Originally from Coronado Eagle & Journal (Aug. 7 – Aug.13, 2024 issue)
by Dawn Richards
When guitarist and long time Coronado resident Daniel Perwich strolled into a music store while vacationing in Hawaii and picked up a ukulele, he never dreamed he’d soon be forming the Coronado Ukulele Club.
The year was 2015, and interest in the club grew, helped along by Daniel’s motto of “More Music, More Love.” But it was when he convinced local musician, DJ, and music educator Tricialynn Naval to serve as Artistic Director that the club’s membership took off. “I offered her one role, and she took over” he jokes. “I think she’s totally emasculated me!” ”I teach third graders, so I’m used to this, counters Tricialynn with a grin. As the former Official DJ/Music Director for the television show “Tonight in San Diego” and current Founder and Director of TeeLynn Music Productions, Naval was so well suited to the role that the club outgrew its local boundaries and began being sought after all across San Diego. Just in the past year, the group was asked to perform at the San Diego Youth Services Luau fundraiser, along with Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Chula Vista, and a wedding at the Encinitas Botanical Gardens, among other events. It was also featured on KUSI-TV.
The strummers have expanded on Coronado, too. In addition to playing at the Flower Show and Fourth of July Parade – where they snagged a First Place Blue Ribbon – they also played at the Coronado Island Film Festival‘s Gidget Beach Bash, Silver Strand Elementary School’s annual fundraiser, and a Navy Retirement Ceremony, to name just a few. At this year’s annual meeting and songfest, catered by (naturally!) Big Kahuna’s Hawaiian Restaurant, the club recognized Tricialynn’s achievements and her role in growing the club while keeping its spirit of ohaoa (family), all while managing her own TeeLynn Productions, performing with local group The Suenamis, and teaching full time in National City.
One of her recent brainstorms was this year’s creation of a Kanikapila on the first Monday of each month. The Hawaiian word literally translates to kani (sound) and pila (any stringed instrument, such as a ukulele; or to play music). The term is used to refer to a gathering of family and friends who sing and play music. Anyone who’s lived in Hawaii is familiar with going to a friend’s home for “grinds” (food) and seeing a group of players headed to the backyard with their ukes and guitars to jam. Starting next month, Kanikapila will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Coronado’s newest restaurant, Shore Duty (126 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118). The first hour will feature songs from the club’s previous sets, while the second hour will be an open mic for anyone wanting to perform. All are welcome to join in for both hours. Weekly practices are the second, third, and fourth Mondays from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church Parish Center (655 C Ave Coronado, CA 92118). And, in keeping with the spirit of ohana, all abilities (even no abilities!) are welcome.
For those who can’t attend in person, practice sessions are recorded and uploaded to the club’s YouTube channel. Up to 400 strummers – both would-be and advanced players – tune in from all over the world to the recorded sessions, spreading the spirit of aloha. Along with Tricialynn’s guidance, the club’s motto of “More Music, More Love” illustrates a camaraderie that can be seen in the welcoming of new members (both online and in per son), along with carpooling offers. a willingness to help with music and gig gear, and even grocery shopping when someone’s too ill to attend. The meaning of the motto was evident during the recognition of Tricialvnn as members expressed their aloha and appreciation. Bette Ruzevick summed up everyone’s sentiments by saying, “Tricialynn is always encouraging me with ‘You got this!’ and smiling her happy way. She is such a treasure!” Naval, in return, expressed her love for the group and, in the true spirit of aloha, noted how she felt “like music was a service for me and a service to give back.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the club is welcome to attend a practice or Kanikapila. Remember, uke can do this!
