SEATTLE — You just can't help but smile with a ukulele in your hand. That's why the West Seattle Ukulele Players (WSUP!) might just be the most joyful music-makers around. The group welcomes all skill levels.
"Even if you just want to come and sing, and even if you just want to come and have a cup of coffee and listen," said Michael Fox, one of the group's leaders.
Each week, WSUP! gets together for an hour or two to entertain themselves, and anyone lucky enough to hear them play.
"A mother came along and said it's her daughter's birthday, and it was around Halloween, and she liked the Addams Family theme, so we played that for her," Fox said.
Janet Hornbecker is one of the group's founders. She started playing the ukulele 6 years ago and was immediately hooked.
"Boy, we really play a wide range. We do a lot of old rock and roll. We do a little bit of Hawaiian, some classics," Hornbecker said.
Ukuleles don't just make you happy, they keep you young. Group member Cecil Beatty is about to celebrate his 100th birthday. Every week, you'll find the native Oklahoman taking the harmonica solo on his theme song, "Okie from Muskogee."
"And he knows how to make people laugh. He's a great guy," Hornbecker said.
Somewhere in the world, there may be better musicians than this bunch.
"We're not professionals," said Hornbecker.
But none are better at having a good time.
The West Seattle Ukulele Players typically meet on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. at C & P Coffee Company, 5612 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136.