Where to Play and Listen
Sons of the Beach
Every Saturday, 10am-12pm. Sing and play along. On the sand at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor near the Crow’s Nest.
Capitola Ukulele Player’s Acoustic String Ensemble
Every Sunday, 10-11:30am. Sing and play along. At the Bandstand in Capitola’s Esplanade Park.
Third Wednesday Club Meeting
Third Wednesday of the month,
5:30 – 7:45pm
A new leader and new surprises every month. June-September at Abbott Square Market, October-May at VFW 2259 7th Ave. Sign up for details sent by email below.
Ukulele Club First Thursday Sing and Strum Along
First Thursday of the month, 5:45-7:15ish. Jug Band Music sing along
Pono Hawaiian Grill Downtown
120 Union street, Santa Cruz
Cork & Fork Ukulele Night
Second Thursday of the month, 6-8pm. Open mics and Sing Alongs
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue Suite B-8 Capitola
Even More Places to Play and Listen
Smouldering Uke
TBA
Making Music With Our Friends
One Saturday in June and August, dates to be announced
Eat, Sing Dance and be Merry. Potluck, dance band, and a sing along.
Burning Uke
TBA
Classes
Marty Carlson
Group lessons:
Highland Park: Fridays 11-12
Scotts Valley Senior Center: Tuesday 9-10
Email Marty
Michelle Kiba
Group lessons at the Santa Cruz Art League 5 nights a week.
Michelle Kiba’s website
Barbara Sonnenshine
Private lessons or small group lessons.
Email Barbara
Peter Thomas
Group Lessons:
Email Peter
Rhan Wilson
Private and small group lessons on uke, guitar, bass, and percussion
Email
About The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
A short review by Stanley Sokolow
In January of 2002, when Andy Andrews and Peter Thomas first invited folks to meet at Peter’s house in Santa Cruz, California, to start a ukulele club, they expected only a handful to appear, but to their surprise and delight, 20 to 30 showed up. Thus the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz was born. Named with an acronym matching that of the local university, they claimed the club was the “UCSC where you could get a real (ukulele) education,” the first monthly Third Thursday meetings consisted of everyone playing a few songs together following the chord and lyrics on song sheets they handed out, entertainment by accomplished ukulele musicians, a little ukulele education, and of course good company, while eating and drinking at the pub where they held the meetings.
And from those humble beginnings the club has grown over the years to claim hundreds, maybe even thousands, of fun-loving ukulele players in its ranks, meeting on various days, for various reasons, in various venues all over Santa Cruz County. And there is always room for more: if you want to get more involved, start up a new ukulele band, a new weekly sing along, or just host a party, go for it! We will help you let everyone know about your ideas and plans.
The first rule of Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz is, “there are no rules,” and that rule has served the club well. There’s no formality, no dues, no by-laws, no roster, you just show up with your ukulele at any of the places ukulele players gather in Santa Cruz, join in the fun, and you are a member. (That said, you can signup for the email newsletter at the bottom of the page, or join the Facebook groups.). Beginners need not feel unworthy – the volume of the many ukuleles strumming along will mask any little mistakes you make. Peter Thomas said to me the other day, “The club has lasted much longer than Andy or I ever imagined in our wildest dreams.” It’s still going strong, like a big family with lots of siblings, there are more ukulele things happening in Santa Cruz than anywhere in the world (at least per capita.) So if you’re anywhere nearby, or even far away but yearning for the fun, come to Santa Cruz, to one of the events listed on this web site, and join in the fun.
PS. After the 20 year anniversary we decided it was time to change up the format for the Third Thursday Club Meeting. Moving forward each meeting will have a different leader, and what happens at the meeting will be up to that leader, so we have some fun to look forward to. If you want to lead a meeting let us know by sending a message using the form below. The only requirement is that you set up a sound system so everyone can hear you and anyone you invite to do anything at the meeting.
News & Events
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz —
Uke News June 2026
⸻
Weekly Gatherings
Saturdays — 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Yacht Harbor Beach (in front of the Crow’s Nest)
Facebook group: Sons and Daughters of the Beach
Sundays — 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Capitola Esplanade Bandstand
Facebook group: Capitola Ukulele Players
Most Mondays — 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Bonny Doon gathering
For address and weekly confirmation contact Becca Moeller: becca@cruzio.com
Fridays — 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Mid County Senior Center, Bay Avenue, Capitola
All levels welcome, especially beginners. The group plays from its own songbook.
