By day, Dr. Rick Maxson is a professor in the Communications department at Drury University. By night, however, Dr. Maxson and his wife Karen take on the roles of ukulele shredders in their duo Uke 66, the humble faculty sponsors of DUkes, Drury’s ukulele club, and most recently, International Ukulele Champions.

The Contest

On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Maxsons traveled to Honolulu, Hi. to compete in the International Ukulele Contest, after being selected as finalists in December. There are multiple divisions in the contest, each consisting of six finalists. Dr. Maxson and his wife took home first place in the Group Division.

“In our division, we were the only competitors from the mainland,” explained Dr. Maxson. “In the whole competition, there was another woman from Minnesota. There were people from Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Hawaii, and from all over Japan. They really love ukulele in Japan!”

The Maxsons are no stranger to Japan, as they are active members of Springfield Sister Cities. In fact, the song they performed was an original composition inspired by Springfield’s sister city in Japan, Isesaki. The song’s title is “Isesaki Spring.”

“During the competition, we explained the meaning of the song, and amazingly someone at the competition was a Sister Cities member from Isesaki, and had been to Springfield!” said Dr. Maxson.

Rick and Karen pose with Emiko Negishi, an Isesaki native.

Dr. Maxson competed in the competition in 2019, as well, bringing home first place in the Solo Division, as well as Best Original Song for his “Hedgehog Café.” This year, Karen was excited to join him.

“Hawaii has a special feeling of ‘aloha’ for me and Rick. It’s a feeling of kindness, hospitality, compassion, and grace. We try to keep that feeling within us when we return to Springfield,” said Karen.

The pair took home a Hawaiian-made koa wood tenor ukulele made by Kanile’a Ukulele and a trophy as their prize.

Uke 66

Dr. Maxson and his wife also make up the duo Uke 66. This weekend, on Feb. 21, you can catch them at Hold Fast Brewery for the first annual Winter Luau from 7 to 9 p.m. The event will feature games, a Hawaiian shirt contest, and live music from Uke 66 and others.

Karen loves the opportunity that Uke 66 gives them.

“The only thing better than playing ukulele in Hawaii is being able to share it with friends and the ukulele community here in the Ozarks,” she said.

When they aren’t winning international competitions or doing weekend gigs, Dr. Maxson and Karen are the faculty sponsors for DUkes.

Drury’s Ukulele Club

“I have benefitted from the coaching of the DUkes. Karen and I have played for them and their notes and critiques have really helped us,” explained Dr. Maxson.

“And it’s fun to have the DUkes care that we’re doing something special,” he continued. “I felt like I had something at stake because of the ukulele club at Drury, and I want them to be proud of me.”

Drury’s ukulele club meets on Wednesdays at Big Momma’s from 4:30-6 p.m. The Maxsons encourage any student with an interest in the ukulele to join the group for their weekly “uke jam,” regardless of skill.

While winning the competition is exciting, Dr. Maxson and his wife both agree that the sense of community and friendship is the best part about participating.

“We now have so many friends from all over the world, and because I was in the competition last year, I recognized many of the people there. The best part was the reunion. When you have a bond with someone who doesn’t even speak your language, it’s great to see them again. I have to say that was my favorite part,” said Dr. Maxson.

Dr. Maxson poses with friend Dr. Lien Kratzke as they prepare to videotape a song at Waimanalo Beach.

From Honolulu to Isesaki to Springfield, Mo., the Maxsons have showed us what the Drury Difference really means. To be a part of their accomplishments, check out Uke 66 on Feb. 21 at Host Fast Brewery, and join them on Wednesdays for DUkes!

You can stream their performance here!

Article written by Delilah Gadd.