2025. The newsletter is sent out on the Friday before the Coorparoo jam on the first Wednesday of the month. .
Northside jam in February 28th February 2025
The last jam in February was at Geebung Bowls Club. It was a fun night with three groups playing a great mix of oldies and some newer songs. .
Glasshouse Musos open mic opportunities. 26th February 2025
The Glasshouse Musos run twice-monthly open mic sessions at the Beerwah Hotel. There is a full PA system with six instrument leads, six vocal mics, bass and lead ukulele amps and an e-drum kit all set up and ready to go. Just plug in and perform. .
Vocal workshop - a few places still available 26th February 2025
There a few places left on the vocal workshop on 22 March. Get in quick to secure your place. After a popular and successful workshop in 2023, Elizabeth Ross is back again with a new vocal workshop. It will run on Saturday 22 March at Coorparoo Bowls Club. The workshop will include 'Breath work', 'Ear training' and 'Reworking a song to suit your voice and style.' More details can be found under the Events tab on the website or through the link below..
GeeBUMS cancelled this weekend 19th February 2025
Sorry but due to a clash of events this Sunday, we have to cancel GeeBUMS on 23 February. The next GeeBUMS is on the last Sunday of the month 30 March..
First WEBUMS of the year 12th February 2025
The first WEBUMS of the year was on 11 February in the smaller cabaret room at the Archive Boutique Brewery. It was a good fun night with Cath McCourt and Simon Carter leading off and finishing the night. In between Caroline Haig, Mark Mathieson, Cath and Leanne Williams led the middle set. Peter Orford, Amanda Wenzel and Angela Leader are now coordinating the jam.  Thanks to Merv and Barbro Harcourt for getting WEBUMS started and running it through to the end of 2024..
World Ukulele Day Wrap up 5th February 2025
A great start to the New Year World Ukulele Day was celebrated by BUMS in style this year, at Coorparoo Bowls Club, where it all began. 80 BUMS members gathered at the bowls club upstairs stage venue, along with 66 visitors who joined us in a day of strumming. BUMS community bands, concert bands and other ukulele bands came together to celebrate their common love for the ukulele. .
Food at Coorparoo 3rd February 2025
Catch a snack before the Coorparoo jam. Read on for more detail..
BUMS Inc Newsletter February 2025 31st January 2025
Here's the newsletter sent by email to 370 BUMS members and 631 subscribers on 31 January 2925..
BUMS Jam survey preliminary findings 29th January 2025
At the end of 2024, the BUMS Management Committee administered a small survey to determine “how we were doing”. It focused on our jams – the busiest part of what BUMS does. We invited all our current members (about 350) to participate, and about 30% responded. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Your responses are valuable and will be used to improve what we do. Click the link to read more details and see what we plan to do next. .
Latest news on World Ukulele Day Sunday 2 February 22nd January 2025
Latest news on the celebrations for World Ukulele Day. Program for the day is now available - see the link in the main article. Out on Bail will promote the day on ABC radio (612) Breakfast Show on Friday morning between 6.30 and 7.00am. The kitchen will be open all day at the Coorparoo Bowls Club serving delicious meals. Bring your family and friends for a day of ukulele fun. Be amazed at what you can do with a ukulele. .
Ferny Grove jam this Wednesday 12th January 2025
First Ferny Grove jam of the year is this Wednesday. There will be no beginner's class this month and no meals available..
World Ukulele Day 9th January 2025
It's coming - World Ukulele Day - on Sunday 2 February. BUMS will be celebrating at Coorparoo Bowls Club where you can share the joy you get from playing the ukulele with your friends in an environment that highlights the fun fun fun of the ukulele. We will be hosting this free public event from lunchtime with open mics, jams and performances. More news coming soon but book the date. .
BUMS Inc newsletter for January 2025 3rd January 2025
The January newsletter was emailed to all members and subscribers. Here's a copy of what was sent on 3 January 2025..
