[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 92 (Monday, June 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E697-E698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RICHARD MAXSON UKULELE CHAMPION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 3, 2019

  Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Richard Maxson, a 
professor at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, for winning the 
8th Annual International Ukulele Contest in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  Richard spent his youth performing in his hometown of Ventura, 
California, and working at Christian summer camps by providing the 
musical soundtracks to sing-alongs and services.
  Little did he know where these experiences would take him.
  In 2007, Richard was on a business trip in Hawaii when he came across 
a sign for free ukulele lessons. Curious to see if he had what it took, 
Richard signed up and learned his first song: Little Red Hibiscus. 
Inspired by this, Richard returned to Springfield, bought his first 
ukulele and became what he refers to as a recovering guitar player.
  As much fun as Richard was having, he wanted others to join in on the 
fun. That's why in 2012 he formed a ukulele club at Drury University, 
called the DUkes. His goal was to attract Drury students by sitting in 
a coffee shop playing his ukulele. It worked. By 2013, 20 students 
joined the club and were drinking coffee and playing the ukulele with 
him.
  Over the next few years, the DUkes, under the direction of Richard, 
performed at various events in Springfield. In August 2015, the DUkes 
traveled to Springfield's Sister City of lsesaki, Japan, to perform at 
the Isesaki Summer Festival. Richard also began performing with his 
wife, Karen, in a ukulele duo called Uke 66, performing in the United 
States, Mexico and Japan. On a whim, Richard entered the 8th Annual 
International Ukulele Contest in Honolulu in 2019. As the only 
contestant from the mainland United States, Richard was one of six 
finalists in his division of 19 and older. A few hundred people watched 
Richard on his way to victory as he performed an original piece, titled 
``Hedgehog Cafe,'' which was inspired by a trip he took to Japan with 
his wife in 2017.
  Madam Speaker, the world needs dedicated individuals who are eager to 
share their gifts with those around them, and that is exactly what 
Richard has done and continues to do. That is why it is my great honor 
to rise today congratulating Richard Maxson on his award-winning 
performance and original composition.

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