The Wayfinder
An instrument on a global journey.

This instrument is not built for a customer- it is built to be passed from player to player over a 4+ year adventure. Making its way around the world, hopefully inspiring music, art and global communication. It’s not just an ukulele, it’s a long term art project that includes the music, photos and videos it makes as well as entries in a passport book we include with it. This project was inspired by many travelers, including the Polynesian navigators who found Hawaii, the Madeiran woodworkers who brought the ukulele’s ancestors to Hawaii and our many friends who travel the world making music and art. The top and neck of this alto ukulele are made from Oregon Douglas Fir, which was a prized wood for Hawaiian canoes when it drifted across the pacific. The back and sides are Hawaiian Koa, highly prized by mainland and island luthiers. The rest of the ukulele is made from Oregon Walnut and Maple, including the old fashioned rope binding.

Here’s the Wayfinder’s Journey so far:

1). Daniel Ward and Heidi Swedberg (Los Angeles, CA) October 2019-January 2020
2). Jason Arimoto (Los Angeles, CA) Jan 2020-June 2020
3). Danielle Ate the Sandwich (Kansas City, MO) June 2020-October 2020
4). Victor & Penny (Kansas City, MO) November 2020-March 2021
5). Petey Mack (Collierville,TN) April 2021-June 2021
6). Neal Chin (Seattle, WA) June 2021- Sept 2021
7). The Beansprout Shop (Hood River, OR) Sept 2021-November 2021
8). Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (Silver Spring, MD) December 2021-July 2022
9). Skye Zentz (Norfolk, VA) August 2022-Sept 2022
10). The Beansprout Shop (again:) October 2022
11). Steven Espaniola (San Mateo, CA) November-January 2023
12). Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel (Honolulu, HI) February 2023-April 2024
13). Ben Hassenger (Lansing, MI) April 2024- August 2024
14). Victoria Kolasinski (Viggy) (Yaphank, NY) Sept 2024- Present

Where is The Wayfinder now???

Viggy (Victoria Kolasinski) (Yaphank, NY) August 2024

We’ve heard so many great things about Viggy that we just had to reach out to her about the Wayfinder. We’re so glad she accepted our invitation!

Here's a little bit about her:

“I'm Victoria but you can call me Viggy. I've been playing the 'ukulele for almost ten years now, but I started taking this musical wonder seriously about four years ago. To get through the pandemic, I started recording myself playing and would sporadically post on some app called Tiktok, and before I knew it thousands of people followed along and were asking for tutorials and more uke videos... Thus, Jiggy with Viggy was born!

I spend my days arranging songs, teaching private lessons and festivals across the country, and making fun and kinetic 'ukulele videos on my social pages. As a kind-of-sort-of "musical influencer," I've collaborated with Flight Ukulele, Yousician, Positive Grid, Blackstar, Openhagen, Artiphon in my uke career, and I've also had one of my holiday fingerstyle arrangements featured on Ukulele Magazine's website.”

We’re excited to see what Viggy comes up with on the Wayfinder! Be sure to check her out here:

Website: https://jiggywithviggy-shop.fourthwall.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jiggywithviggy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiggywithviggy/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jiggywithviggy

Viggy unboxes and introduces the Wayfinder to her fans!

Viggy plays “We Fell In Love In October” by girl in red on the Wayfinder

Ben Hassenger (Lansing, MI) April 2024

We first met Ben at an event in Milwaukee, WI and were impressed with his positive attitude and community building energy. He is well-known as the “Ukulele Ambassador of Michigan”, teaching students, young and old, in schools, libraries, senior centers, and other community venues. Ben is also in charge of festivals such as Mighty Uke Day, Midwest Uke & Harmonica Cam and Ashokan Uke Camp. He co-founded the Lansing Area Ukulele Group (LAUGH) and established the Music is the Foundation 501(c)(3) to help bring the joy of the uke to Michigan classrooms and communities. We can’t wait to see what fun he imagines for the Wayfinder.