2024
BUMS jams survey 27th December 2024
We are running an online survey about the music played at BUMS jams. The survey was sent out by email to all members on 22 December.  If you haven’t responded yet, we encourage you to do so soon.  The survey will close on Monday 6 January. Click to see more details and how to access the survey..
Support for performing bands 27th December 2024
BUMS supports our members who play in public, either solo or in performing bands.  We are updating the details of our performers on the Book-a-BUM page on the website.  Are you or your ukulele band, performers who would like to be included in the gigmeister’s list of performers and the Book-a-BUM page?.
December 11 – a day to remember 14th December 2024
Last Wednesday we held 2 jams.  The final Westside daytime jam of the year was led by Sue and Peter Sercombe.  Over 40 members and friends celebrated another successful year of ukeing and singing. The annual Northside Christmas Spectacular was on in the evening.  It was the biggest and loudest jam ever held at the Geebung Bowls Club with about 100 (we lost count) attendees. We have 300+ members in BUMS, so that means we almost half of BUMS jammed on the same day. .
Jingle BUMS at Coorparoo 5th December 2024
The annual end-of-year bash at Coorparoo Bows Club was a roaring success as we celebrated the last jam there for 2024 with high Christmas spirit. Max our MC led the evening and was first set leader for the night. Read on for more of the fun we had..
BUMS Inc newsletter for December 2024 29th November 2024
The December email was sent to all members and subscribers. Here's a copy of what was sent on 29 November 2024..
Ferny Grove jam in November 26th November 2024
The rainy night couldn’t keep us away from Ferny Grove jam on Wednesday 20 November. We were rewarded with a fun night with four sets of music supported by Andrew on sound and projection. Read on for more..
Famous Ukulele players 20th November 2024
Who is this man? Why is he playing the ukulele? Click to find out and see other famous ukers..
Meet Out On Bail, a BUMS community band 20th November 2024
Out On Bail is a Rocklea based BUMS community band led by Darrell Reeve and meets most Sundays at 2:00 pm. We aim to play those songs that people tell us should not be played on the Ukulele. We love Australian rock and roll and have great fun playing great music with the magical twist of the Ukulele..
Website help 20th November 2024
Do you have experience in managing websites?  Do you have time to help improve and maintain the BUMS website? Do you want to learn more about websites and help BUMS at the same time? Read on for more detail..
Max is back 19th November 2024
The Management Committee welcomes Max Borchardt back as Vice President. At the AGM in September, Max decided to step down from the committee as he faced some health issues. Happily, he has retained his energy and enthusiasm and has offered his services again. .
Uke Groups Support Dementia Research 17th November 2024
TAKING UKULELE MUSIC INTO THE COMMUNITY and SUPPORTING DEMENTIA RESEARCH BUMS aims to take ukulele music out into the community. Donna Farrell began putting this into practise when working as an exercise instructor at Compton Gardens Retirement Village at Aspley. With her husband, Derek, she leads a performing ukulele group there as well as other venues. Along with their band, Totally Insane Ukes, all groups have raised over $11,000 supporting Dementia Research. .
Planetarium gig revisited at Coorparoo 8th November 2024
It was a rocking good night at Coorparoo with 67 players in the audience. We were entertained by Ukulele Saints and the ‘Planeteers’ reprising the set they played at the Planetarium last year. .
Blue Moon for Pete 3rd November 2024
“Playing ‘Blue Moon’ for Pete was a perfect send off. It was such a pleasure to hear how ukuleles were such an important part of the last years of his life.” .
BUMS Inc Newsletter November 2024 2nd November 2024
November newsletter emailed to 369 members and 629 subscribers. If you didn't get it, look in your junk/spam folders. If you can't find it, send an email to secretary@brisbaneukulele.com .
Peter Ransom Memorial 28th October 2024
This News item is for people intending to come to the Peter Ransom Memorial on Thursday 31 October from 3.30pm. Read on..
