Belize Music Festival

Did you know that Beatle George Harrison played the Ukulele proficiently? He is among the most famous of ukulele players. Others include Tessie O'Shea, Cliff Edwards, Bill 'Uke" Scott, Roy Smeck, and George Fornby.The Ukulele is often associated with Hawaii as it is often used to play that type of music. A ukulele looks like a small guitar and comes in many different styles. There is he tenor ukulele, the pono ukulele, the baratone ukulele, banjo ukulele and a baritone and soprano ukulele. Although the sound is similar to that of Hawaiian music, it is believed that the ukulele dates back hundreds of years and has roots in Portugal.The Ukulele was first brought to the United States in 1915. Famous ukulele players began using this instrument to play early forms of folk music. It has always been the favorite of folk musicians. In the United States, it really picked up with Vaudeville acts which featured Roy Smeck and Cliff Edwards. It was also very instrumental, no pun intended, in the jazz age.Legendary ex-Beatle George Harrison had a great fondness for the ukulele and his last album, that was published after his death, featured him playing the banjo ukulele. Many of ... [more..]

Belize, Once known as British Honduras is the only English speaking country in Central and South America. Since the early 1800's Belize was part of the British Common Wealth. In the past the country was part of a long standing dispute with the Guatemala who claimed that Belize was part of that country. With the help of Britain and the United Nations Belize became an independent nation on September 21, 1981. Customs traditions in Belize are the result of its many diverse people who live there.The true history of Belize of course goes much further back to the Mayan civilization. The customs traditions of Belize are a meld of many influences. Although English is spoken in Belize, the Creole dialect is spoken throughout the nation. The Creoles make up approximately 30 percent of the country and are descendants of slaves and Europeans. Most Creole's live in the largest city San Jose.Mayan's are the descendants of the Mayan Civilization that flourished in Central America more than a thousand years ago. It is felt that most of the present Mayan population immigrated to Belize during the 1800. Most of the Mayan population is located in Southern Belize in three distinctly different groups. ... [more..]