Cost: $4 (members) / $6 (non-members)
Contact Gigi: 831-662-8728
⸻
Club Announcements
Ukulele Club Songbooks
Brian Schutz is selling the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz songbooks. Books 1–6 are all in stock and available. The price remains $35. We cannot mail books, so they must be purchased locally.
Brian also has clip-on chromatic tuners available for $10.
You can contact Brian via Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bdschutz
Subscribing to the Newsletter
We now have a self-service form for subscribing to the newsletter. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, direct them to the bottom of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz web page:
ukuleleclubofsantacruz.com/#contactform
Ukes4Peace (Northern California)
There is a growing Northern California “Ukes4Peace” community organizing musical outreach events supporting peace, love, and harmony.
For more information and upcoming events, join the Facebook group “Ukes4Peace Uke Jam.” If you are interested in hosting a Ukes4Peace gathering in the Santa Cruz area, contact Rachelle Chong at:
ukes4peaceca@gmail.com
⸻
Monthly Events
Jug Band Sing & Strum Along
Thursday, June 4
5:45–7:15 p.m.
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
This month we’ll give special attention to the contribution of the washtub bass to the jug band tradition. A few special guests will be bringing theirs along, and if you have one, bring it too.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sing and play along. The chords are simple and the songs are fun. Bring your voices, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, and good humor. Chord and lyric charts will be projected or available in books. Lots of nearby parking. It’s fun and it’s free.
Full bar and Hawaiian barbecue available — please support the venue.
⸻
Cork & Fork Ukulele Night
Thursday, June 11
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue, Suite B-8, Capitola
Buddy, John, Lew, Mary, and Pat will once again lead an exploration of some of the 1,000+ songs in the club songbooks. The West Side Serenaders — Debra, Amanda, Linda, Nancy, Tim, and Kathie — will join us to lead a few songs. Jeff and his sound bowls may also make an appearance.
Open mic opportunities and chances to lead songs are always welcome. This intimate and supportive venue is a wonderful place to experiment and try out new material.
Optional items to bring include your ukulele (or other stringed instrument) and a tablet with charts or songbooks. Charts will be projected. Thanks Gary Steed!
We had a wonderful time at our May gathering at this welcoming venue — thanks to Cathy and her terrific staff for making the “ukers” feel at home.
⸻
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 17
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Abbott Square Market
Santa Cruz
Our June meeting moves to Abbott Square for a special evening of music and sing-alongs.
We are fortunate to have four-time Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr. and founding club member Vince Tuzzi opening the evening with a delightful selection of songs.
The sing-along begins at 6:30 p.m., featuring songs from Books 1, 3, 4, and 5. George and Vince will close out the evening with a final song at 8:00 p.m.
Abbott Square offers many food options, lots of space, and a wonderful atmosphere. We hope you’ll join us.
⸻
Mountain Ukers Gathering
Thursday, June 25 — 6:00 p.m.
Covered Bridge (inside), Felton — weather permitting
We will be singing songs from UCSC books 1–6. If you have the books on a tablet, consider bringing them to share.
Bring your ukes, voices, and song requests. You may also want to bring a music stand and a chair if you prefer not to stand.
⸻
Special Appearances and Outings
Hawaiian Weekend at Chaminade
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Santa Cruz
Join Chaminade Resort & Spa for a family-friendly Hawaiian celebration featuring a luau and dinner buffet, live music by Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr., hula dancing, ukulele lessons, cooking demonstrations, movie screenings, and more.
Open to resort guests and non-guests.
www.chaminade.com/santa-cruz-restaurants/hawaiian-weekend/
⸻
Ukulele Night (On the Other Side of the Hill)
Tuesday, June 2 (Election Night)
5:30–8:00 p.m.
Ludwig’s
383 Castro Street, Mountain View
This monthly gathering continues on the first Tuesday of each month. If you find yourself on the other side of the hill, stop by and join in.
⸻
Kanekoa String Trio Workshop & Concert
Sunday, June 7
Pono Hawaiian Grill, Santa Cruz
Workshop: 3:00–4:00 p.m. — $35
Concert: 5:00–7:00 p.m. — $35
Both: $60
The award-winning Kanekoa String Trio from Maui brings its high-energy blend of Hawaiian, roots, and jam-inspired ukulele music to Santa Cruz for a special workshop and mini-concert. Players of all skill levels are welcome — bring your ukulele and join the fun.
