By Amber Ford, The Mountain Times
With vibrance in abundance, sound more unique than the snow flakes that coat our beloved Wy’East and a smile that spreads song and cheer, Mt. Hood Villages ukulele musician Sara Houston has not only been a staple of positivity within the community, but also a budding artist within the live music scene. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Houston has been a resident of The Mt. Hood Villages since 2000. Planting her roots within the community, Houston and her husband, Rob introduced the beloved Mexican restaurant El Burro Loco, owning it for 15 years before transitioning out of the business owner role.
Although music as a whole has played a pivotal role in Houston’s life, her passion for the ukulele has been prolific and profound in positive and influential ways. “I really started playing when my husband was hospitalized after a brain hemorrhage. He had given me an instrument and a song book some time earlier and they had been collecting dust while we were living our very busy lives,” Houston said. “All of a sudden I found myself living in a hospital room, staring at medical monitors that I didn’t understand, feeling helpless. Music has always kept me tethered in the rough times so I knew that was something I could do for my husband and for myself. I got that instrument and book and I sat, I played, I learned, I meditated,” Houston added.
Like many artists and musicians, Houston has used her musical talents and the large influence music has had on her life as a way of coping with challenges and changes. As her husband’s health took a drastic turn after his brain hemorrhage, leaving him wheelchair bound and unable to work or run their restaurant, Houston found herself overwhelmed with the severe challenges this new life presented. “The pressures of parenting, running a restaurant, and full-time caregiving really got to me; I was escaping in booze and it got really bad. Again, I turned to music,” Houston said. “I started spending my mornings with friends at their coffee shop (instead of barflies at the bar); they were both musicians and we would drink espresso and play music to get me through those rough morning hours. Again, music and connection became my salvation. For the record, I’ve been alcohol-free for almost 8 1/2 years. Both the hubby and I give a portion of credit to the music for saving us both,” Houston added.
Inspired by music deriving from the Civil Rights Movement and the folk era of the 1960s, Houston’s ukulele sounds are a unique and vibrant energetic escape for ears on the mountain. “I might play a ‘20s vaudeville tune or an ‘80s hair band tune. I am partial to songs with challenging, wordy lyrics,” Houston said. “I like to mash songs together – it showcases musical themes that transcend time and trend. Sublime mashed up with some Schoolhouse Rock? I’m on it! I sing songs that resonate with message and emotion; I sing songs that are silly just for the fun of it. I sing what will open my heart at that moment. Sometimes it’s just 2 or 3 chords and the truth,” Houston added.
For those interested in catching Houston’s most sensational and energetic music, she will be performing at the following events in December: Hoodland Farmer’s Market Night Market, Saturday, 12/7, 3pm-4:30pm (event held at The Church on the Mountain) and at Wraptitude on Monday, 12/16, 6pm-8pm. For information on bookings please visit Houston’s Facebook page, “Sara Lee, Uke-aholic at Large.”