It was quite some time ago now that I first hooked up with Katy Vernon online. The British born, US resident singer songwriter and I first started chatting about the time she first started out with the ukulele many moons ago.

Credit - Randy Vanderwood

I was therefore delighted to learn that this year she is playing her first UK ukulele festivals, opening with a slot at the Grand Northern Ukulele Festival in Huddersfield. I therefore thought it was high time that we did a proper feature on the site and I caught up with her to discuss ukuleles and more.

Credit - Randy Vanderwood

Credit - Randy Vanderwood

I've always thought that Katy is one of those ukulele artists that I think we need more of. She pens her own tunes, but also plays more than just ukulele and isn't afraid to mix her ukulele up with a wider, non-ukulele, backing band. I've always enjoyed seeing her video perfomances from the US, helped by her wonderful singing voice and am looking forward to her show in Huddersfield.You can catch Katy in the UK at a number of venues and events listed below, but to whet your appetite, scroll down for a video of Katy and her band playing one of her originals. And do visit her website atMay 5-7 G.N.U.F HuddersfieldMay 13 Three Graces, HoveMay 18 George Payne with LUSH, HoveMay 20 House concert, ReadingMay 25 UnplugthewoodMay 27 Royal Hospital, PutneyMay 28 Half Moon, PutneyMay 29 Looking Glass, HackneyJune 11 Stramash, EdinburghJune 13 Tricity Vogue, Kings CrossJune 14. Off The Cuff, Herne HillJune 16/18 Ukulele Festival of Great Britain