Information or tickets:
kanekoasounds@gmail.com
www.kanekoasounds.com
⸻
World’s Shortest Parade — Ukulele Brigade
Friday, July 4
Aptos Village
Save the date to join the annual ukulele brigade in Aptos’s famous “World’s Shortest Parade.”
Details, including song selections, will be included in next month’s newsletter.
⸻
Community Outreach Invitation
George Kahumoku Jr. invites club members to consider sharing their ukulele skills with younger generations and the broader community.
Opportunities include helping start ukulele programs in local schools and bringing music to senior centers and retirement communities.
Contact George:
Georgekahumoku@gmail.com
808-280-9948
⸻
You are receiving this email because you asked to be included on the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz mailing list at a gathering or by contacting a list organizer.
⸻
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
ukuleleclubofsantacruz@gmail.com
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Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting — Open Mic Night
Wednesday, May 20
5:30–7:30 p.m.
VFW Post 2259
7th Avenue, Santa Cruz
The evening begins with Marilyn Norberg, Brian Schutz, Marc Moss, and Robin Meyers-Colleen leading songs from Book 6. Songs will be projected.
After the sing-along, sign-ups for the open mic will begin. We encourage everyone to perform — you may never have a more appreciative and supportive audience!
The potluck and sing-along begin at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. Plates and utensils will be provided. We ask members to purchase drinks from the bar as the VFW generously hosts us. A tip jar helps cover facility costs.
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Thursday, May 7, 2026
5:45 - 7:15 pm…ish
Pono Hawaiian Grill DTSC
120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
Support the venue. Full bar & Hawaiian barbecue and more. Eat, drink and be merry.
Come join Santa Cruz’s other Jug Band - The Paradise Park Ramblers - as they lead this month’s ukulele jug band sing along. Join in the fun: the Trolley Drops will be sitting, singing, and smiling in the audience along with you. The Ramblers have a whole bunch of different songs or new takes on the same old songs, so it is going to be a super fun night. Lyrics and chords sheets projected on the wall. Bring your ukuleles, your kazoos, your what-ever, or just your voice. Everyone is encouraged to sing and play along with the band. Lots of parking nearby. It’s fun and it’s free, and plan to buy a meal or a drink to support the venue.
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Sing and/or play along with Jug Band songs with the Trolley Drops. Thursday April 2, 5:45 at Pono Hawaiian Grill DTSC Santa Cruz. Everyone is welcome and it is free. Bring your Pat Tracy Kazoos and play them proud.
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Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz —
Uke News March 2026
⸻
Weekly Gatherings
Saturdays — 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Yacht Harbor Beach (in front of the Crow’s Nest)
Facebook group: Sons and Daughters of the Beach
Sundays — 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Capitola Esplanade Bandstand
Facebook group: Capitola Ukulele Players
Most Mondays — 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Bonny Doon gathering
For address and weekly confirmation contact Becca Moeller: becca@cruzio.com
Fridays — 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Mid County Senior Center, Bay Avenue, Capitola
All levels welcome, especially beginners. The group plays from its own songbook.
Cost: $4 (members) / $6 (non-members)
Contact Gigi: 831-662-8728
⸻
Club Announcements
Ukulele Club Songbooks
Brian Schutz is selling the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz songbooks. The price remains $35. We cannot mail books, so they must be purchased locally.
Brian also has clip-on chromatic tuners available for $10.
You can contact Brian via Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bdschutz
⸻
Monthly Events
Jug Band Sing & Strum Along
Thursday, March 5
5:45–7:15 p.m.
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
Everyone gets the blues — and jug band musicians of the 1920s–30s had good reason to sing about them! This month we’ll be playing and singing songs from our repertoire based on the blues. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sing and/or play along.
Bring your voices, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, and good humor. Chord and lyric charts will be projected or available in books. Lots of nearby parking. It’s fun and it’s free.
The Trolley Drops play old-school hot jazz dance music, hokum blues, folk jazz, and novelty tunes from the 1920s–30s, along with modern songs inspired by that era — that’s jug band music!
Full bar and Hawaiian barbecue available — please support the venue.
⸻
Cork & Fork Song Night
Thursday, March 12
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue, Suite B-8, Capitola
Join Pat Tracy, Lew Hinchcliffe, Buddy Beach, John Gullic, and Mary Heeney as we explore some of the 1,000+ songs in the club songbooks.
Interested in leading a song, either solo or with a group? This is a perfect opportunity to try it out. All sound equipment is provided — just plug and play. There is also an open mic; let Mary know at the event if you’d like to participate.