Sound desk workshop - expressions of interest 25th October 2024
We are looking for expressions of interest to attend a workshop (probably in the new year) on managing the sound systems at jams. Our aim is to reduce the load on Blair and Andrew particularly at the Coorparoo and Northside jams. Read on for more information..
Thank you, volunteers 25th October 2024
BUMS relies on the commitment of members to organize jams, run the front desk at jams, set up workshops and events, member administration, scrolling, setting up PA equipment, leading sets, and a host of other things. Our management committee is small, and we rely on volunteers to take on occasional and ongoing tasks. Read on for our most recent volunteers. .
Vale Peter Ransom 25th October 2024
Sad news with the passing of Peter Ransom on 21 October 2024. Peter was a member of BUMS for over 13 years and was a great supporter of all things ukulele. Details of his memorial on 31 October are available below..
Jams over Christmas and new year 25th October 2024
As usual, Christmas and the holiday season bring changes to our jam program. There will be no jams between 10 December and 8 January 2025. More details below..
How do you engage with BUMS? 19th October 2024
BUMS has 369 members on its books, plus about 650 subscribers to our newsletter.  We want to ensure our members are informed about what BUMS is doing so you can get maximum benefit from your membership. We have five communication channels to cater for your preferences. Read on to see which suit you best..
Tenth anniversary at Westside 10th October 2024
It was a memorable jam at Westside this week with Sue and Peter Sercombe celebrating ten years since they started leading the jam in 2014. Many regulars and old friends turned up to offer their congratulations. As always, the jam was a happy occasion made even more so with presentations, gifts and CAKE..
Earlier start for Coorparoo jam 9th October 2024
The organisers of the Coorparoo jam (on the first Wednesday of the month) have announced a trial of starting the jam at 6.30pm and finishing at 8.30pm. This will apply for jams in November and December and based on member feedback a decision will be made on jams in 2025. Let us know what you think please. The Events pages about the Coorparoo jam have been amended to reflect this change..
Find your voice with Elizabeth Ross 6th October 2024
BUMS member Elizabeth Ross has presented her hugely successful '5 ways to improve your voice' workshop for us. She is now offering her services for individuals and groups and tailoring the format to your needs. .
Northside jam and a new screen 2nd October 2024
Attendance was down a bit (school holidays?) but the crowd enjoyed the three set leaders and applauded the permanent screen fitted for the bowls club by Andrew. Check out playing Amazing Grace and Csus4..
BUMS News October 2024 28th September 2024
Our newsletter is sent at the end of every month to all our members (365 in September) and all our subscribers (631 in October). Here's a copy of the newsletter sent out at the end of September..
Lively fun at the Ferny Grove jam 23rd September 2024
The September Ferny Grove jam was, as always, great fun. Linda’s choice of songs catered for everyone – from beginners to experienced players. Some songs were old favourites with a few newer songs. .
Concert at Coorparoo in October 21st September 2024
You may have heard we were planning to hold a concert in October at Coorparoo showcasing a couple of bands that impressed us at this year's Sunshine Coast Ukulele Festival. Sadly, one of the bands is now unavailable on the date we had chosen, and we will look to find a new date (probably next year)..
BUMS supports Dementia Australia 21st September 2024
BUMS members have been taking the ukulele to the Memory Lane Café program run by Dementia Australia. BUMS performers provide an engaging and interactive performance of songs that will resonate and involve the audience. Click to see our performers..
Generous gift from Canada 14th September 2024
In August, we were contacted by Joan Lee, from Hamilton in Canada. She and her husband had been travelling in Australia for a month and had a bought an Enya soprano ukulele. They didn’t want to take it home, so Joan was looking for a good home for it and offered it to BUMS. Read on to see what happened next..
BUMS Inc AGM outcomes 11th September 2024
Our Annual General Meeting was held at Coorparoo Bowls Club on Sunday 1 September.  There were 34 members in attendance who joined in jam sessions led by community groups Out on Bail and NUMB BUMS. Here's an update on what happened..
