West Cork Ukulele Orchestra 1 , Recession 0

Apparently there's a recession here in Ireland but it's largely passing by over my head as I've been immunised by The Cure. Anyone looking for such a way out of the doom and gloom need only look up the West Cork Ukulele Orchestra and make a beeline for one of their gigs. This 10 piece Ukulele powerhouse has been sweeping aside all the nation's negativity before it, plucking it's combined forty strings like crossbows sending jolts of euphoria across the increasingly larger and larger audiences flocking in their droves to see them as the secret is now well and truly out.

Recession busting in action

In less than a year the WCUO, or 'Six Hot Chicks & Four Guys' as they were once dubbed, have formed an incredibly tight knit unit of complex and beautiful harmonies, sweeping melodies and an ever expanding eclectic library of songs that cover anything from A-Ha and The Band to modern day chart toppers such as self professed Ukulele lover and leading mega-pop giant of her time, Lady Gaga.

The latest culmination of this sensational gathering of talent and beauty came at Kinsale's Charles' Fort for an outdoor gig during the Kinsale Arts Festival. The glorious sunshine, the incredible setting and the mighty WCUO all combined to produce an unforgettable experience for all that were lucky enough to be there. As the sun set over the bay and the full moon came out from behind the stage the waves of happiness kept coming out from the Ukulele's humble strings and it was impossible not to be carried away with it all.

Kinsale's Charle's Fort

Amongst all the post-gig congratulations and positive reviews that have been aired, one conversation sticks out for me. Whilst chatting to a noted musical director, who's spent the last few years on the highly successful Riverdance tour, came the assertion that were he given 10 professional musicians and 3 months solid to practice, they still would not reach the tightness and harmony the WCUO have achieved.

The WCUO in their element, spreading the word

So the recession is old news, seek out The Cure (or the WCUO's spectacular rendition of Love Cats anyway) and make sure you catch these Ukulele wizards. This writer is a fully fledged citizen of Uke-La-La Land and it's a very joyful place.