Desert Storylines Ukuleles
A Celebration of Music, Culture, and Art
Crescendo Music is proud to introduce something truly special — the Desert Storylines Ukulele Collection, featuring authentic Indigenous Australian artwork.
These limited-edition ukuleles are the result of a long-standing collaboration between Kala Brand Music, Jacaranda Music (Kala’s Australian distributor), and the talented artists of Keringke Arts, a community-based art centre in Santa Teresa, 100 km southeast of Alice Springs.
The Story Behind the Collection
The idea for Desert Storylines began back in 2008, when Jacaranda Music was distributing Martin Guitars. During a visit to Australia, Chris Martin, CEO of Martin Guitars, expressed admiration for Aboriginal art and asked whether a Martin guitar could be painted by an Aboriginal artist.
That request led Jacaranda Music to Keringke Arts, whose artists created stunning hand-painted designs. First on a Martin guitar, then on a pair of Kala tenor ukuleles. When Kala’s team in California saw the finished results, they were inspired to collaborate on a full range of instruments celebrating genuine Aboriginal artwork.
After years of planning, design development, and COVID-related delays, the dream has finally come to life. In October 2025, the first shipment of Desert Storylines Ukuleles arrives in Australia — and Crescendo Music is proud to be among the first to offer them to our customers.
More Than Just a Ukulele
While these are Kala instruments, the true highlight lies in the artwork and the artists behind each design.
Every ukulele features original artwork from one of three incredibly talented women:
- Margaret Bloomfield - designing the soprano ukulele KA-DS-MB-BF-S
- Evelyn Young - designing the concert ukulele KA-DS-EY-BA-C
- Chantelle Mulladad - designing the tenor ukulele KA-DS-CM-SC-T
Each piece reflects stories, patterns, and connections to Country making every instrument not just beautiful to play, but meaningful to own.
Through formal agreements with Keringke Arts, both Jacaranda Music and Kala USA will pay a 6% royalty on every sale, ensuring the artists are recognised and rewarded for their creative contribution.
Art That You Can Hear
Every Desert Storylines ukulele captures the warmth tone coming from the mahogany body timber and playability that Kala instruments are known for, paired with the intricate, hand-drawn art of the desert.
Whether you’re a musician, collector, or supporter of Australian art, this is your chance to own a truly one-of-a-kind instrument that celebrates both sound and culture.
Limited Stock
Crescendo Music will have limited stock of the Desert Storylines range available from mid November 2025.
These instruments will also be released internationally by Kala USA from December 2025 — but once they’re gone, they’re gone!