Steve Sandilands - Life Member 11th September 2024
Each year the BUMS management committee can award life membership to club members who have made a significant contribution to the running and growth of BUMS. Life membership is an honour, and the recipients are respected for involvement in improving our members ukulele and performance skills, to spreads the joy of ukulele through the wider community and above all to have fun, fun, fun. Steve Sandilands was made a life member at the AGM on 1 September 2024. .
For more information download this document
Sue Sercombe - Life Member 8th September 2024
Each year the BUMS management committee can award life membership to club members who have made a significant contribution to the running and growth of BUMS. Life membership is an honour, and the recipients are respected for involvement in improving our members ukulele and performance skills, to spreads the joy of ukulele through the wider community and above all to have fun, fun, fun. Sue Sercombe was made a life member at the AGM on 1 September 2024. .
For more information Life member citation for Sue Sercombe
Sublime Ukelectics 11th February 2024
The Sublime Ukelectics is a BUMS community band that began in 2021. They had a great year in 2023 performing in their trademark lime green uniforms. They practice twice a month on Sundays at Corinda Primary School. There's nothing like practicing regularly with a friendly supportive group to improve your ukulele playing and performance skills..
Flat Lizard tomorrow 10th February 2024
Head on down to the Flat Lizard jam tomorrow, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. It’s a relaxed event sitting round a screen and playing along. The beer’s cold (as are the softies). Andrew Hunt will lead tomorrow in Blair’s absence. For more information, refer to our Events pages. https://www.brisbaneukulele.com/events .
2023
The Bony Mt Shufflers 17th October 2023
The Bony Mountain Festival (just the west of Warwick) happens in September every year. Mick Angeles and Marg Moynahan have been regulars there running a ukulele class. Their students start as novices and five days later they perform on stage. Here’s Marg’s report on the 2023 festival..
We Bums October 12th October 2023
35 players joined set leaders Cath, Simon, Les, and Paul for an atmospheric Jam at the Archive Brewery. .
Coorparoo Jam October 9th October 2023
Forty plus jammers enjoyed three sets of jam songs and two open mic spots. With performances by; Steve Sandilands, Simon Carter, Vic Kena, Rainey and the Norty Boyz, Jim Bills, and Spare Parts. .
There was a terrific roll up to BUMS Westside's ninth birthday celebration. Rowena and Hans came down from Elliott Heads especially to help us all celebrate and lead a set. We also had 5 uke players from N.Z. who, after hearing about BUMS Westside, came along to deliver 2 songs at open mic. Unbeknown to them an extra 6 relatives turned up at the 1st break, some who hadn’t seen their family for 4 years.
Lots of happy tears and not a crumb of cake left!!!
Bums Westside Celebrate 9 Years 17th September 2023
There was a terrific roll up to BUMS Westside's ninth birthday celebration. Rowena and Hans came down from Elliott Heads especially to help us all celebrate and lead a set. We also had 5 uke players from N.Z. who, after hearing about BUMS Westside, came along to deliver 2 songs at open mic. Unbeknown to them an extra 6 relatives turned up at the 1st break, some who hadn’t seen their family for 4 years. Lots of happy tears and not a crumb of cake left!!! .
BUMS member Len Farina was enjoying a break last weekend on Bribie Island with his partner Marion. Strolling along the Bongaree waterfront he heard the melodic tones of the ukulele and discovered the Bribie Jamming’ Music Festival. BUMS were on show with Cath McCourt leading a jam and Salli Chmura, Geoff Dancer and Les Briant displaying their talents with open mic performances. You just can’t keep a good BUM down!
Bribie Jammin' Music Festival 10th September 2023
BUMS member Len Farina was enjoying a break last weekend on Bribie Island with his partner Marion. Strolling along the Bongaree waterfront he heard the melodic tones of the ukulele and discovered the Bribie Jamming’ Music Festival. BUMS were on show with Cath McCourt leading a jam and Salli Chmura, Geoff Dancer and Les Briant displaying their talents with open mic performances. You just can’t keep a good BUM down! .