Ben’s Website: https://benhassenger.com/
Music Is the Foundation: http://benhassenger.com/music/music-is-the-foundation/
Mighty Uke Day: https://mightyukeday.com/
Midwest Uke and Harmonica Camp: https://www.midwestukecamp.com/
Uke Fest at Ashokan: https://ashokancenter.org/product/uke-fest-2024/

Update: Ben had the Wayfinder for 4 months, and in that time he shared it with so many enthusiastic ukulele players! He brought it to 3 different events in 3 different states (Ashokan Uke Fest in New York, Mighty Uke Day in Michigan and Midwest Ukulele and Harmonica Camp in Ohio). He recorded his song “Deer Lake Road” at his family’s cottage and also the “Wayfinder Song” before he handed it off to the next recipient. We are grateful for Ben and all he does for the ukulele community and we’re so glad he agreed to be a part of the Wayfinder’s journey.

Ben performs "Deer Lake Road", a song he wrote about the time spent at his family cottage in Michigan.

Participants at the Ashokan Uke Fest (at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY) try out the Wayfinder!

**Ashokan Uke Fest Participant with the Wayfinder**

The Wayfinder was also passed around at Mighty Uke Day in Lansing, MI!

**Jake Shimabukuro holding the Wayfinder at Interlochen Center for the Arts**

A video of the Wayfinder being played by Shari at Midwest Uke Camp!

Haole Hula by the Leftovers (Shari, Jeanette and Kim). Shari is playing the Wayfinder uke!

Ben performing Daniel Ward's "Wayfinder Song" on the uke before sending it off!

**Ben hands off The Wayfinder to its newest recipient, Viggy, at Midwest Uke Camp.**

Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel (Honolulu, HI) February 2023

Aaron and Craig first met around 2008 when Aaron was touring with his old band and Craig was finishing college in Eugene, OR. Craig’s infectious energy and famous laugh has always filled a room, as it still does today. We both met Sarah later and were immediately impressed with her musical style, careful jazz arrangements and kind heart. Together, Craig and Sarah make a great team, always generously supporting us and many other artists with their naturally giving personalities. They bring ukulele players together through their retreats, livestreams and backyard concert series. We’ve played many shows with over the past decade and have taught ukulele together all over the world. They’ve always been especially sweet to our son Henry, and we were so lucky to recently meet and get to know their awesome three year old, Cameron. We look forward to the aloha spirit they’ll bring to the Wayfinder as it has finally found its way to Hawaii.

Craig and Sarah’s Website: https://craigandsarah.com/
Craig’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craigchee/
Sarah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmaiselmusic/?hl=en
Sarah and Craig’s Nonprofit, Four Strings at a Time: https://fourstringsatatime.org/

Update: Sarah and Craig had the Wayfinder in Hawaii for over a year, and during that time were able to put it in the hands of some well known artists and teachers including Mika Kane, Kala’e Camarillo and Bryan Tolentino. Sarah and Craig have a special ability to bring people together, and this project was no different. Mahalo Sarah for your first performance on the Wayfinder after you unboxed it, and for the last performance of “The Wayfinder” song before you shipped it off. Mahalo Craig for your excellent videography skills and for all you’ve done to promote the Wayfinder.

Craig and Sarah’s unboxing video! Sarah also peformed a lovely version of “Straighten Up and Fly RIght” by Nat King Cole and Iriving Mills.

Craig and Sarah recorded the talented Mika Kane playing the Wayfinder at their studio in Honolulu. In his “noodling” sound sample, he included parts of “Hi’ilawe” and a variation of “Island Style”. Click here to learn more about Mika: https://www.mikakane.com/

Sarah and Craig welcomed Kala’e Camarillo into their studio to create this amazing recording of Kala’e’s original song, “Old Kihei”. You can find out more about Kala’e here: www.kalaecamarillo.com/

Sarah and I only have the Wayfinder (by Beansprout Instruments) for a few more weeks and we were blessed with a mele by the amazing, Bryan Tolentino! We hope you enjoy Bryan performing Kuʻu Home O Maui Nō Ka ʻOi! Click here to learn more about Bryan: https://bryantolentino.com/

Sarah’s peformance of “The Wayfinder Song” by Daniel Ward. Ready to ship off to its next destination!

