Brian Hefferan on ukulele, voice, kazoo, and whistling; Lynn Hershberger Hefferan on Heftone acoustic bass, voice, and whistling.
Influences
Early 1900's performers: Ada Jones and Billy Murray among others. 1920's popular music: Annette Hanshaw, Ruth Etting, Cliff Edwards, Gene Austin, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker. Current Ukulele acts/friends: The Moonlighters, Shorty Long, Victoria Vox, Lil' Rev, Mad Tea Party, Boulder Acoustic Society, James Hill, Jim Beloff, Gerald Ross.
Sounds Like
Early 1900's popular music, performed in the style of the originals. Cliff Edwards, Annette Hanshaw, Gene Austin, Ada Jones and Billy Murray. Also some original ukulele tunes written by Brian Hefferan.
We perform love songs and novelty numbers in the genre called "Tin Pan Alley." The music was mostly written in New York City in the 1920's, though we sometimes play music anywhere from the late 1800's to the early 1930's. We also play a few instrumentals that were written by Brian.
- Lynn plays a fun upright acoustic bass that looks like a large banjo. The instrument is called a Heftone, and it was invented/built by Brian's father, Larry Hefferan. A friend named our band after the bass many years ago, and it stuck.
- Brian plays a mean ukulele, and we both sing and whistle. Brian also vocalizes in a style which can substitute for a trumpet solo. This style of singing was very common in the 1920's. One performer who sometimes sang in this way was Cliff Edwards, otherwise known as Ukulele Ike. Mr. Edwards was the voice of Jiminy Cricket in the Disney film "Pinocchio" late in his career.
- Our band is located in Lansing, Michigan, USA. We do travel to performances outside our area. For example, in April 2006, we sang at the New York (city) Ukefest. We look forward to returning to that event in April 2007. See our Photos to see some of those performances.
Joshua and I are having a Halloween party at our house. You should come if you can make it! Sat Oct 31 anytime after 8 or 9ish. 119 N Foster Ave, Lansing :) Hope to see you!! :)
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
The Moonlighters have a new release, Enchanted, which is out this week. Click this link for a free download of one of our new songs: http://www.worldsound.com/free/moon.
yes ,,,there will be a ticket at the gate for brian,,,we only had one extra dang it all,,he'll be on the list,,happy wheatland,,,,,,,,,hope you can stop in to kids hill sunday morning,,we'd love to have you two hop up and do the ,,,i love me song ,,,
Happy Birthday to you too my dear! I am so glad the weather is wonderful for you now, maybe it will hold out for your party, have a great time. Virtual hugs to you. Marie
We perform love songs and novelty numbers in the genre called "Tin Pan Alley." The music was mostly written in New York City in the 1920's, though we sometimes play music anywhere from the late 1800's to the early 1930's. We also play a few instrumentals that were written by Brian.