Optional items to bring:
• Ukulele (or other stringed instrument)
• Tablet with charts or songbooks
• Music stand and stand light
Charts will be projected, thanks to the awesome Tom Clark!
You can send song suggestions ahead of time to Mary: meheeney@gmail.com
Cork and Fork offers wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, great food, and plenty of parking.
⸻
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 18
5:30–7:30 p.m.
VFW Post 2259
7th Avenue, Santa Cruz
This month we’re in for a real treat, with special guest performers. At 5:30 p.m. we begin with a potluck western swing sing-along led by Peter Thomas, Linda Baker, and Michele Whizin, featuring Patti Maxine on steel guitar.
At 6:30 p.m. our guest performers will be visiting ukulele player Jimmy Horn with Andy Tester on bass from Sebastopol. Together they perform as the band Mr. December. Peter first met Jimmy at a music camp in the Sierras, and has watched the band get better and better over the years.
They perform original songs with engaging melodies and lyrics and have released four albums, with a fifth expected this fall.
You can listen ahead of time:
Big Byes — www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvThKXJtCCc
Fairy Boat — www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOfdpyGCml8
Up Jump the Boogie — www.youtube.com/watch?v=pswmCpcVCVg
The potluck and sing-along begin at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. Plates and utensils will be provided. We ask members to purchase drinks from the bar as the VFW generously hosts us. A tip jar helps cover facility costs.
⸻
Mountain Ukers Gathering
Thursday, March 26 — 6:00 p.m.
Empire Grill, Felton
Songs from books 1–6 will be projected on a wall in the back seating area. Come hungry and thirsty and enjoy something from the menu. Bring your ukes, your voices, and your requests — including songs you would like to learn.
⸻
Special Appearances and Outings
Ukulele Night (On the Other Side of the Hill)
Tuesday, March 3
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Ludwig’s
383 Castro Street, Mountain View
If you find yourself on the other side of the hill, join us for ukulele night at Ludwig’s. (Mary recommends the Bavarian-style pretzels.)
⸻
No Kings 3 March
Saturday, March 28
Water Street side of the Santa Cruz Post Office
Bonny Ukes of Doon will be playing and singing for the march. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Email Becca for the song list and to RSVP: becca@cruzio.com
At the last march we played for over 15,000 people — we expect an even larger crowd this time!
⸻
Kanekoa String Trio Workshop & Concert
Sunday, June 7
Pono Hawaiian Grill, Santa Cruz
Workshop: 3:00–4:00 p.m. — $35
Concert: 5:00–7:00 p.m. — $35
Both: $60
The award-winning Kanekoa String Trio from Maui brings its high-energy blend of Hawaiian, roots, and jam-inspired ukulele music to Santa Cruz for a special workshop and mini-concert. Players of all skill levels are welcome — bring your ukulele and join the fun. The workshop will cover technique, rhythm, ensemble playing and the distinctive Kanekoa style.
Information or tickets:
kanekoasounds@gmail.com
www.kanekoasounds.com
www.kanekoasounds.com
“The Hawaiian Grateful Dead.” — Bill Kreutzman's, Drummer Grateful Dead “These guys scare me, they are that good.” — David Hidalgo, Los Lobos “The band is amazing…stepping out of the t...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz —
Uke News June 2026
⸻
Weekly Gatherings
Saturdays — 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Yacht Harbor Beach (in front of the Crow’s Nest)
Facebook group: Sons and Daughters of the Beach
Sundays — 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Capitola Esplanade Bandstand
Facebook group: Capitola Ukulele Players
Most Mondays — 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Bonny Doon gathering
For address and weekly confirmation contact Becca Moeller: becca@cruzio.com
Fridays — 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Mid County Senior Center, Bay Avenue, Capitola
All levels welcome, especially beginners. The group plays from its own songbook.
Cost: $4 (members) / $6 (non-members)
Contact Gigi: 831-662-8728
⸻
Club Announcements
Ukulele Club Songbooks
Brian Schutz is selling the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz songbooks. Books 1–6 are all in stock and available. The price remains $35. We cannot mail books, so they must be purchased locally.
Brian also has clip-on chromatic tuners available for $10.
You can contact Brian via Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bdschutz
Subscribing to the Newsletter
We now have a self-service form for subscribing to the newsletter. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, direct them to the bottom of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz web page:
ukuleleclubofsantacruz.com/#contactform
Ukes4Peace (Northern California)
There is a growing Northern California “Ukes4Peace” community organizing musical outreach events supporting peace, love, and harmony.
