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Ukulele fest comes to Des Plaines

This news release had me hooked with the promise of an event on the "Island of Des Plaines."

Indeed, sounds of the islands are coming to the river town of Des Plaines. The Tiki Terrace restaurant will host the largest ukulele fest in the Midwest from Aug. 1-3.

Popular artists, instructors, vendors and ukulele fanatics from Hawaii, the mainland, Canada and elsewhere will participate.

Scott Zuziak, owner of Tiki Terrace and co-producer of the Uke Fest, says the lineup is exciting.

The following artists are expected to perform:

• Abe Lagrimas Jr. of Honolulu. Nominated in 2007 as the most promising artist in Hawaii's Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

• Kimo Hussey of Honolulu. Musician and writer of "He Mele Aloha", a popular ukulele songbook.

• Ali Lexa from Los Angeles. Accomplished ukulele jazz musician and radio host of "Uke Spot."

• Victoria Vox of Maryland.

The fest also will give others a chance to learn more about playing the ukulele, including seminars and workshops for beginners through advanced players.

Participants will get the chance to mingle with other local players, find information about local ukulele clubs, meet some of the most talented ukelele players in the world and join in many impromptu jam sessions with other guests.

There also will be an opportunity to show off on another "stage."

Any level ukulele player can perform on the "Uke Tube Stage" and then see their performances on youtube.com.

Several vendors will be offering anything and everything having to do with the ukulele.

The fest costs $25 a day, or $95 for a weekend pass that includes all seminars and workshops at the Tiki Terrace, 1591 Lee St. For more information and tickets, visit www.windycityukefest.com and www.thetikiterrace.com.

Tour of Elk Grove: Here's some more exciting news about next weekend: It's time for the Tour of Elk Grove.

Registration for the big Aug. 1-3 bicycle race is happening through noon on Aug. 1.

More information is at www.tourofelkgrove.com. Also, keep watching the Daily Herald, your primary source for more details on the big race.

rboykin@dailyherald.com

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