KUAC: Ukulele Russ and the Fairbanks All Stars

Funky and fun, Ukulele Russ and the Fairbanks All Stars entertain and lay down some serious grooves. The first half of the set list was dominated by animal-themed originals, including a useful song to know when out in the wilds of Alaska "Bear Safety".

RNZ: One-man Alaskan band

Colin Peacock interviews a survivalist and ukulele virtuoso from Fairbanks, Alaska, who makes his second visit here for masterclasses, workshops and concerts in Auckland, and plays two songs live on his ukulele, U-bass, loopers, and harmonica.

Daily News-Minder, Fairbanks: Alaska musician takes the ukulele to entertaining heights

With a stage name like Ukulele Russ, one might imagine Hawaiian shirts and inoffensive luau music or maybe a bunch of kid-friendly songs espousing the benefits of making friends and learning to tie shoes. But that’s about as far away from reality as possible.

Midland Reporter: Ukulele Russ from Alaska set to entertain in Kalamunda

It’s quite unusual for international ukulele players to visit Perth, let alone Kalamunda, so the visit is quite unique and being looked forward to by many music fans and uke players. He [Copelin] is a great live performer, chatty, he can play at least 14 instruments and creates material on the spot.

Central Maine: Ukulele Russ to perform

Russ plays the axe (or, as he refers to the diminutive instrument, the hatchet) and he does some innovative stuff with a loop pedal and a bass ukulele that he secures to a stand with DeWalt clamps. Also, he’s an engaging storyteller.