Funky Frets expands into new space
Grand opening to be held ahead of shop’s annual festival
BOYERTOWN » It’s been five years since Funky Frets opened in Boyertown, and now owners Curt Sheller, Bernadette Sheller and Kelly Thompson say they’re excited to be moving into a new space.
Funky Frets is relocating from 600 E. Philadelphia Ave. to 124 N. Chestnut St. The shop’s grand opening celebration featuring live music and a ribbon cutting is set for Sunday, Sept. 10, just weeks ahead of their annual ukulele festival.
“It’s our own place so we can do what we want with the space,” said Curt Sheller, adding that they have already built their own stage and have been busy painting.
“It’s going to be nice,” said Bernadette Sheller. She joked how folks will no longer have to squeeze together with their instruments since the facility will now have plenty of space for workshops, lessons, events and retail. They also have hopes to continue a program for children which was held earlier this summer.
“We have lots of ideas, and we’ll be able to some of our festival stuff there,” Curt Sheller added.
The Funky Frets Third Annual Uke Fest will be held from Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8 at Trinity UCC. The event features include live music, ukulele workshops, and a ukulele jam on the train. Workshops on Sunday after the train ride will be held at the new Chestnut Street location.
“We try to use all the local
places,” said Bernadette Sheller, referencing the use of CD’s Place for catering, Twin Turrets Inn for musician accommodations, the Colebrookdale Railroad for the train ride and the church as the event venue.
This is the third year the Funky Frets team is hosting the festival. In addition to organizing, Curt Sheller will be one of the featured performers.
He is well known as a ukulele musician, performing every few months as festivals and venues in the area. And most days, he can be found teaching. Sheller said some of his students have been with them since the store opened, and he also teaches students around the world.
“He Skypes from Washington, D.C., to Connecticut, all the way to Australia,” added Bernadette Sheller.
“For ukulele — there’s not a lot of good ukulele teachers,” said Curt Sheller, adding,“there are a lot of guitar players and teachers that will teach the ukulele.” He said guitar players can jump to the ukulele pretty easily, but it’s a different technique. “It’s a little bit more challenging sometimes, for some. It’s like getting a box of four crayons instead of a box of six. You just have to work a little harder.”
Bernadette Sheller said that between now and the grand opening of the new location on Sept. 10, they will be busy getting things ready for the new store and for the festival. She added that there are They also have plans to open an online store.