UKEtopia!: Adventures in the Ukulele World

Jim Beloff and his wife Liz created Flea Market Music, Inc. in 1992 to publish ukulele song and instructional books, growing the ukulele market through their website, concert series, and marketing. They also wrote the first complete full-color history book on the ukulele, recorded and produced CDs, made instructional DVDs, composed concertos, and penned articles. They are recognized as having played a major role in the third wave of ukulele popularity and have accumulated many stories and photographs in their almost three decades of ukulele adventures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

When Billboard Associate Publisher, Jim Beloff, acquired his first ukulele at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in 1992, the ukulele songbook collections were scarce. As an accomplished guitarist, he was frustrated by the lack of instructional materials available for this delightful instrument. Recognizing an opportunity to bridge this gap, Jim partnered with his graphic artist wife, Liz, to establish Flea Market Music, Inc. in 1992. Over the past twenty-seven years, the company has published over three dozen song and instructional books, totaling nearly one million copies in print.

In addition to their publishing endeavors, Jim and Liz have significantly contributed to the growth of the ukulele market. They have built a loyal following through their influential {URL} website, which offers a wealth of information and resources for ukulele enthusiasts. They have also organized the popular UKEtopia concert series, bringing together top ukulele performers from around the world. Through strategic marketing and promotion, they have introduced their family's line of ukuleles to a wider audience, generating considerable interest and sales.

Jim's dedication to the ukulele extends beyond his professional endeavors. He has authored the first comprehensive full-color history book on the ukulele, recorded and produced nearly a dozen CDs, created three instructional DVDs, composed two ukulele concertos for symphony orchestra, and penned numerous articles for ukulele and trade magazines. He continues to lead workshops at uke festivals worldwide, sharing his expertise and passion for the instrument.

Today, Jim and Liz are widely recognized as having played a pivotal instrument in the current resurgence of ukulele popularity. Their journey with the ukulele has been filled with remarkable experiences, and their adventures are documented in the book titled UKEtopia! Jim also shares captivating stories of memorable encounters with renowned celebrities, including George Harrison, Bette Midler, William H. Macy, Eddie Vedder, and, yes, Tiny Tim.

In summary, Jim Beloff's journey with the ukulele began with his purchase at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in 1992. His frustration with the lack of instructional materials led him and his wife, Liz, to establish Flea Market Music, Inc., which has published numerous song and instructional books, grown the ukulele market, and contributed to the resurgence of ukulele popularity. Jim's dedication to the ukulele has been unwavering, encompassing publishing, recording, teaching, and performing. His influence and contributions to the ukulele community have earned him and Liz a well-deserved place in the history of this beloved instrument.

Weight: 696g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493060993