BOYERTOWN >> It’s been five years since Funky Frets came to town, and now they’re ready to expand in a new space just ahead of their annual ukulele festival.
Funky Frets is relocating from 600 E. Philadelphia Ave. to 124 N. Chestnut St. The shop’s grand opening celebration featuring live music and a ribbon cutting is set for Sunday, Sept. 10. Owners Curt Sheller, Bernadette Sheller, and Kelly Thompson are excited about the upcoming change.
“It’s our own place so we can do what we want with the space,” said Curt. They’ve already built their own stage and have been busy painting.
“It’s going to be nice,” said Bern. She joked how folks will no longer have to squeeze together with their instruments since they will now have plenty of space for workshops, lessons, events, and retail. They also have hopes to continue a program for children which was held earlier this summer.
“We have lots of ideas,” said Curt. “And we’ll be able to some of our festival stuff there.”
The Funky Frets Third Annual Uke Fest is set for Friday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 8 at Trinity UCC. The event features include live music, ukulele workshops, and a ukulele jam on the train. Workshops on Sunday after the train ride will be held at their new location.
“We try to use all the local places,” said Bernadette, referencing the use of CD’s Place for catering, Twin Turrets Inn for musician accommodations, the Colebrookdale Railroad for the train ride, and the church as the event venue.
This is the third year the Funky Frets team is hosting the festival, drawing out about one hundred folks. In addition to organizing, Curt will be one of the featured performers.
Curt is well known as a ukulele musician, performing every few months as festivals and venues in the area. And most days, he can be found teaching. He said some of his students have been with them since the store opened, and he also teaches students around the world.
“He Skype’s from Washington, D.C., to Connecticut, all the way to Australia,” said Bernadette.
“For ukulele – there’s not a lot of good ukulele teachers,” said Curt, adding “there are a lot of guitar players and teachers that will teach the ukulele.” He said guitar players can jump to the ukulele pretty easily, but it’s a different technique. “It’s a little bit more challenging sometimes, for some. It’s like getting a box of four crayons instead of a box of six. You just have to work a little harder.”
Bernadette said between now and Sept. 10, they will be busy getting things ready for the new store and for the festival. They also have plans to open an online store.