For more information and upcoming events, join the Facebook group “Ukes4Peace Uke Jam.” If you are interested in hosting a Ukes4Peace gathering in the Santa Cruz area, contact Rachelle Chong at:
ukes4peaceca@gmail.com
⸻
Monthly Events
Jug Band Sing & Strum Along
Thursday, June 4
5:45–7:15 p.m.
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
This month we’ll give special attention to the contribution of the washtub bass to the jug band tradition. A few special guests will be bringing theirs along, and if you have one, bring it too.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sing and play along. The chords are simple and the songs are fun. Bring your voices, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, and good humor. Chord and lyric charts will be projected or available in books. Lots of nearby parking. It’s fun and it’s free.
Full bar and Hawaiian barbecue available — please support the venue.
⸻
Cork & Fork Ukulele Night
Thursday, June 11
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue, Suite B-8, Capitola
Buddy, John, Lew, Mary, and Pat will once again lead an exploration of some of the 1,000+ songs in the club songbooks. The West Side Serenaders — Debra, Amanda, Linda, Nancy, Tim, and Kathie — will join us to lead a few songs. Jeff and his sound bowls may also make an appearance.
Open mic opportunities and chances to lead songs are always welcome. This intimate and supportive venue is a wonderful place to experiment and try out new material.
Optional items to bring include your ukulele (or other stringed instrument) and a tablet with charts or songbooks. Charts will be projected. Thanks Gary Steed!
We had a wonderful time at our May gathering at this welcoming venue — thanks to Cathy and her terrific staff for making the “ukers” feel at home.
⸻
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 17
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Abbott Square Market
Santa Cruz
Our June meeting moves to Abbott Square for a special evening of music and sing-alongs.
We are fortunate to have four-time Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr. and founding club member Vince Tuzzi opening the evening with a delightful selection of songs.
The sing-along begins at 6:30 p.m., featuring songs from Books 1, 3, 4, and 5. George and Vince will close out the evening with a final song at 8:00 p.m.
Abbott Square offers many food options, lots of space, and a wonderful atmosphere. We hope you’ll join us.
⸻
Mountain Ukers Gathering
Thursday, June 25 — 6:00 p.m.
Covered Bridge (inside), Felton — weather permitting
We will be singing songs from UCSC books 1–6. If you have the books on a tablet, consider bringing them to share.
Bring your ukes, voices, and song requests. You may also want to bring a music stand and a chair if you prefer not to stand.
⸻
Special Appearances and Outings
Hawaiian Weekend at Chaminade
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Santa Cruz
Join Chaminade Resort & Spa for a family-friendly Hawaiian celebration featuring a luau and dinner buffet, live music by Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr., hula dancing, ukulele lessons, cooking demonstrations, movie screenings, and more.
Open to resort guests and non-guests.
www.chaminade.com/santa-cruz-restaurants/hawaiian-weekend/
⸻
Ukulele Night (On the Other Side of the Hill)
Tuesday, June 2 (Election Night)
5:30–8:00 p.m.
Ludwig’s
383 Castro Street, Mountain View
This monthly gathering continues on the first Tuesday of each month. If you find yourself on the other side of the hill, stop by and join in.
⸻
Kanekoa String Trio Workshop & Concert
Sunday, June 7
Pono Hawaiian Grill, Santa Cruz
Workshop: 3:00–4:00 p.m. — $35
Concert: 5:00–7:00 p.m. — $35
Both: $60
The award-winning Kanekoa String Trio from Maui brings its high-energy blend of Hawaiian, roots, and jam-inspired ukulele music to Santa Cruz for a special workshop and mini-concert. Players of all skill levels are welcome — bring your ukulele and join the fun.
Information or tickets:
kanekoasounds@gmail.com
www.kanekoasounds.com
⸻
World’s Shortest Parade — Ukulele Brigade
Friday, July 4
Aptos Village
Save the date to join the annual ukulele brigade in Aptos’s famous “World’s Shortest Parade.”
Details, including song selections, will be included in next month’s newsletter.
⸻
Community Outreach Invitation
George Kahumoku Jr. invites club members to consider sharing their ukulele skills with younger generations and the broader community.
Opportunities include helping start ukulele programs in local schools and bringing music to senior centers and retirement communities.
Contact George:
Georgekahumoku@gmail.com
808-280-9948
⸻
You are receiving this email because you asked to be included on the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz mailing list at a gathering or by contacting a list organizer.
⸻
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
ukuleleclubofsantacruz@gmail.com
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