Happy birthday ukulele 25th August 2023
Did you know that this week is the birthday of the ukulele?.
The BUMS Inc Annual General Meeting for 2022-23 was held at Coorparoo Bowls Club on 20 August 2023. Here's all the news that came out of the meeting. BUMS Inc AGM Outcomes 24th August 2023
The BUMS Inc Annual General Meeting for 2022-23 was held at Coorparoo Bowls Club on 20 August 2023. Here's all the news that came out of the meeting..
Flying with a musical instrument can be a challenge. Ukuleles may be relatively small but an instrument in a hard case is going to be bulky and get you embroiled in the airline’s regulations. Have Uke Will Fly 1st May 2023
Flying with a musical instrument can be a challenge. Ukuleles may be relatively small but an instrument in a hard case is going to be bulky and get you embroiled in the airline’s regulations. .
Jams at Westside, WE BUMS, Ferny Grove, Geebung and East Side have dining options so please support our venues by having dinner or a snack and a drink while you are there. Different options for each jam are listed below. Jam's in May 1st May 2023
Jams at Westside, WE BUMS, Ferny Grove, Geebung and East Side have dining options so please support our venues by having dinner or a snack and a drink while you are there. Different options for each jam are listed below..
From Peter Grace, Secretary BUMS Inc
My brother recently had a stroke and I’ve been reading a lot about neuroplasticity – how the brain recovers from injury or damage. One book specifically explored the relationship of music and our brains. Jams And Togetherness 1st May 2023
From Peter Grace, Secretary BUMS Inc My brother recently had a stroke and I’ve been reading a lot about neuroplasticity – how the brain recovers from injury or damage. One book specifically explored the relationship of music and our brains..
The SPRUKE festival run by Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society (BUMS Inc) in June 2022 was a spectacular success. Taking over King George Square in the centre of Brisbane was an inspired choice. Spruke Update 2023 1st May 2023
The SPRUKE festival run by Brisbane Ukulele Musicians Society (BUMS Inc) in June 2022 was a spectacular success. Taking over King George Square in the centre of Brisbane was an inspired choice..
We now have a new home for the 2nd Sunday of the month jam. The Scratch Bar in Milton closed in January. Organisers Andrew Hunt and Blair Marks have found a craft brewery in Stafford for future jams – Flat Lizard Brewing. The April jam will be on Sunday 16 March (not Easter Sunday) from 12.30 to 2.30pm. The bar will be open (of course). The brewery organises food trucks for snacks and meals in the late afternoon. Sunday Jam at Flat Lizard Brewing 12th April 2023
We now have a new home for the 2nd Sunday of the month jam. The Scratch Bar in Milton closed in January. Organisers Andrew Hunt and Blair Marks have found a craft brewery in Stafford for future jams – Flat Lizard Brewing. The April jam will be on Sunday 16 March (not Easter Sunday) from 12.30 to 2.30pm. The bar will be open (of course). The brewery organises food trucks for snacks and meals in the late afternoon..
You can now download the Member Jungle mobile app and stay up to date with what's going on our membership group. You can update your membership details and also receive notifications about important event reminders, latest news and more.
Visit the Mobile App page (under Membership) to find out more. Download our New Mobile App 20th March 2023
You can now download the Member Jungle mobile app and stay up to date with what's going on our membership group. You can update your membership details and also receive notifications about important event reminders, latest news and more. Visit the Mobile App page (under Membership) to find out more..
The March WE BUMS Jam was a resounding success. The jam is at the Archive Beer Boutique, at 100 Boundary Street, West End. It’s a 2-storey building directly opposite the Boundary Hotel and opposite the junction with Jane Street. WEBUMS is Back! 22nd February 2023
The March WE BUMS Jam was a resounding success. The jam is at the Archive Beer Boutique, at 100 Boundary Street, West End. It’s a 2-storey building directly opposite the Boundary Hotel and opposite the junction with Jane Street..