Steven Espaniola (San Mateo, CA) November 2022

We first met Steven and his family at Tunes in the Dunes in 2017. We loved his generous teaching style, beautiful music, kind attitude and artistic family. He is a master of traditional and modern Hawaiian music, including Leo Ki'e Ki'e (falsetto singing.) We look forward to what Steven uses the Wayfinder for in his busy teaching and performing schedule. Stay up to date with him here: https://www.stevenespaniola.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenespaniola

Update: Steven made several videos with the Wayfinder, demonstrating his amazing singing voice and playing style. He shared them with his Instagram followers and put more beautiful music out into the world. Mahalo nui Steven for being a part of our project!!

The Wayfinder ‘ukulele made its way to me from Aaron and Nicole Keim! An amazing story and instrument that has already made its way around the country visiting artists like Daniel Ward, Heid Swedberg, Neal Chin, Danielle Ate the Sandwich and many more! Mahalo nui Aaron and Nicole for letting me add my mana to this beautiful creation before it continues its journey to the next artist in a couple of months.

Steven playing and singing the Lena Machado classic “Pohai Kealoha”

Steven performs “Wai’ulu” on the Wayfinder

Steven plays and sings “The Wayfinder” by Daniel Ward before he ships it off to Craig and Sarah

The Beansprout Shop (Hood River, OR) October 2022

It’s hard to believe 3 years have passed since we first released the Wayfinder out into the world! It came home this fall for a month and it was great to check in with it. The wooden cover for the memory book was cracked, so Aaron made a new one out of leather scraps. Aaron also decided to sand the neck down to a thinner profile, it seemed a little too thick. It got new strings, including a low G, which Steven (our next recipient) prefers. The plywood shipping box is still in good shape- it seems it will last for a few more years, at the least!

Aaron happened to be making some recordings for our new book “10 Tabs for Clawhammer Ukulele” while the Wayfinder was here, so he was able to use it in his videos (see one below). The book is now available in our store: https://www.quietamericanmusic.com/storestore/10-tabs-for-clawhammer-ukulele-preorder-physical-copy
We’re excited to ship the Wayfinder off to Steven Espianola next!

Skye Zentz (Norfolk,VA) August 2022

We’ve actually never met Skye in person, but we certainly hope to one day ‘cause they are pretty darn awesome! We were introduced to her through our mutual friend, Danielle Ate the Sandwich. Skye is a Virginia born, Emmy Award winning songwriter and community cultivator. With a versatile background in music and education, Skye teaches at The Muse Writers Center, co-directs the Norfolk Uke Troupe and has written songs for WHRO/PBS (GreenBeats), Old Dominion University Theatre and the Elizabeth River Project. Whether she is performing on a festival stage, producing a someone’s first EP, working on a musical or leading a singalong at a nursing home, Skye is committed to keeping her community vibrant and engaged.

Learn more about them on their website: https://www.skyezentzmusic.com/
And find them on Tiktok, Instagram and Twitter: @skyezor

We know Skye is going to be an amazing contributor to the Wayfinder project- they actually wrote an original song within the first couple minutes of playing the uke! We’ll make sure to share all of their creative endeavors below.

[UPDATE October 2022]: Skye only had the Wayfinder for a couple of months, and in that short time did some AMAZING things with it. They wrote over a dozen original songs (including “You Find the Way” which you can see a link to below), spent time with kids and teens at the Muse Writer’s Center, shared songs with campers at The Ability Center (a day program and camp for young adults with physical and psychological challenges, wrote a song with their friend Hollywood (who made quite an impressive entry in our Wayfinder journal) and performed with the Wayfinder in their first annual Magical Musical Marathon on Instagram live.

Skye, you’re the real deal and we’re so grateful that you were willing to be a part of our project. Thank you for the ways you used the Wayfinder to inspire others and share your creativity. We look forward to meeting you in person someday so we can give you a big hug!

