The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and U-Space are proud to present their second L.A. ‘Ukulele Play-Along Guinness World Records Attempt on Saturday, April 18, at the JACCC Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo.
Registration to participate in the largest ‘ukulele ensemble starts at 9:30 a.m., or go to LAUkuleleExpo.com to pre-register through Eventbrite. The Guinness World Record attempt and program starts at 11:30 a.m.
Tia Carrere and Daniel Ho are scheduled to lead the participants with “Pua I Ka Ua” (Flowers in the Rain), a song from their Grammy-winning CD, “Huana Ke Aloha.”
“Tia and I welcome everyone to join us in this historic event as we try to bring the world record to LA,” said Ho, a six-time Grammy winner and 12-time nominee. “We have a strong feeling about it this year and can hardly contain the excitement and momentum. Make it or break it, it will be unforgettable!”
Sponsored in part by Union Bank MUFG, the event is free but everyone who attends is being encouraged to bring their ‘ukulele or purchase one at U-Space at a special L.A. ‘Ukulele Expo discounted rate.
Jason Arimoto, blues ‘ukulele artist and educator at U-Space, added, “What’s great about ‘Pua I Ka Ua’ is there are only two notes to learn — C and F. If you’re picking up the ‘ukulele for the first time that day, you’ll have no problem playing with everyone else.”
In 2014, the JACCC and U-Space attempted to break the record of 2,135 ‘ukulele players held by the previous record-holder, Yokohama.
“Although we didn’t break the record last year, we’re determined to break the current record of 2,370,” said Leslie A. Ito, JACCC president and CEO. “We’re asking community ‘ukulele groups to join us and planning to have the Torrance Unified School District’s ‘ukulele music program students participate as well. We want to put Los Angeles on the map in the Guinness World Records book through this fun community event, and we’re very proud to co-host this incredible gathering with U-Space.”
Following the record attempt, Carrere and Ho will perform a special 30-minute concert on the JACCC Plaza and sign autographs afterwards. Community ‘ukulele groups will also provide entertainment throughout the afternoon and U-Space will be open.
For more information, visit LAUkuleleExpo.com or JACCC.org.