SHOPS 10 | BOROMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2015 Story By Angy Altamirano One new shop is strumming its way into Astoria, bringing the sounds of the tropics to the big city. Uke Hut, located at 36-01 36th Ave., has brought what manager Jeff Novak calls the only shop of its kind to the northeast United States, selling ukuleles, offering lessons and bringing together the ukulele community. “We’re dedicating ourselves exclusively to ukuleles, and the aim is to have quality instruments at all price points,” said Novak, who has been playing the ukulele for four to five years. “We’re aiming to be a full-service shop.” The corner shop is owned by musician Ken Bari Murray, who hopes to bring a new center for music to the community. Uke Hut offers all types of ukuleles and strings for sale, while offering lessons and performances to serve the neighborhood. Professional ukulele musician Sakai, who has been playing the instrument for the past seven years, is one of the teachers at the shop. Students can now enjoy hula lessons on Tuesday evenings, with Tahitian being taught from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and traditional hula being taught from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for $25. For $10 you can participate in a song circle at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday. Concerts and films are offered on Saturdays and every other Wednesday for $15 to $20. “We’re easy and accessible,” says Novak. “We’re working for all level of needs. It’s an easy instrument to play compared to others. It’s very portable. It’s been said to be a very happy instrument. You never see a sad ukulele.” 36-01 36th Ave., Astoria, NY 11106 929-500-8680
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