Kala Ambassador

In 2014, Kris Hensler turned to longtime friend and former bandmate, Kenny Taylor, as his foil for The Atomic Sharks. The Atomic Sharks were initially conceived as an educational vehicle aimed specifically at pre-school children. However, as the band progressed it became clear that there was also an adult audience for their unique brand of music inspired by the ukulele and Hawaiian Islands.

Kris & Kenny released their first series of educational video shorts designed to teach kids the basic concepts of music in 2016, known as The Music Minute. Distributed through PBS stations nationwide, The Music Minute has received airplay from coast to coast over the last 3 years.

As a follow-up for their growing adult audience, The Atomic Sharks completed filming of “Play the Ukulele with The Atomic Sharks” in 2017, which has gone on to reach approximately 90% of PBS stations nationwide, representing millions of new viewers and fans for The Atomic Sharks. The duo is currently in pre-production on a 3 part television series that will chronicle the history of the ukulele. Kris and Kenny will travel to all corners of the globe, bringing viewers an in-depth look at the origins and history of the ukulele.

As a team, Kris Hensler and Kenny Taylor, represent over 70 years of combined experience in the music and television industry. Their arsenal of Kala Ukuleles have been with them for every stage for their writing, programming and performances.

Ukulele Philosophy

Ukulele is the perfect instrument to teach a child, or an adult, how to sing and strum at the same time.

Tip for Beginners

Learning how to play three chord songs in the key of C is very advantageous for beginners. C, F, G7 are the simplest way to navigate through I-IV-V chord progressions like… You Are My Sunshine, When the Saints Go Marching In and a whole lot more!