Receiving and unboxing The Wayfinder!

**Skye meets the Wayfinder for the first time!**

**Skye wrote this original song on the Wayfinder minutes after taking it out of its case. You can listen to it and purchase it on their bandcamp page here:** **https://skyezentz.bandcamp.com/track/you-find-the-way**

This week the Wayfinder came along with me to camp at @themusewriterscenter where I taught Poetry and Songwriting, made some great friends and helped my new pals write a song of love for Mother Earth. What a blast.

Skye used The Wayfinder Uke to help students write and perform “Shining Mess” at a youth camp.

“Ode to a Mole”- one of the songs Skye wrote using The Wayfinder:)

Skye performs their version of “The Wayfinder” by Daniel Ward before sending it back to the Beansprout shop in Hood River.

Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (Silver Spring, MD) December 2021

Aaron first met Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer at a house concert when he was on tour with his band, maybe 2006 or so? Since then, we’ve been lucky to work at many camps and festivals with them. Their knowledge, experience, musicianship and artistry is first rate, only exceeded by their generosity as mentors. We can always expect them to tell it like it is, make us laugh and inspire us to be better. We are excited and honored for the Wayfinder to live with them for a while.

Learn more about Cathy and Marcy here: https://www.cathymarcy.com/

[UPDATE August 2022]: Cathy and Marcy found many ways to interact with the Wayfinder over the last 7 months. Highlights included: watching hummingbirds, traveling Highways of The Crooked Road, seeing the Appalachian Trail, singing/playing in a crowded DC neighborhood and sitting on a mountain in North Carolina. They also taught lessons and made several videos with it (see below). In the true spirit of this project, Cathy and Marcy wrote a song together in the spirit of Pete Seeger (while looking at picture of him) entitled “Find a Little Peace Along the Way”.

Thanks to you both for taking the Wayfinder with you on adventures and for using it as an inspiration for music and peace. We’re grateful for your contributions to this project and to the musical world in general.

**The Wayfinder finds its way to Bristol TN/VA for a visit to the spot where the Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers made their original recordings.**

**Marcy poses with the Wayfinder on their Southern Ukulele Tour**

Two Tunes on the Wayfinder Uke: Honey in the Pot and Etude for Uke by Cathy Fink

Three hands, one uke!

HOME (Hood River, OR) September 2021

No, the Wayfinder’s journey hasn’t come to an end just yet! We decided that since it was already in the Pacific Northwest with Neal that we’d ship it back here for a little check up before it moves on to its next destination on the East Coast. Upon reading through the journal entries written by the keepers of our instrument, we feel grateful and humbled. We appreciate the many ways the Wayfinder has impacted others, especially through this pandemic. Our fellow friends and musicians have used the instrument to promote social change, for community music making, for musical inspiration and sometimes, just to bring a little happiness to the world- something that we all could use right now. Enjoy Aaron’s “check up” video below and stay tuned for the Wayfinder’s next destination in December- Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer!

Neal Chin (Seattle,WA) June 2021

We first met Neal when he was living in Eugene, OR and working at the music store that hosted us for a concert. Since then, we have been lucky enough to work with him at many camps and festivals. His humble, cheerful nature and deep musicality is always an inspiration. We are happy to put The Wayfinder in his hands and for its return to the Pacific Northwest!

Learn more about him on his website: www.nealchin.com

[UPDATE September 2021]: Every bit of Neal’s content with the Wayfinder was just as heartfelt, beautiful and meaningful as his spirit. In the Wayfinder journal, he wrote “It really has been a magical adventure getting to know the Wayfinder these last few months. In this hot summer in Seattle we found a voice together, embarking on explorations to find the right expression. As I sat with the little guy each night I would ask, ‘What Sort of song do you want to sing?’ “

He did indeed find many ways for the instrument to sing, including a traditional Hawaiian song, an original tune, a jazz standard and of course, Daniel Ward’s “The Wayfinder” song. Neal also used the instrument in his July 5th facebook live as a part of his “Noodles and Hangout” series- one that he created at the beginning of the pandemic and is still going strong. Make sure you follow him on Facebook for these inspiring monthly sessions.

