I’ve always been an entertainer. From childhood to my early career as a busker and clown to touring and performing onstage in festivals and theatres to appearing in Movies (The A-Team), TV and Radio.
In 1997 I called my CD: King of the Ukulele and the name stuck.
As well as playing the usual gigs that come along, I also run the Big Sing-alongs twice a year at Penistone Paramount Theatre. One is a 60s, 70s, 80s theme and the other is a Christmas singalong. Both feature a live band with lyrics on the cinema screen. Come along sometime – it’s a blast!
When not performing I continue to write. My third book Wings Are Handy Things came out in December 2024.
Now that my duo with McShane & Shaw has sadly come to an end, I am working up a new duo-act with clarinet/saxophonist Catherine Embleton. Watch for news of Bowtie & Petal.
You can sign up for the Ukulele Entertainer email newsletter to stay in touch with new happenings.
Ralph.
“Very enjoyable…his performance reminded me of the music my family and I listened to when I was young.”
Wings are Handy Things
and other flights of fancy from the Ukulele Entertainer
Fresh insights and inspiration from a veteran musician
Ralph Shaw’s thoughtful and amusing approach equips you with what you really need to know to be a successful musical performer. Discover these tips plus incredible and inspirational tales from the mind of someone who finds music and performance in every aspect of daily life. With humour and invention, Ralph reveals the deep joy, opportunities for learning and occasional agonies that come with a musical life. Let his insights enrich your own playing and performing.
This third collection taking flight from his Ukulele Entertainer newsletter is chock full of ideas and advice, including:
- how to choose a good ukulele
- creating an onstage persona
- how to play with feeling
- reasons to teach ukulele
- writing a parody or pastiche
- staying focused in performance
- pros and cons of equipment like capos, guitar pedals and loopers
- the joy of whistling
- whether to go amplified or unamplified
The Multimedia Experience
“Funny, smart, and captivating…Ralph Shaw is the consummate performer.”
“…Positively lilting…the man is a ukulele god.”
Upcoming Gigs
Below are recent additions to my upcoming gigs.
Visit the Shows page for a complete list.
2nd OCTOBER 2026
Bowtie & Petal at Brigg Live Arts Ralph Shaw & Catherine Embleton in concert
Fri October 2nd
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Bowtie & Petal. Concert at Brigg Live Arts Village Hall.
Entertainers Ralph Shaw & Catherine Embleton.
“A little bit classy, a little bit jazzy and sometimes a little bit silly.”
Whether you’re there for the music, the lyrics or the warm-hearted dialogue everyone gets something from this delightful and inspiring duo.
With a repertoire covering: the American songbook, instrumental jazz standards, original songs, show tunes, folk, classical, comedy and pop – Bowtie & Petal make each and every song their own.
13th—16th November
Ukulele Mele Holiday in Whitby
Weekend ukulele event for all levels
13 (Friday) 4:00 pm – 16 (Monday) 10:00 am
HF Ukulele Mele Holiday in Larpool Hall (Georgian Mansion) in Whitby with Ralph Shaw, Catherine Embleton and Pete Arnold.
A weekend ukulele event event for players of various abilities in a beautiful country hotel. Experienced music teachers Ralph, Catherine & Pete lead the strumming and singing. Enjoyment of making music together is at the centre of things which ends with a concert on Sunday evening.
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