“Saldaje” is inspired by the Portuguese expression of intense, often nostalgic longing. A fitting title for “The darkest ukulele band in Northern Michigan”. Their eclectic, original songs conjure elements of Eastern European, Arabic and Celtic music, Smoky Jazz, Tango and poetic ballads. Saldaje is Melonie Steffes and Shaun Anchak, and a growing family of assorted ukuleles, violin, mandolin, guitar, toy piano, accordion, oud, saw, harmonicas, dance, puppetry and other little surprises. Some of their influences include: Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Suzanne Vega, Nina Simone, Eastern European and Arabic musics.