CYNTHIA KINNUNEN – Instructor & Performer
CYNTHIA KINNUNEN – Instructor & Performer
Based in Guelph, Ontario, Cynthia offers engaging instruction and support to students of all ages, with a focus on adult learners, including piano and ‘ukulele lessons, classes, workshops, and the popular Royal City Ukulele Ensemble program, now in its 10th season. Cynthia is contract teaching faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music, and is also currently pursuing her PhD in Community Music, with a focus on midlife musicking. She is a Level 3 graduate of the James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) Teacher Certification Program, has served as a clinician in the program, and has worked for James Hill as part of his Uketropolis teaching, supporting a global network of engaged music teachers and learners. Cynthia remains connected with Uketropolis as a volunteer JHUI program mentor. https://www.cynthiakmusic.com/
Based in Guelph, Ontario, Cynthia offers engaging instruction and support to students of all ages, with a focus on adult learners, including piano and ‘ukulele lessons, classes, workshops, and the popular Royal City Ukulele Ensemble program, now in its 10th season. Cynthia is contract teaching faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music, and is also currently pursuing her PhD in Community Music, with a focus on midlife musicking. She is a Level 3 graduate of the James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) Teacher Certification Program, has served as a clinician in the program, and has worked for James Hill as part of his Uketropolis teaching, supporting a global network of engaged music teachers and learners. Cynthia remains connected with Uketropolis as a volunteer JHUI program mentor. https://www.cynthiakmusic.com/
Transit Lounge – Performers
Cynthia will be joined by husband, Ben Coulson on bass, for the concert on Friday evening. With a love of everything from rockabilly to old-timey tunes, pop, folk and some trusty rock & roll for good measure, this ‘ukulele/bass duo will keep you entertained in those in-between moments, easing you into the next leg of your journey.
Ali Romanow - Instructor
Ali Romanow is a musical educator located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island in Canada. Music has been part of their life since childhood, and their passion for music has taken them all over the world to study and perform.Ali’s main mission as a musical educator is to help build diverse, supportive and safe musical communities for people all ages and levels of experience. We all deserve to play music together, regardless of your level of experience or skill. Together we will build the skills and confidence necessary to feel comfortable and confident making music with others.
www.aliromanow.com
Sylvia Humble - Performer
Nanoose Bay singer-songwriter Sylvia Humble has returned to the stage with a passion after shelving her dream for 20 years to focus on career and family. Sparked by a health crisis, she left her government cubicle, picked up her ukulele, and discovered that her purpose in life is to help others liberate their voice and sing in harmony!From local markets and art shows to the Parksville Outdoor Theatre, Sylvia now delights audiences with her pure, heartfelt vocals and ukulele strumming, and is known for getting audiences singing. Her inspirations range from Joni Mitchell to Coco Love Alcorn, and her original songs are uplifting and personal. In 2021, Sylvia founded the Sing Again community choir, a joyful and informal harmony singing group, which has now grown to serve Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, and Parksville. She also leads community singalongs at venues large and small, in the great outdoors, and in random flash mobs!
Visit Sylvia’s YouTube channel @sylviahumblemusic, or her website: www.sylviahumble.ca
Visit Sylvia’s YouTube channel @sylviahumblemusic, or her website: www.sylviahumble.ca
Carol Johns – Instructor
Carol started playing the ukulele in 2011 with the Harbour City Seniors Nordli group. She has been involved in organizing the ukulele festivals in Nanaimo since 2014. Carol plays the tenor and baritone ukulele and plays and performs regularly with the Folk ‘n Oldies group where she is the musical director. She is a Certified Level 3 James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) ukulele teacher.
Liz DeBarros – Instructor & Performer
A resident of Parksville, Liz has been playing the ukulele since 2011 and has a collection of sopranos, tenors, and baritone ukuleles. She has been on the Festival team since 2017. She also sings, plays the UBass, bass guitar and sometimes even drums in local band, Revolving Doors, who will be leading the Sing and Strum. Liz is a certified Level 3 teacher the James Hill Ukulele Initiative Teaching Program. Liz taught at Arbutus Music School for two years and now teaches Group Lessons and gives Workshops in Parksville. www.ukelessonsliz.com
Liz was thrilled to be part of the Teaching Team for James Hill’s Harrison Hot Springs -“Sing. Strum. Spa” in October 2019