Thank you Neal for your openness and willingness to take in the Wayfinder. We’re so grateful that it has touched your life as much as you’ve impacted ours. Love is a circle.

So incredibly honored to be the next steward of The Wayfinder Ukulele! Not only is it a wonderful instrument but has a story to back it up. To mark the occasion I wanted to do an unboxing video to show just how much care and love was put into every detail by Aaron and Nicole Keim of Beansprout Ukulele.

Here is my first vid with The Wayfinder Ukulele! It's been just about a week and I am still getting acquainted with my new friend. Here is one of Hawai'i's best known songs, written by Queen Lili'uokalani herself, Aloha O'e.

In a bit of a reflective state, I started thinking about the journeys that this little instrument has been on. I have always found it odd just how much traveling, physically and mentally, we do in our lifetimes, often in search of meaning and discovering who we are through the things we experience. It sure can take a lot of time to just be yourself.

Song written by Neal Chin

I've been playing Beatrice for a couple of years now and even have a few videos of it floating around the internet. I originally arranged it on a low G 'ukulele so I was a bit surprised how well it translated to the high G tuning. The tighter voices traveling up the fretboard sound cohesive and even a bit "airy." Usually it requires a bit of adjusting dynamics to make certain passages smoother (particularly the ending) but the Wayfinder has such a balanced tone/volume that even up the neck I was pleasantly surprised at just how light of a touch was needed to play what was in my head. It's not every day you get to play on an instrument that responds to the tiny details in your playing so well that I left the session with a bubble in my step. Genuinely a treat to play on such an articulate and responsive instrument.

Stay tuned for the bon voyage of The Wayfinder as it continues its travels to the next artist. Until then, enjoy the Sam Rivers tune Beatrice :)

We laugh. We cried. We travel on.
Lots of love to Aaron, Nicole, and Henry

Petey Mack (Collierville, TN) April 2021

Petey Mack (Pete McCarty) is an endlessly cheerful pied piper of ukulele fun. He builds community by encouraging new players, leading sing/play alongs, talking story and having fun. We can’t wait to see how he uses the Wayfinder to spread some musical joy!

Check out his website: https://peteymack2.weebly.com/arrangements.html
Petey’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/user/PeteyMack64

[UPDATE June 2021]: Pete has used his infectious personality to reach an audience of hundreds (if not more?) via social media throughout the pandemic. Most notably, he performed a Facebook livestream sing/play along every day for 400 days straight, connecting people from all around the world! (Some of these livestreams prominently featured The Wayfinder). Pete used the uke to collaborate with his friend Michael August from Harpo’s Chatterbox cafe for a video of an old gospel tune and even took it on a field trip to Memphis, TN. We’re so grateful for Petey Mac’s kind, positive spirit, and the contributions he makes to the ukulele community. Thank you for making space for The Wayfinder in your far-reaching musical world!

Petey Mack receives the Wayfinder Uke and shares his initial thoughts

Pete performs a heartfelt rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the Wayfinder

Pete performs “You’ve Got To Walk That Lonesome Valley” with Michael August from Harpo’s Chatterbox Cafe

Pete took the Wayfinder on a field trip to Memphis, TN!

Pete performs his version of “The Wayfinder” written by Daniel Ward before he sends it off to Neal in Seattle.

Victor & Penny (Kansas City, MO) November 2020

Victor & Penny (aka Jeff Freling and Erin Mc Grane) are a swing duo from Kansas City that we often see at ukulele festivals and camps. Besides being great musicians, they also work hard to foster community through workshops, outreach and cultural activism. Their creative and diverse artistic life makes them a perfect stop for the Wayfinder!
Check out their website here: http://www.victorandpenny.com

[UPDATE March 2021]: Even in the middle of a pandemic, Victor & Penny found several meaningful ways to use the Wayfinder. Some highlights included a song for “The Love Hangover” Annual concert, a special Valentine’s Day video, a trip to an artist residency in Eureka Springs, Arkansas and a duet with past Wayfinder recipient Danielle Ate the Sandwich for a Carole King Tribute Concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Tapestry”. Thank you Victor & Penny for contributing to the collective energy and momentum of this special project!

