Dr. Richard Maxson has been an associate professor of communication at Drury since 2000 and the faculty adviser of the DUkes since Sept. 2012. Since 2012, Maxson has been sharing his love for the ukulele, which he found unintentionally.

“Twelve years ago, I was invited to teach a course at an army base on Oahu, Hi. I took a free ukulele class. That was it. The ukulele sounded happy, and I needed something happy in my life right then. Turns out, ukuleles are cheaper than therapy. When I got home, I bought a ukulele and continued to play. Six years later, I started DUkes. Since then, amazing things have been happening to me,” said Maxson.

Just like discovering his love for the ukulele, Maxson stumbled across the opportunity to compete in a ukulele contest by coincidence.

“It showed up on my Facebook feed. The Foundation of Hawaii, 8th Annual International Ukulele Contest, Feb. 9, 2019. I’m not sure why I entered, but I’m glad I did. Maybe it was the thought of being in Hawaii in February,” said Maxson.

Upon arrival, Maxson was thrilled to be in such a warm and welcoming place. He performed his original song “Hedgehog Café,” which has a heartwarming backstory.

“In the summer of 2017, Karen, my wife, and I represented Springfield at an arts festival in Isesaki, Japan. We took the bullet train to Kyoto and, while walking around, we saw a sign for a Hedgehog Café. We looked at each other and said, ‘We have to do this.’ When we got home, I wrote “Hedgehog Café” to represent our experience,” he explained.

Maxson gained a lot from his experience in Hawaii and is excited to be back on Drury’s much colder campus to share his achievements.

“I received 1st place in Solo/Open Division, Best Original Song, a Kanile’a Ukulele, and my song will be played daily for one year on Hawaiian radio. I also gained 10 pounds from eating amazing food every day, four days on a beautiful island, and most importantly– new caring and generous friends who love to share their music and celebrate each other’s success,” he said.

With all of his success, Maxson has a lot of people to thank for encouraging and helping him do what he loves.

“My colleagues and students at Drury have been more than tolerant of my obsession with the ukulele, creating opportunities for me to share my music at gatherings and events. The DUkes is further evidence that ukulele is alive and well in our Drury community. The Queen City Ukulele Club has been very supportive and raised money to help me make the trip to Hawaii.”

“Mostly, I am fortunate to be married to someone who loves me and shares my interest. Karen is a ukulele player, teacher and organizer. Karen is my biggest cheerleader. Without her, I would probably still play the ukulele but I wouldn’t be having nearly as much fun,” said Maxson.

“Hedgehog Café” is available for download on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music. Maxson and his wife Karen also form the duo Uke 66, and can be hired to accompany events. If you’re looking for “happy” live music for your next luau, wedding or fundraiser, look no further than Uke 66.

Can’t get enough ukulele love? Join Drury musicians at DUkes Ukulele Open Mic at Riad Bar and Grill on Friday, Feb. 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tip jar proceeds at the event help fund the DUkes spring break tour to Memphis, Tn.

Article written by Kate Bequette.