Both the Ukestra and Ukestral Voices graced the streets and stages of the 2025 ‘Nash’.
I Don’t Miss You (Rolling Stones sort of…. not) based on Miss You….
We’re so proud of this incredible collaboration by so many of us. Bec Regalo on lyrics and rhythm, Jo Maunsell on vocals, Cathy Crowley on lyrics and rap, Ruth McCrae choir conductor, John Wallace on bass, Will Sands on lead ukulele, jane J on rhythm ukulele, Jess Lawrence on tenor sax, and Mark Jackson on trumpet, song selection and dance moves! No wonder we won the Infinite Song Competition at the NFF25.
We were asked to also perform an extra song on the big stage at the Nash. Mark and Ruth do a fantastic job of bringing the William Shatner version of this song to life. Common People by Pulp!
Ukestral Voices street performances
Ruth McCrae conducted most of the songs for the National (note I am sitting down), THANK YOU Ruth!
John’s bass is excellent on this song, and Kathy Wilson nails the riff!
Not sure what Mark is talking about at the start ….. oh well!!
Emily Thomas conducting with flair!
Trish Collins is on banjo for this Aussie bluegrass song!
Ukestra Street Performances
Heroes by David Bowie (sung by Will Sands)
Hold Back the River (sung by Jo Maunsell, and Ruth McCrae)
a few key photos of groups and individuals
Thanks to:
- Ruth McCrae who led the choir with her wonderful conducting and direction. She held the audience and choir in the palm of her safe hands! She was also a captivating lead singer on Common People.
- Bec Regalo for writing such fabulous lyrics on “I Dont Miss You” and drumming for ukulele workshops, the choir and the ukestra.
- Cathy Crowley for her fabulous rap on “I Dont Miss You” which contributed significantly to the lyrical reinterpretation and its power. Her performance was stellar. She also sang lead on Gold on The Ceiling.
- Jo Maunsell for lead singing on “I Dont Miss You”. She owned the stage completely and was so nuanced in her delivery. She knocked out the audience…… What a pro! She also sang lead on Hold Back the River.
- John Wallace for his constant and consistent bass playing that created the foundations for all that we did. He is one of the understated stars of the festival. He played and sang for both choir and ukestra.
- Will Sands for his incredible and reliable riff playing and for taking that solo on “I Dont Miss You”. What a ripper! He also sang so passionately on my favourite song “Heroes”. Thank you Will. I loved playing lead with you!
- Kathy Wilson for being the other riff player for the ukestra and the uke player for the choir. She supported both groups so well! You can’t beat a woman with a box!
- Jess Lawrence for her riff playing on lead uke and Sax playing for “I Don’t Miss You”. She was our secret weapon.
- Emily Thomas for her choir leading, general organisation skills and lead singing (Rock The Boat and EmmyLou). And for being the best dancer on stage.
- Nigel and Nigel for being the most reliable set up guys under sometimes very trying circumstances (like when we’d have to move locations really quickly).
- Our other lead singers include Caroline Traill, Jacki Stuart, Paula Machin, and Elliot Peck. They gave such a passionate and expressive delivery. We, and the audience, are amazed every time we have such incredible lead singers out front.
- Trish Collins for her claw hammer banjo playing ….woohoo!
- Alix Bilton for her fabulous drumming for the choir. She also organised a mobility scooter for me that made the whole festival possible for my limited mobility. Thank you so much Alix!
- Loz Bendeich for her inspiring poster design that we plastered all over the festival.
- Kat Mclean for her organisational and IT support, particularly in the uke workshops!
- Ditto Olivia Groves who supported us through the workshops and cut some cool dance moves on stage!
- All of the choir were amazing. We had 6 gigs over the weekend and worked hard!!! Some singers started losing their voice even!
- The ukestra for their energy and support and faith!!
- One very special mention goes out to Suzy Collins who did all the prep, and then had a very sick husband for whom she had to stay home. We are sure she watched the goings on online with longing and we missed her beaming smile.