**Danielle does a COVID safe, socially distanced Wayfinder drop off at Victor & Penny’s Place.**

Erin and Jeff perform the song “I Feel Beautiful” for The Love Hangover annual concert. (Fun fact: The Love Hangover in NYC in 2009 was Erin and Jeff and my first appearance on stage together. They were not yet V&P or even officially dating!) — **Erin and Jeff perform the song “I Feel Beautiful” for The Love Hangover annual concert.** (Fun fact: The Love Hangover in NYC in 2009 was Erin and Jeff and my first appearance on stage together. They were not yet V&P or even officially dating!)

Today is Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) and I wanted to send out a love letter that reflects where we are now, approaching one year of living through a pandemic. I want to acknowledge the isolation and loneliness many have felt and are still feeling. Paradoxically, many have experienced a deepened love and connection to their families, friends, communities. Bitter. Sweet. I chose this song because it is one of my favorites and holds deep meaning for me. I first heard this 1935 Ahlert & Young tune performed by the venerable Fats Waller on an old movie. True to Fats' style, the version was charming, funny, and perfectly swung and sung. I collected several favorite versions including the Boswell Sisters' lively recording from 1936. This song has been covered by many and usually given a mid-tempo swing with a decidedly cheerful "wink". But, some years ago I began to hear Joe Young's lyrics differently and I found a melancholy that now inhabits the song for me. It's definitely a love song - but the "love" in the letter has gone away, and perhaps won't (or can't) return. So when the author writes, "I hope you're feeling better" it is an expression of empathy to themselves, an imagined word of comfort (or apology?) from their long-gone love, a hope that their someone still cares how they feel. I find the lyrics a poignant reminder of how it feels to be alone, to wish for love, to wish for sweet words, and to miss someone deeply.

My throat is a rusty bucket these days, but my heart is still a wellspring of love.

Sweet cheese and sour apples,

erin (& jeff)

Erin performed a duet at Weights and Measures Soundlab with our mutual friend Danielle Ate the Sandwich for a special Carole King Tribute Concert on March 28. It was hosted by Heartland Song Network and was a celebration of The 50th Anniversary of '… — **Erin performed a duet at Weights and Measures Soundlab with our mutual friend Danielle Ate the Sandwich for a special Carole King Tribute Concert on March 28. It was hosted by** **Heartland Song Network** **and was a celebration of The 50th Anniversary of 'Tapestry'. Here she is getting read to record her part of “You’ve Got a Friend” using the Wayfinder.**

**Erin brought the Wayfinder to her writing retreat in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, about 4 hours from KC**

Victor & Penny perform their sweet arrangment of Daniel Ward’s song “The Wayfinder” before they send it off to the next recipient, Petey Mack in Tennessee.

Danielle Ate the Sandwich! (Kansas City, MO) June 2020

We have known Danielle since our Colorado days, maybe 2008? She is a talented song writer, a fine musician, a caring friend and one of our favorite secretly shy people. We look forward to what she comes up with for the Wayfinder!
Click here for all things Danielle! http://danielleatethesandwich.com

[UPDATE October 2020]: We’ve been so thrilled to see all the ways Danielle has used the Wayfinder over the last 5 months. She’s taught virtual zoom lessons with it, played it for an online fundraising concert to benefit the Ukulele Kids Club, and created several videos including a powerful song she wrote called “Have You Heard of Breonna Taylor?”. She said she has kept it out on a stand right by her desk for writing, teaching and noodling. Thank you, Danielle, for adding to this experience in so many meaningful ways and for using your music and art to change the world.

**The Wayfinder arrives at Danielle’s place! Note the custom made shipping box, handwritten notes and wooden covered “passport book”.**

**Danielle and the Wayfinder getting acquainted!**

Danielle ate the Sandwich Live from the Clubhouse Concert to benefit the Ukulele Kids Club. Click here to watch the show and leave a donation! — **Danielle ate the Sandwich Live from the Clubhouse Concert to benefit the Ukulele Kids Club. Click** **here** **to watch the show and leave a donation!**

**“Finding joy in the ways we're still able to make and share music with others, I've been using the Wayfinder Ukulele during my virtual lessons. Here I am with Ukulele Ellie!”**

**Wherever the Wayfinder goes, rainbows are sure to follow.**

“I wrote this song for Breonna Taylor. Breonna was 26 years old, and an EMT in Lousiville, KY. Pictures of her show a beautiful smile and interviews with her friends and family include stories about how much she liked to sing, and laugh, and play card games, like Skip-bo - a game I used to play with my grandma. Hearing others speak of her makes me miss her, someone I’ve never met, and most likely never would have. Breonna Taylor was shot 8 times in her own bed. Police officers entered her home on a no-knock warrant. One officer has been fired, but the others have not been investigated or charged. They were not wearing body cams. Her family and friends, and now the country, wait for justice. If you read this or listen to my song will you grieve the death of Breonna Taylor with me? Will you say her name out loud? (Try it, right now in your house or you car. Say ‘Breonna Taylor’ out loud.) Can you spend a moment thinking of what a shame it is that this happens to Black people in our country, and think about what we can do to make it happen less?“ This is a website, with information on how you can help Breonna Taylor: https://justiceforbreonna.org/

“New music with the Wayfinder Ukulele from Beansprout Musical Instruments. I promised Christina Aguilera covers and Christina Aguilera covers is what I gave. Doesn't this ukulele sound awesome!?”

I've had this song stuck in my head for the last 3 months. My boyfriend likes yacht rock, and who am I kidding, so do I. I hope that yacht rock for the ukulele makes you feel groovy, even though things outside the house, things inside of us, and things online are not always groovy.

Danielle sings “The Wayfinder” song (written by Daniel Ward) as she prepares to hand the ukulele off to the next recipients, Victor and Penny in Kansas City, MO.

Daniel Ward and Heidi Swedberg (Los Angeles,CA) Oct 2019

We first met Daniel and Heidi at a festival in California and we knew immediately they were “home team” people. Strong work ethic, kind teaching style, goofy taste in music and they know how to cook! They were the first stop for the Wayfinder and we couldn’t be more pleased! Visit them here: https://danielward.net/

[UPDATE January 2020]: The first stop for the Wayfinder proved to be a useful, meaningful and busy one! Daniel and Heidi taught classes with the Wayfinder at festivals in Palm Springs CA, Santa Montica CA, and Durango CO. They used in Tijeras, NM to make companion tracks for their new book ‘Tis the Season for Ukulele and Daniel also shot videos (below) for his lesson Ukulele Magazine’s Spring 2020 Edition. Heidi used the Wayfinder in her work with young children, including a 4 week kids library program in Pasadena, CA and with the kiddos she teaches at First Years Preschool. It’s apparent from the pictures she sent us that the kiddos were super interested in seeing it, touching it and hearing her play it! Additionally, Daniel exceeded our expectations by writing a song about the Wayfinder and playing it with Jason Arimoto as he passed it off to him (see video and picture below). Thank you so much, Daniel and Heidi for accepting our offering with open arms by giving it a voice, a song and many goosebump inducing experiences. You’re the best!

Video by Matt Dean. Daniel’s video to accompany his lesson on “Flatpicking” in Ukulele Magazine.

Video by Matt Dean. See the full lesson here: https://www.ukulelemag.com/uketube/lessons/video-lesson-exploring-your-fretboard-with-thirds-and-sixths In music, an interval is defined as the distance between two notes. The intervals of thirds and sixths are of particular interest, as they're the building blocks of the chords we use in Western music.